L
littlebigradio
Guest
for what it's worth, he is still prominently featured on the station website.
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SL-100
- Thread starter Meepster
- Start date
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PedroOrange
Guest
I was in Jackson yesterday and had the rare chance to hear both SL-100 and Rock 92.3. One thing I noticed about both stations is that they lack personality. Music and then someone reading a liner card or telling me about another "long set" coming up.
Is this commonplace now?
I've been in larger markets (i.e. Nashville/Chicago/St. Louis) and the jocks are entertaining and make me want to listen to the station.
I could have just as easily been listening to my iPod or XM.
Just an observation.
Pedro
Is this commonplace now?
I've been in larger markets (i.e. Nashville/Chicago/St. Louis) and the jocks are entertaining and make me want to listen to the station.
I could have just as easily been listening to my iPod or XM.
Just an observation.
Pedro
Okay...observation and opinon time:
There is a great deal of V/T on 92.3. When Gregg Rivers is on there IS personality, other than that, not so much. Morning guy sounds like a part-timer, and it just doesn't work. Mid-day girl is better, but not quite as good as she seems to think she is. Request hour lacking....
(Phoner: "Hi, Who is this? What are you doing today? Where you working AT?")
Proper English, anyone? (makes me crazy)
I love the music usually, so no complaints there.
It's difficult to project personality when you are voice tracking (especially several shifts on mulitiple stations)
but, it's a necessary evil these days.
I'm not sure the Greg Kihn Show is going to work out for them.
I liked Alice, but apparently it tanked in the ratings.
I'm not picking on any of the personalities, just giving an honest opinion.
And...before anyone starts with the "Do you think YOU could do any better?" crap...the answer is yes. I most certainly could.
As for SL-100, I can only stand to listen very long surrounding Paul Harvey, which comes on about 11:35.
I enjoy that show (and have since I played it in my teenage years) and always will, even if it's Gil Gross or that other guy doing it.
It's too bad, because the music is really pretty good, too.
The rest of the time, (that I have listened to), it is not great.
Example, yesterday, either shortly before or after Paul Harvey, some girl was on trying to kvetch it up with some guy in the studio about what one or both of them was eating. I may have missed something important there somewhere, but it was horrible, awkward, and left me uneasy and hitting the pre-sets.
True, after all the years in radio, maybe I am a jaded listener, but I think I know as a listener if something is working or not. Jocks on both these stations (with the exception of Rivers on 92.3) seem to be "phoning it in" basically rather than much real serious effort.
Could be that, upon the occasions I'm listening, it just happens to be a bad day.
Or, maybe I have no idea what I'm talking about.
They both (stations) have potential and are doing things right. I know some of the people involved, and I wish only success for them. Whoever does the music on both these stations is doing a good job.
There is a great deal of V/T on 92.3. When Gregg Rivers is on there IS personality, other than that, not so much. Morning guy sounds like a part-timer, and it just doesn't work. Mid-day girl is better, but not quite as good as she seems to think she is. Request hour lacking....
(Phoner: "Hi, Who is this? What are you doing today? Where you working AT?")
Proper English, anyone? (makes me crazy)
I love the music usually, so no complaints there.
It's difficult to project personality when you are voice tracking (especially several shifts on mulitiple stations)
but, it's a necessary evil these days.
I'm not sure the Greg Kihn Show is going to work out for them.
I liked Alice, but apparently it tanked in the ratings.
I'm not picking on any of the personalities, just giving an honest opinion.
And...before anyone starts with the "Do you think YOU could do any better?" crap...the answer is yes. I most certainly could.
As for SL-100, I can only stand to listen very long surrounding Paul Harvey, which comes on about 11:35.
I enjoy that show (and have since I played it in my teenage years) and always will, even if it's Gil Gross or that other guy doing it.
It's too bad, because the music is really pretty good, too.
The rest of the time, (that I have listened to), it is not great.
Example, yesterday, either shortly before or after Paul Harvey, some girl was on trying to kvetch it up with some guy in the studio about what one or both of them was eating. I may have missed something important there somewhere, but it was horrible, awkward, and left me uneasy and hitting the pre-sets.
