If a jock at a CHR, Classic Rock, or Country format started playing songs not on the playlist, they would be warned and then fired. Unless that host could prove they were bringing in revenue, breaking format would not be tolerated.It depends on the host. The OP is talking about Michael Kay, who is a heritage host and voice of the Yankees. He is the big dog at WEPN. If he wants to talk about Simon & Garfunkel, that's what he talks about. He & David Cone or Paul O'Neil talk about a lot of the same things when they do Yankee games on YES. People who are familiar with that will find it entertaining. Those who don't can switch over to WFAN.
These boards are filled with comments from people who feel the suits are ruining radio, and they should let talent be talent. If a station hires someone to be a personality, then this is part of their personality. On the other hand, someone else wants the experienced talent to stick to sports. My point is that a successful personality is going to be hard to control, no matter the format.
Talk Radio is obviously different from music formats. The host has more power unless the ratings and revenue tank. A jock on a music format is much more disposable since they generally have very little to offer(And are given no freedom to do so)...
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