So Many Stations Seem To Be Treading Water......

[allenv]

Let's first of all make a BOLD assuption that a radio ownership group is proud of its precious frequency and is willing to do all it can to set itself apart and be a ratings & financial winner. How do you do it???? I am the eternal optomist and believe it can be done. Here is my opinion on how you take a station with a reasonable freqency and it win. First of all I think the listener is begging for something different. I think Joe listener cares alot more than corporate radio folks
want you to believe. I think Joe listener is very intelligent and knows what they like. It is not just background noise, people take their radio very seriously. If a radio group is not doing everything within its power to put the best possible product on the air they should turn in the license and give it to someone who will
give it 110%. I think it should be against FCC regs to simulcast your FM format on your AM. If you don't care anymore than to take a station and throw it away like that you should have your license pulled. What happened to out of the box creative thinking????? I'm talking programmers who are embarrassed to sound like anyone else and are independant thinkers and spend their days thinking of ways to make their station stand out on the dial instead of having a 10am conference call to discuss adding the new Toby Keith song with some cat who was hired to fix problems and in most cases has become part of the problem. The first and cheapest and most effective way to stand out is music.Why would I play tunes Joe listener can hear on 4 other stations who in most cases have a bigger signal and more budget than you do. It is time for stations to grow a set and be different
and it is time for GM's and corporate to let PD & MD's do their jobs and push their employees to actively be different.GM's who have no programming knowledge need to stay out of the way. Programmers who don't know sales need to stay out of sales. It really is simple. Next be live,live live. If you really think Joe listener doesn't know the difference you don't belong in radio.Voice tracking has a time and a place but if you over use it that shows a real lack of caring about your station. It is the easy, cheap chicken**** way out. If you can't afford live local personality radio you can't afford what it takes to run a real radio station.People want time, temps and who sang the songs and something of a topical nature that only live radio can provide. The that was...this is mentality has no place in radio.
Jingles are such a forgotten art and they really are cheap and fairly easy to create with today's technology. Youtube is a great resource especially for oldies(yeah I said it) oldies or a classic based format.Let's face there are the big four or five sticks that are always gonna get the ratings even though arbitron is almost as big a joke as Britney Spears but you gotta have the agency buys.When is somebody gonna wake up and shake up this market. If I'm a GM or PD and my station is just another run of the mill ho hum station I could not sleep at night.
Somebody dare to be different,give it a fair amount of time to take off and I think
you'll see the listeners passion is still there and if the product is good and your sales dept speaks English I think you will be amazed at what will happen.All this is only my opinion but for once in my life I am right!!!! What do you think?? Am I alone in my opinions????? That's why this board is here to discuss things.Is anybody ever gonna show some guts and leave a footprint in this market's rear end???

 

[Carl Lipbaum]

You asked what others think. Well, here is what I think. I think you have too much time on your hands and your ramblings make no sense. What experience do you have with any of these type of decisions?

 

[allenv]

Probably not enough Carl but hey Thank God we've got a place to babble and to reply to babble at 4 in the morning.Again all this is simply my opinion.Some may agree some may think I'm an idiot but I have seen alot in this business and I appreciate you taking time to reply sir.

Allen

 

[ZAX Double J]