True, after all the years in radio, maybe I am a jaded listener, but I think I know as a listener if something is working or not. Jocks on both these stations (with the exception of Rivers on 92.3) seem to be "phoning it in" basically rather than much real serious effort.
Could be that, upon the occasions I'm listening, it just happens to be a bad day.
Or, maybe I have no idea what I'm talking about.
They both (stations) have potential and are doing things right. I know some of the people involved, and I wish only success for them. Whoever does the music on both these stations is doing a good job.
P
PedroOrange
Guest
Meepster said:
That's what left me scratching my head. They could be doing some really great things in the market...things that are more localized...but sadly (from what I heard), they are falling short.
Are they jaded jocks as much as you are a jaded listener?
I've been a part of radio stations that just weren't fun. Sadly, there were times that I "phoned it in" because the higer up had beaten the fire and passion out of me.
PeDrO
Hey Meep, I liked Alice Cooper myself. but yeah.. his ratings sucked.
The saddest thing is after they tanked cooper, they brought me in and I had nearly a 7 share and was the third ranked out of the jackson 7-mid shifts...
(yes I sound like I'm bragging... probably because I am ;D)
anyway... I don't know Buzz, so I can't comment there... but I Jody (at least while I was at 92.3) loved the show and was always putting her all into it (unless she was sick or something)... or setting off the smoke detectors in the kitchen... ha ha ...
Still I think Rock has improved greatly over all, when you compare it to a few years ago...
It seems we always find something to complain about... it used to be that the music wasn't good... Gregg took over and the music is great... so naturally we now complain about the jocks, when they get great, we'll move on to more technical problems and keep looking for something...
to all the guys at 92.3 you're still first on my pre-sets... keep up the good work.
The saddest thing is after they tanked cooper, they brought me in and I had nearly a 7 share and was the third ranked out of the jackson 7-mid shifts...
(yes I sound like I'm bragging... probably because I am ;D)
anyway... I don't know Buzz, so I can't comment there... but I Jody (at least while I was at 92.3) loved the show and was always putting her all into it (unless she was sick or something)... or setting off the smoke detectors in the kitchen... ha ha ...
Still I think Rock has improved greatly over all, when you compare it to a few years ago...
It seems we always find something to complain about... it used to be that the music wasn't good... Gregg took over and the music is great... so naturally we now complain about the jocks, when they get great, we'll move on to more technical problems and keep looking for something...
to all the guys at 92.3 you're still first on my pre-sets... keep up the good work.
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PedroOrange
Guest
J-Rod said:
I'm not complaining as much as I am disappointed in what I heard. I expected something with a little more personality out of those two stations. It could be that I wasn't listening at the right times. I will listen again next week when I'm down there.
PeDrO
IF they ever get great...I'll shut up.
I'm not complaining, J-Rod...let's just call it FREE CONSULTATION.
Besides, I've always got my iPod.
There is NO STATION that can't stand some improvements!
I didn't talk about the music much because there is very little wrong with it.
I didn't talk about Gregg's shift because there is very little wrong with it.
I DID talk about mornings because it is a weak spot.
I DID talk about middays, because it is also a weak spot.
I never like syndicated shows anywhere besides overnights, really.
And...I've rarely heard anyone brag much about being 3rd! "We're Number Three! We're number Three!" (joking)
Does Arbitron actually do ratings in Jackson, or is it some regional deal?
When any station I listen to does something that is good (in my opinion, of course) I may very well mention it here. When they DON'T, I may very well mention it here. Just informed opinions, that's all. Not my first rodeo, Cowboy! 8)
I'm not complaining, J-Rod...let's just call it FREE CONSULTATION.
Besides, I've always got my iPod.
There is NO STATION that can't stand some improvements!
I didn't talk about the music much because there is very little wrong with it.
I didn't talk about Gregg's shift because there is very little wrong with it.
I DID talk about mornings because it is a weak spot.
