Still Bad Radio in NWA

[radioaircheck]

With my XM running out, I was hoping NWA radio would get a little better. After months of not listensing and then tunning back in, it still is bad. Same old tired out songs on every station. The one station that sound good at all is "The Eagle". Their music is the best of any rock station in the area. John and Deek do a great job in the morning. The are not into sex and drugs after every song like the guys on "The X". The X plays good music if you can look past the trash in the mronings and afternoons. I still think there needs to be a Classic Hit station here. Nobody is smart enought to do that. I don't understand why nobody will program a decent radio station here.

 

[DouglasB]

With my XM running out, I was hoping NWA radio would get a little better. After months of not listensing and then tunning back in, it still is bad. Same old tired out songs on every station. The one station that sound good at all is "The Eagle". Their music is the best of any rock station in the area. John and Deek do a great job in the morning. The are not into sex and drugs after every song like the guys on "The X". The X plays good music if you can look past the trash in the mronings and afternoons. I still think there needs to be a Classic Hit station here. Nobody is smart enought to do that. I don't understand why nobody will program a decent radio station here.

Whoa! Is it me, or is this, like, a flashback? I seem to recall you had some pretty contentious things to say about the quality of radio in NWA (as you call it) a while ago. Call me crazy, and some rational individuals have, but I would think that since you have such a talent for spotting these deficits in programming and service that you might offer some concrete and tangible suggestions or action plans to satisfy what you portray as a vast radio wasteland. I know you are a smart guy, so let’s have some expert insight into how the radio stations of NWA (as you call it) can make you a happy, satisfied listener. I only wish that I had people like you in my market, to show me how I can improve my radio stations to satisfy demanding and intellectual listeners like you. Best of luck in your efforts to single-handedly bring radio in NWA (as you call it) kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Our industry owes you a debt of gratitude for your magnanimous efforts.

 

[justgohogs]

Nicely stated, Douglas.

 

[radioaircheck]

Why bother. I quess everyone thinks radio here is just perfect, so enjoy!

 

[Q. Burns]

Doug & hog...the mods killed my post in reply. I just said "same post different day" and then something to the effect of "hush" only a little different. I say we take up a collection and get this radiosmith's precious XM renewed for a year on the proviso that as long as he can listen to satellite he doesn't post here. It'd be worth my share.

 

[DouglasB]

Why bother. I quess everyone thinks radio here is just perfect, so enjoy!

I guess you sure told me!! That must be the equivalent of “I’m going to take my ball and go home”. Seriously, radioaircheck, may I call you “check”? Anyway "check", I meant what I said. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Stations, at least the one’s I’ve been associated, with have spent thousands of dollars in research to try and gauge the interests of, and garner feedback from, their listeners. You, obviously, have some pretty strong feelings about the state of radio in NWA (as you call it). Why not take this opportunity to express you needs, wants and desires about the kind of radio service that would best work for you?

I don't understand why nobody will program a decent radio station here. Nobody is smart enought to do that.

Just have to ask, did you go to public schools?

 

[DouglasB]

Doug & hog...the mods killed my post in reply. I just said "same post different day" and then something to the effect of "hush" only a little different. I say we take up a collection and get this radiosmith's precious XM renewed for a year on the proviso that as long as he can listen to satellite he doesn't post here. It'd be worth my share.

Hey Q, I saw your post, then later in the day it was gone. I'm suprised they haven't pulled me off the stage with a hook, yet. Maybe the Stimulus package can help this fellow out with his XM. Anyway, he can post all he wants, it's fun. Maybe we should buy him a grammar and spellchecker instead of the XM.

 

[DouglasB]

Mr. Check must have found enough change in his sofa cushions to re-up with XM. So, I guess you programmers, owners and air talent in NWA (as he calls it) can breathe easier for another year.
Regards......

 

[radioaircheck]

Am I really the only one who thinks NWA radio is bad? You guys have to be corporate suits who post here. What am I missing. You tell me what makes it perfect. I only wnat it to get better, that is all I am saying. What are some of your favorite radio stations here and why?