Let's first of all make a BOLD assuption that a radio ownership group is proud of its precious frequency and is willing to do all it can to set itself apart and be a ratings & financial winner. How do you do it???? I am the eternal optomist and believe it can be done. Here is my opinion on how you take a station with a reasonable freqency and it win. First of all I think the listener is begging for something different. I think Joe listener cares alot more than corporate radio folks
want you to believe. I think Joe listener is very intelligent and knows what they like. It is not just background noise, people take their radio very seriously. If a radio group is not doing everything within its power to put the best possible product on the air they should turn in the license and give it to someone who will
give it 110%. I think it should be against FCC regs to simulcast your FM format on your AM. If you don't care anymore than to take a station and throw it away like that you should have your license pulled. What happened to out of the box creative thinking????? I'm talking programmers who are embarrassed to sound like anyone else and are independant thinkers and spend their days thinking of ways to make their station stand out on the dial instead of having a 10am conference call to discuss adding the new Toby Keith song with some cat who was hired to fix problems and in most cases has become part of the problem. The first and cheapest and most effective way to stand out is music.Why would I play tunes Joe listener can hear on 4 other stations who in most cases have a bigger signal and more budget than you do. It is time for stations to grow a set and be different
and it is time for GM's and corporate to let PD & MD's do their jobs and push their employees to actively be different.GM's who have no programming knowledge need to stay out of the way. Programmers who don't know sales need to stay out of sales. It really is simple. Next be live,live live. If you really think Joe listener doesn't know the difference you don't belong in radio.Voice tracking has a time and a place but if you over use it that shows a real lack of caring about your station. It is the easy, cheap chicken**** way out. If you can't afford live local personality radio you can't afford what it takes to run a real radio station.People want time, temps and who sang the songs and something of a topical nature that only live radio can provide. The that was...this is mentality has no place in radio.
Jingles are such a forgotten art and they really are cheap and fairly easy to create with today's technology. Youtube is a great resource especially for oldies(yeah I said it) oldies or a classic based format.Let's face there are the big four or five sticks that are always gonna get the ratings even though arbitron is almost as big a joke as Britney Spears but you gotta have the agency buys.When is somebody gonna wake up and shake up this market. If I'm a GM or PD and my station is just another run of the mill ho hum station I could not sleep at night.
Somebody dare to be different,give it a fair amount of time to take off and I think
you'll see the listeners passion is still there and if the product is good and your sales dept speaks English I think you will be amazed at what will happen.All this is only my opinion but for once in my life I am right!!!! What do you think?? Am I alone in my opinions????? That's why this board is here to discuss things.Is anybody ever gonna show some guts and leave a footprint in this market's rear end???

I agree with you 10000%. Too many people in this business "complain" about competition from other sources such as satellite or the internet, but in reality they aren't willing to change they want someone else to do it or take the blame. Consultants have ruined this business and corporateism has taken the creativity out of it as well. I've said it before, if radio is to survive it HAS to be fixed from the inside not outside. The people in this business need to stop worrying about numbers and the other sources as competition and focus on making a better product that will go a long way to making the numbers look even better. Then get a sales team that will actually SELL something rather than bartering everything. If it is competition from within your own market or whereever, look at what they are doing and do it even better or do something totally different from that so that you will stand out on the dial. You can even "compete" with stations in your own group or cluster this will stimulate ideas from your employees. And LISTEN to your employees and their ideas not shun them or take the idea and try to make ot yours to get the credit or promotion or pat on the back from corporate HQ. This is not rocket science people, you make it harder than it needs to be.

In defense of Allen, he has worked in radio for 20+ yeas justr as I have (21 in my case) and I can tell you that we both don't have all the answers and never will, but we are PASSIONATE ABOUT RADIO AND WE CARE. Most in this industry just muddle throught it and accept what corporate says as corporate puppets, it is independent thinking that will save this industry from it's own self destruction.

 

[Marathon Don]

While I agree with the views of both of you gentlemen, I have to ask, do you think the ship has already sailed?
When I worked in broadcasting (82-98) I saw some stupid, self-destructive things done which have had long-term effects on the industry. External forces beyond our control, such as cheap music downloads, music video, sat radio, etc., were not (are not) taken seriously by radio management in general.

I understand the pressure to pay bills and make payroll (an occasional profit is nice), and many station owners have sold their industry to the devil just to survive. Of course, some are just incompetent.

Just rambling and pondering. In the next few months I may be considering re-entering the fray and would be interested to know if I should just open a lemonade stand instead.

 

[allenv]

Don,
I still believe there will be one more great station to pop up sometime. As for the the lemonaid, hire my great radio station to do your grand opening remote.We'll bring free soft drinks for all. I hope you are well sir!!!!

Allen

 

[XTalker]

I firmly believe that radio as we knew will return. The corporate bean counters are beginning to tire of the counting and will soon move their money elsewhere. Over the next four or five years, there will be some real bargains for folks with radio in their blood and some bucks in the bank!