I DID talk about middays, because it is also a weak spot.
I never like syndicated shows anywhere besides overnights, really.
And...I've rarely heard anyone brag much about being 3rd! "We're Number Three! We're number Three!" (joking)
Does Arbitron actually do ratings in Jackson, or is it some regional deal?
When any station I listen to does something that is good (in my opinion, of course) I may very well mention it here. When they DON'T, I may very well mention it here. Just informed opinions, that's all. Not my first rodeo, Cowboy! 8)
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PedroOrange
Guest
What market are they? I would think they are large enough for Arbitron.
PBM
PBM
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Sandscott
Guest
I like the new format at SL-100 and most of the music at 92.3 but the deejays are terrible. I loved Nights with Alice Cooper, but of course I am a big Alice music fan. He has a new album coming out late summer by the way (shameless plug). I listen to 92.3 during Gregg's show and I listen to Dee Snider's House of Hair every week on SL-100 but that is about it.
Jackson is indeed an Arbitron rated market. ;D
#293, I think.
Hey Meep,
Don't worry, no offence taken. but when you've attended the schools that I have... number 3 is a big accomplish ment (at least to sports teams.. ha ha ha)
The only reason I "brag" is because I was fresh out of college, very fist air shift, very first book, and I beat Alice Cooper... made me happy... esp considering the one and two were Kix and Newstalk.
according to All Access.com Jackson Tn is # 293 in the ratings, also according to them... (and as to not quote Arbitron without written permission.. no numbers or call letters included.)
Kix
News Talk
Froggy
...further down Rock 92.3
...
sl 100 not listed
Meep, keep up the free consultation... we all need a good gadfly to point out our failings and mistakes.
Don't worry, no offence taken. but when you've attended the schools that I have... number 3 is a big accomplish ment (at least to sports teams.. ha ha ha)
The only reason I "brag" is because I was fresh out of college, very fist air shift, very first book, and I beat Alice Cooper... made me happy... esp considering the one and two were Kix and Newstalk.
according to All Access.com Jackson Tn is # 293 in the ratings, also according to them... (and as to not quote Arbitron without written permission.. no numbers or call letters included.)
Kix
News Talk
Froggy
...further down Rock 92.3
...
sl 100 not listed
Meep, keep up the free consultation... we all need a good gadfly to point out our failings and mistakes.
I know you're attempting to be cute J-Rod, so obviously there WAS some offenSe taken. However, I'm only trying to "keep it real" for you. You were Number Three in a daypart on a station in Arbitron market #293-ONCE.
I won't begin to "gadfly" you with many of my radio accomplishments in my 30+ years of doing it, but be aware that I was part of WZDQ-Q102 when it was a 3000 watt station in the Jackson Market that steadily beat all other non-urban station in that market IN EVERY DAYPART. Included in those losing stations was one 100,000 watt blowtorch that made many attempts to copy many of the things we were doing. (92FM)
While I don't take credit for any of the programming, I did learn a lot there, and at many other stations where I've worked. Including several in the TOP 50 Market.
[EDIT] A-Rod...is that I really DO know what I'm talking about, and if you can't learn to deal with a little critisism from an outside source...you will always remain the "small-timer" you are now.
I don't know what "schools" you have attended, (maybe another one of those "Broadcasting-type graduates who paid an outrageous amount of money for a school that real radio professionals generally LAUGH about amongst themselves-the kind that approached me at 19 about becoming an instructor), but they apparently didn't teach you much about philosophies of radio. You'll learn more from hanging around people like Gregg, paying attention, and keeping your mouth shut-than you will any other way.
And finally, you DO NOT want to emerse yourself in a battle of wits (or insults) with me. It would be a battle you are woefully unprepared for.
(But nice job on the term "gadfly", how long did it take you to look that one up?)
Just learn to accept critiques, realize that some old timers might actually know what they're talking about- and maybe soon you can settle down and stop jumping from job-to-job. You need to, because radio jobs in small markets are harder and harder to come by. You can't get by your whole life working for 15-20000 a year.