 

[magic95.9]

First of all, thank you to Don Flowers for the compliment of knowing my music. As the owner of a station, I do not subscribe to any piped in music, my jocks are live and live in this area, so we can address what is important to our listeners.

No we are not a 100,000 watt power house, but we cover 9 counties, are the background music for 2 cable systems and run a 97% renewal with our clients each month. We have a library of over 8,000 songs and the folks of our listening area, appreciates all we do. Yes we take requests and usually they are the next song played, we do high school football, have a weekly report with the town mayor and county manager. we get updates from the local chamber of commerce. We try to be full service and do it pretty well. With almost 30 years in the business, I can tell you that I do it the old fashion way, the way it was when I got in radio back in '78, and guess what we make a profit every month--and that ain't too bad for a 6,000 watt station.

As long as I have Magic 95.9, it philosphy will never change.

 

[tothedj]

The gentleman who is doing radio the way it should be, you got my support, and
wish others would do the same!
Which station are you with?...

 

[allenv]

Gotta give a thumbs up to the Bear.Classic country with a great morning show with Hammer.They are involved with alot of shows around the area and do a nice job all around.I wish they were live in all dayparts.So many told me Classic Country will never work as a full time format. The Bear has proved them wrong.

 

[GregBrady]

Ummmm yeah, I've read it all and I'm going to throw my two bits in....I think local radio is about to make a comeback. I know, I know.... that's been said for years but here's why....ready? INTERNET!

Internet radio is going to destroy XM and Serious (not that they aren't hurting already) but with Internet radio coming, it's going to put that last nail in DEEP!

Imagine being able to listen to your favorite local radio station when you go on vacation, where the signal is weak at work and where building scructure prevents the signal from coming in?

Rental car companies have deals lined up with many internet radio stations for 2008-2009.

XM and Serious are done! Your favorite local stations will be heard with no static and your favorite personality can be taken with you anywhere!

If I had money, I'd bet my entire load on it! I didn't buy stock into XM or Serious but when I get a better idea of who's leading the way with internet, I won't miss this boat!

There's NO WAY Internet radio can't get in the game at this point, it's just a matter of when and when it does happen, someone will do it right and local radio will once again rule!

Embrace it because it's going to embrace radio! Here's an interesting related story http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2007/03/slacker_radio.html

 

[Marathon Don]

First of all, thank you to Don Flowers for the compliment of knowing my music.

Hey man, great to hear from you! Still waiting on that 'VOT reunion.

Til then...

 

[music_man]

Sirius not Serious.

 

[BS1012]

Gene Vanpatten, sorry--but I couldn't disagree with you more. Internet radio has brought good music, most of which is not local.

There's this mind set in radio that the listener--the average listener, which most people on a radio message board aren't--really cares about local radio. Sure, If you can get*GOOD* local talent, go for it! But realistically, local talent isn't as good, and doesn't sound as good as other people.

I'm one of those people who take quality over locality, and a lot of listeners would agree.

If I'm at my computer during the day with internet access, I'd rather listen to a fantastic (non-local) music station in the morning; I'd rather listen to Kevin and Bean on Kroq If I’m stuck at the computer during lunch, and I'll take London's capital radio over any local Carolina station in the afternoon. These are just examples of course.

Why? These examples all sound better. Doesn't matter if it's local or not. The quality's better, and that’s really all I care about.

I would rather hear some really good, live, syndicated morning show over a really crummy local one. Of course, if you can find a great local one, that’s better—but you get the point.

On another message board, someone suggested a few weeks back that they wanted radio companies to start “balancing” the amount of output on local stations. This specific discussion concerned Raleigh’s clear channel, which has three low/mediocre stations, and one really good one. CC Raleigh has a smart idea: waste three signals for one really good one. Though it sounds horrible, it’s the best idea. Afterall, everyone here knows that a large company will never put on four really good stations, so you might as well waste the others to make a killer local one. Afterall, I’d rather have one really good local station than a bunch of mediocre ones, and that’s really what local radio is now—mediocre at best.

 

[Ssummers]

There's this mind set in radio that the listener--the average listener, which most people on a radio message board aren't--really cares about local radio. Sure, If you can get*GOOD* local talent, go for it! But realistically, local talent isn't as good, and doesn't sound as good as other people.