;D
Have a nice day!
[EDIT-inflammatory]
I won't begin to "gadfly" you with many of my radio accomplishments in my 30+ years of doing it, but be aware that I was part of WZDQ-Q102 when it was a 3000 watt station in the Jackson Market that steadily beat all other non-urban station in that market IN EVERY DAYPART. Included in those losing stations was one 100,000 watt blowtorch that made many attempts to copy many of the things we were doing. (92FM)
While I don't take credit for any of the programming, I did learn a lot there, and at many other stations where I've worked. Including several in the TOP 50 Market.
[EDIT] A-Rod...is that I really DO know what I'm talking about, and if you can't learn to deal with a little critisism from an outside source...you will always remain the "small-timer" you are now.
I don't know what "schools" you have attended, (maybe another one of those "Broadcasting-type graduates who paid an outrageous amount of money for a school that real radio professionals generally LAUGH about amongst themselves-the kind that approached me at 19 about becoming an instructor), but they apparently didn't teach you much about philosophies of radio. You'll learn more from hanging around people like Gregg, paying attention, and keeping your mouth shut-than you will any other way.
And finally, you DO NOT want to emerse yourself in a battle of wits (or insults) with me. It would be a battle you are woefully unprepared for.
(But nice job on the term "gadfly", how long did it take you to look that one up?)
Just learn to accept critiques, realize that some old timers might actually know what they're talking about- and maybe soon you can settle down and stop jumping from job-to-job. You need to, because radio jobs in small markets are harder and harder to come by. You can't get by your whole life working for 15-20000 a year.
;D
Have a nice day!
[EDIT-inflammatory]
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PedroOrange
Guest
In all seriousness, is there a clear cut standard for radio formatics? Much of what I learned came from hands-on experience by watching and learning from a respected broadcaster. Actually, he typed up nearly 9 pages of formatics for jocks to go over and learn in order to be on-the-air.
I listen to the radio now and much of what I learned and worked toward has been thrown out the window.
Do jocks air-check themselves anymore? I found that to be extremely useful tactic. Even when I would do fill-in part-time work on the weekends, I would air-check myself.
I remember listening to airchecks from larger markets too...that helped a lot.
PeDrO
I listen to the radio now and much of what I learned and worked toward has been thrown out the window.
Do jocks air-check themselves anymore? I found that to be extremely useful tactic. Even when I would do fill-in part-time work on the weekends, I would air-check myself.
I remember listening to airchecks from larger markets too...that helped a lot.
PeDrO
I don't feel there's ever been one certain way to do radio.
There are a LOT of simple things you can do on a live shift that just make it sound better.
There arer rules of thumb, that if you listen to someone who is good will be using.
Simple ones even, like...don't say "degrees", play agency spots first in a stop set, then play locally produced ones. Don't spend much time giggling at yourself. Artist separation. Tempo. Keep it topical. Stay away from crutch phrases like "On Deck..." or "on the other side of the break"...time and temperature...your name. When you Do give the time-do it digitally. Do not say "quarter-til three". Stick to one topic per break (you lose 'em if you go for more), and remember they are listening for the music-not YOU.
Anything you do should only enhance the music. YOU are the side attraction-not the music...etc...
There are tons of these that through time become habit.
MUCH of it is lost because of the impersonality of voice tracking. It's HARD to project personality when you are voice-tracking period-but especially if you are voice tracking a couple of shifts on a couple of stations with a couple of different formats (or more)
How any management can really expect a lot of quality radio when that's happening is beyond me.
I've had many aircheck sessions with real, serious professionals many times, and most of these same basics are stressed. A pro will go break-by-break with you and tell you which ones were great and which were not.
We had to run airchecks everyday and have the most recent airshift on it.
On the Memphis board right now, there is a stream about running a tight board shift-which truly is a lost art.
Automation can be wonderful in many ways...but I think it signifies the end of radio as we know it. Without live local topical jocks on the air-it might as well be another type of I-pod.
Why will people keep listening to commercials and such, when they can listen to their Ipod and hear only what they want-when they want? We can take our ITunes and burn a CD in a couple of minutes with whatever we want on it. Whether that's hard rock or songs that start with "L".
For terrestrial radio to survive in the long run it may have to return to it's roots. People will have to WANT to listen to it.
(and...OFF SOAPBOX for today ;D)
There are a LOT of simple things you can do on a live shift that just make it sound better.
There arer rules of thumb, that if you listen to someone who is good will be using.
Simple ones even, like...don't say "degrees", play agency spots first in a stop set, then play locally produced ones. Don't spend much time giggling at yourself. Artist separation. Tempo. Keep it topical. Stay away from crutch phrases like "On Deck..." or "on the other side of the break"...time and temperature...your name. When you Do give the time-do it digitally. Do not say "quarter-til three". Stick to one topic per break (you lose 'em if you go for more), and remember they are listening for the music-not YOU.
Anything you do should only enhance the music. YOU are the side attraction-not the music...etc...
There are tons of these that through time become habit.
MUCH of it is lost because of the impersonality of voice tracking. It's HARD to project personality when you are voice-tracking period-but especially if you are voice tracking a couple of shifts on a couple of stations with a couple of different formats (or more)
How any management can really expect a lot of quality radio when that's happening is beyond me.
I've had many aircheck sessions with real, serious professionals many times, and most of these same basics are stressed. A pro will go break-by-break with you and tell you which ones were great and which were not.
We had to run airchecks everyday and have the most recent airshift on it.
On the Memphis board right now, there is a stream about running a tight board shift-which truly is a lost art.
Automation can be wonderful in many ways...but I think it signifies the end of radio as we know it. Without live local topical jocks on the air-it might as well be another type of I-pod.
Why will people keep listening to commercials and such, when they can listen to their Ipod and hear only what they want-when they want? We can take our ITunes and burn a CD in a couple of minutes with whatever we want on it. Whether that's hard rock or songs that start with "L".
For terrestrial radio to survive in the long run it may have to return to it's roots. People will have to WANT to listen to it.
(and...OFF SOAPBOX for today ;D)
Meep, I was being one hundred percent honest with you...
I am beyond being offended by an outside source. (there are too many insiders that have tried)
When I said "school" I was talking about Jr. High, high School, and College football teams with constant loosing seasons.
The "School" was the University of Tennessee Martin,
I never said that you didn't know what you were talking about... I'm not sure where you even came up with that.
and for your information I have settled down, outside of radio, I teach high school now. I love this area and my home town too much to move away, and I knew that I'd never get big enough to support my family in radio here.
Like I said earlier I was in no way offended. I have a great respect for you and have agreed with your posts for the most part. but some one has to defend the other side, and that is usually where i choose to stand.
Critizim is great... but let's leave off the personally insults just because we disagree on something
by the way, the "Gadfly" was a reference to a name I used on here back when I didn't want people to know who I was
(fecklessgadfly) which is a long story, but we'll just say I came up with it about 6 years ago.
in all seriousness Meep. I took no offence at your first post. and I did take some offence at your second, as I am sure you can tell (and some what intended)
However, I think that you voice an opinon that needs to be heard, and I respect your experience. I hope that I can continue to "take offence" from you so that I can learn more and better myself. Then maybe one day, after I retire. I can get a job in radio when I don't need the money and have some more fun.
That's the only reason I did it in the first place.
And I whole heartedly agree with the return to Live and local. the problem that pushed me out of radio is the same one that pushed you out... owners don't see it that way anymore.
I am beyond being offended by an outside source. (there are too many insiders that have tried)
When I said "school" I was talking about Jr. High, high School, and College football teams with constant loosing seasons.
The "School" was the University of Tennessee Martin,
I never said that you didn't know what you were talking about... I'm not sure where you even came up with that.
and for your information I have settled down, outside of radio, I teach high school now. I love this area and my home town too much to move away, and I knew that I'd never get big enough to support my family in radio here.
Like I said earlier I was in no way offended. I have a great respect for you and have agreed with your posts for the most part. but some one has to defend the other side, and that is usually where i choose to stand.