I'm one of those people who take quality over locality, and a lot of listeners would agree.

If I'm at my computer during the day with internet access, I'd rather listen to a fantastic (non-local) music station in the morning; I'd rather listen to Kevin and Bean on Kroq If I’m stuck at the computer during lunch, and I'll take London's capital radio over any local Carolina station in the afternoon. These are just examples of course.

Why? These examples all sound better. Doesn't matter if it's local or not. The quality's better, and that’s really all I care about.

I would rather hear some really good, live, syndicated morning show over a really crummy local one. Of course, if you can find a great local one, that’s better—but you get the point.

On another message board, someone suggested a few weeks back that they wanted radio companies to start “balancing” the amount of output on local stations. This specific discussion concerned Raleigh’s clear channel, which has three low/mediocre stations, and one really good one. CC Raleigh has a smart idea: waste three signals for one really good one. Though it sounds horrible, it’s the best idea. Afterall, everyone here knows that a large company will never put on four really good stations, so you might as well waste the others to make a killer local one. Afterall, I’d rather have one really good local station than a bunch of mediocre ones, and that’s really what local radio is now—mediocre at best.

Gotta part ways with you on this one. Sure, everyone would love to listen to Kevin and Bean and Rick Dees on a daily basis, but look at what you, yourself wrote..."There's this mind set in radio that the listener--the average listener, which most people on a radio message board aren't--really cares about local radio. Sure, If you can get*GOOD* local talent, go for it! But realistically, local talent isn't as good, and doesn't sound as good as other people." First of all, how do you know what the
"average" listener would prefer? Did you read that somewhere? Because I'd like to know your source. Sure, everything I'm aware of indicates that the "average" listener likes good radio( "good" radio being smooth, tight, "get the calls in, keep it tight, bright, on and gone" radio), but they(the "average" listener), by FAR prefer radio that relates to them on a personal (usually local) basis. For a trivial instance, the "average" listener would prefer to hear about a local high school football game or outdoor concert (and how much ticket prices are and where to get them) than about the MTV Video Music Awards and how to vote on who the "supposed" average listener thinks should win "Best Video". Furthermore, for a serious instance, the "average" listener would prefer to hear about the coordinates of the hurricane that is bearing down on them or which local schools are closed due to snow, than the freak windstorm that swept thru Memphis (unless the "average" listener is in Memphis) or the earthquake Indonesia.

All I'm saying is that "good" radio is in the eyes (or ears) of the beholder....that is, the one to whom the info put out is most important. If the "average" listener is most concerned about how you post a record or whether or not you have a Southern accent or if you stumble on a word while giving the weather, well, then, that doesn't say very much about the "average" listener, does it? I have yet, in 30 years plus of radio, to hear a confirmed case of a listener tuning out because a station didn't transition smoothly from a stop set into a song, or because they didn't play the absolute latest, cutting edge song from the latest, cutting edge artist. The "average" listener you refer to is a hell of a lot more forgiving that you give them credit for. Also, you need to listen to your own diatribe...once again, you, yourself said it..."the average listener, which most people on a radio message board aren't" would be a good mantra to recite to yourself. You aren't the "average" listener.

 

[music_man]

I don't work in radio but have friends who do and I don't know if I'm the average listener or not. All I want is some variety in the play lists, particularly on rock stations which is where I listen most of the time. I'm tired of the same 5 Who, Stones, Zeppelin songs. These bands have a full and wonderful catalog of songs, please play them. This is why I've migrated to Sirius in the car, I like to hear blues on the radio, I like to hear the occasional jam band, I don't need to hear Satisfaction and Behind Blue Eyes over and over. There are other great songs by these artists and so far Sirius is filling that need quite well.

You are right, I could care less if the station is tight coming in and out of comercials or are flawless on the mic. I do like a little personality in the DJ's and let them talk about the music and the artists not just time and temp.

I'm probably not the average listener after all because I'm listening to my MP3 player right now (classic Genesis from the early 80's before they became Phil Collin's backup band).

 

[Ssummers]

Hey Music, you're more of an "average" listener than you realize. I agree, deregulation and the onslaught of broadcast ownership monoliths like Clear Channel have drastically reduced the "artistic" side of radio and increased the "scientific" side of it because of the increased debt load they carry. They research the crap out of everything to play only the "safest" music to appeal to the most people in order to minimize the risk of making a mistake and losing revenue. Hey, I'm down with that...to an extent. I mean, it's radio and it's a business, that's what makes it the "radio business". But this process has drained the creativity out of radio and homogenized radio stations nationwide. Loosening up the playlists (and not just rock playlists..insert your format here_______________) somewhat will help restore some of that creativity.

I also agree with what Vanpatten said about the internet. Radio needs to climb into bed with the internet or satellite radio will render it obsolete. Localization is key. Remember when satellite TV first hit the scene? It couldn't carry local tv stations. It wasn't the HUGE player it is now because you couldn't appeal to the local audience. Then, after satellite tv found a way to include an area's local channels, it really picked up steam. Whenever satellite radio figures out how to carry elements pertinent to local audiences in their respective locales, it'll be a dark day for terrestrial radio.

 

[Marathon Don]

Whenever satellite radio figures out how to carry elements pertinent to local audiences in their respective locales, it'll be a dark day for terrestrial radio.

True, but the variable here is if there's a satellite radio industry left standing. The only businesses I know of with almost no competition, a great product, almost universal public favor, but no profit; XM/Sirius and Krispy Kreme.

Damn good doughnuts.

 

[Ssummers]

Whenever satellite radio figures out how to carry elements pertinent to local audiences in their respective locales, it'll be a dark day for terrestrial radio.

True, but the variable here is if there's a satellite radio industry left standing. The only businesses I know of with almost no competition, a great product, almost universal public favor, but no profit; XM/Sirius and Krispy Kreme.

Damn good doughnuts.

I agree with you about the status of satellite radio...and the doughnuts. As far as Sat Radio, I think there is a learning curve here...if/when it figures out how to localize to specific markets like satellite tv did(or make doughnuts) it will be more universally appealing...to investers and subscribers alike. Until then, it's just a glorified iPod you pay 12.99 a month for without being able to play exactly what you want and no video capability to boot.

 

[chadd]

...the listener is begging for something different. I think Joe listener cares alot more than corporate radio folks
want you to believe.

This may be true, but the interpretation is key. Bad action has created such ugly and handicapped stationalities that I have to ask what is so "different" that the listener wants? The death of radio is OVERthinking things like this. I've seen situations go from active to a nearly completely "stripped", hype-less, home-towny-sounding mess-- all in the name of "getting rid of all that corporate influence the listener hates". Turns out... listeners kinda like hype.

It is not just background noise, people take their radio very seriously.

So seriously that they barely know who they're listening to half the time. Ever heard that you'll probably never meet your REAL listener? It's true. That's because they are too busy to be a fanatic about you. Just keep things moving & sounding good while they run errands, sit in traffic, want to relax, and occassionally want some insight. This isn't to say you should slack off. Just don't get too full of yourself.

The first and cheapest and most effective way to stand out is music.Why would I play tunes Joe listener can hear on 4 other stations who in most cases have a bigger signal and more budget than you do.

The reason those songs are being played by those giants is that they are MASSSIVE hits. Be careful not to be so anti-radio that you forget what we're trying to do. While one of the most amazingly creative and inspiring albums ever constructed, the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds was a commercial flop compared to previous releases.
Don't forget, Pop is just an abbreviation.

GM's who have no programming knowledge need to stay out of the way.

Yes!

Programmers who don't know sales need to stay out of sales.

NO!!! Why don't you know sales? How the hell do suppose you're going to create harmony between your departments if you have no clue as to the "other side's" goals? It's very important for programmers to be familiar with the sales team and their plight. Only then can you make decisions that will keep your station afloat in ratings AND revenue. Even if you're not completely running the show, being aware of, and active with the positions around you will create company strength.

With all my countercomplaining blasted all over your thread, I wanna make sure you are applauded for posting a message that displays your passion. Nobody's totally right or wrong, but maybe if we can gather ourselves we can match our rights to someone else's wrong & vice versa. GOOD POST!