Critizim is great... but let's leave off the personally insults just because we disagree on something
by the way, the "Gadfly" was a reference to a name I used on here back when I didn't want people to know who I was
(fecklessgadfly) which is a long story, but we'll just say I came up with it about 6 years ago.
in all seriousness Meep. I took no offence at your first post. and I did take some offence at your second, as I am sure you can tell (and some what intended)
However, I think that you voice an opinon that needs to be heard, and I respect your experience. I hope that I can continue to "take offence" from you so that I can learn more and better myself. Then maybe one day, after I retire. I can get a job in radio when I don't need the money and have some more fun.
That's the only reason I did it in the first place.
And I whole heartedly agree with the return to Live and local. the problem that pushed me out of radio is the same one that pushed you out... owners don't see it that way anymore.
Radio is supposed to be fun. You don't have to sacrifice quality to have fun in radio.
When it's not fun is when people want out. I am out of radio by choice. Can't make enough money in small market to pay bills and not good enough at the butt-kissing yes-man stuff to stay in corporate radio and succeed. (That's NOT to say you HAVE to in order to be sucessful-there are incredibly talented people who do it without kissing daily-I'm NOT one of those)
When I left 94 in Memphis (after the change to "Buzz"-which didn't last either) there were several opportunities presented to me, most of which would have required moving my entire family. I wasn't into that at all.
Instead I concentrated on other avenues and make more money on those than ever in radio. The last year or so in corporate radio was no fun. I know how a lot of people feel that are still in it. For many, it's all they know how to do so they are at the mercy of corporate. Many I know are having success. It's just not for me at all they way it is now. That's why I still hold so much hope for small market stations and would like to see them do all they can to compete with big city stations along with sat. and MP3.
They've just GOT TO GET BETTER. With the talent in the area, if they'd spend some money, there is no reason a small station can't compete with the big boys. They can even sound better than a lot of larger stations.
BTW, the "inflammatory" part really wasn't that "inflammatory." It was a joke, but I suppose the "Bored" Editor didn't like it.
Good luck with the teaching. Maybe you should, like me, always keep your nose in radio. Who knows? Someday it may all cycle back around. I do a little shift here for some people and have fun doing it.
There are no humans in the building, they like what I do and pay me fairly well to do it. They generally leave me alone. It's tiny and local as all get out. It is a flashback to when I started in radio full-time at 16.
I am actually having fun doing it.
Best of luck!
When it's not fun is when people want out. I am out of radio by choice. Can't make enough money in small market to pay bills and not good enough at the butt-kissing yes-man stuff to stay in corporate radio and succeed. (That's NOT to say you HAVE to in order to be sucessful-there are incredibly talented people who do it without kissing daily-I'm NOT one of those)
When I left 94 in Memphis (after the change to "Buzz"-which didn't last either) there were several opportunities presented to me, most of which would have required moving my entire family. I wasn't into that at all.
Instead I concentrated on other avenues and make more money on those than ever in radio. The last year or so in corporate radio was no fun. I know how a lot of people feel that are still in it. For many, it's all they know how to do so they are at the mercy of corporate. Many I know are having success. It's just not for me at all they way it is now. That's why I still hold so much hope for small market stations and would like to see them do all they can to compete with big city stations along with sat. and MP3.
They've just GOT TO GET BETTER. With the talent in the area, if they'd spend some money, there is no reason a small station can't compete with the big boys. They can even sound better than a lot of larger stations.
BTW, the "inflammatory" part really wasn't that "inflammatory." It was a joke, but I suppose the "Bored" Editor didn't like it.
Good luck with the teaching. Maybe you should, like me, always keep your nose in radio. Who knows? Someday it may all cycle back around. I do a little shift here for some people and have fun doing it.
There are no humans in the building, they like what I do and pay me fairly well to do it. They generally leave me alone. It's tiny and local as all get out. It is a flashback to when I started in radio full-time at 16.
I am actually having fun doing it.
Best of luck!
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