 

[DIZ Guy]

Favorite Stations = 1. The X. This station is now sounding better than ever now that they are playing harder songs..Just as good as any big city new rocker...2. The Eagle. This station sounds a whole lot better now that they have gotten rid of the lame 80's hair metal that was popping up every now and then (Y&T anyone????), however, they need to get rid of tired shows like "The Classics" and "In The Studio" on Sunday evening and just play some wall to wall classic rock. They also need to stop playing "The Night Owls" from The Little River Band....that song is not classic rock...

When it comes to bad radio in NWA, my vote goes to KFAY AM. This station is legendary for cutting into and pre-empting their programming without any warning whatsoever. It totally blows to be listening to your favorite talker and then ....BOOM...Razorback Baseball comes on for 8 Hours...It is also great when they go off the air for about 3 hours on a nightly basis.., only to come back on the air with ABC news and Phil Valentine playing at THE SAME TIME!!!!!!

 

[DouglasB]

Am I really the only one who thinks NWA radio is bad?

Perhaps not, but you're the only one willing to stand up and make that statement.

You guys have to be corporate suits who post here.

I haven't worn a suit since they buried my father. Corporate? I am a minority owner of 2 stations but not in NWA (as you call it).

What am I missing.

You are probably missing a lot if XM is satisfying your tastes.

You tell me what makes it perfect.

You tell me what isn’t perfect. You brought up this discussion, and when asked numerous times to elaborate on your criticisms, your words are impotent. All I’m asking is what do you want? Please elucidate us with your thoughts and constructive criticism.

I only wnat it to get better, that is all I am saying.

Define “better”. What do you want, and I’m not talking about a format name. What are you not hearing,? What do you want more of, less of? What artists and musical genre do you desire? You started this, but all you want to do is make comments that hold no definition.

What are some of your favorite radio stations here and why?

No, this isn’t about me, it’s about you. Your wants, your needs, your desires. Are you capable of expressing those? Just tell us, then we can have a frank, rational discussion. Check, I'm trying to help you out here.

 

[radioaircheck]

First of all, thank you for taking the time to at least listen. I would like a news talk station that has some local information in the morning. There is nothing wrong with "the Wall street Journal Report", but I would like local news and weather with personality. I remember Don Elkins form KNWA TV did a good job of that. The next thing that is missing is an Oldies or an Classic Hit Format, I enjoyed K-95.7 before it went Spanish. Cumulus could change one of their under performing formats and make it a real good station for Classic Hits, or Oldies. I agree on the "X". That stations music is programed great!. They just need to rid themselves of the Highschool Morning show, and just shut up and Rockl!!!

 

[DouglasB]

First of all, thank you for taking the time to at least listen. I would like a news talk station that has some local information in the morning. There is nothing wrong with "the Wall street Journal Report", but I would like local news and weather with personality. I remember Don Elkins form KNWA TV did a good job of that. The next thing that is missing is an Oldies or an Classic Hit Format, I enjoyed K-95.7 before it went Spanish. Cumulus could change one of their under performing formats and make it a real good station for Classic Hits, or Oldies. I agree on the "X". That stations music is programed great!. They just need to rid themselves of the Highschool Morning show, and just shut up and Rockl!!!

Now that's what I was talking about. As to how you make changes happen, that's a real challenge. Back in the day, stations were more responsive to listeners because all the decisions were made locally. Now, those evil empty suits that you mention find a format that works in one of their markets, and they homogenize it, and deploy it in all their markets. If it works, they keep it, if it doesn’t….gone in 90 days. Keep in mind that sales revenue is key to this whole equation.
If you have a station you like, frequent the local advertisers and always mention that you heard their spots on that station. Try to direct your comments to the manager/owner of that business. If there’s a format flip of a station you enjoy to a format you hate, do the same, but tell the advertiser that you can’t stand the station and you’re not sure you want to do business with them. Either way, these comments will find their way to the station’s sales rep, who, like any rep, will report them to his/her manager. If the comments are good, then the station's management will feel secure about their efforts. If the comments are bad, the sales rep and manager will panic and whine to the upper levels of management about lost sales, and lost commissions. Unhappy salespeople have a lot of leverage if they can back up their complaints with revenue loss and advertiser dissatisfaction.
Trust me on this, I've seen if from the station side. Those sales soldiers, who's efforts make the station run, have a direct influence on what you hear on the station.
Short of throwing a rock through the station’s window, this about all you’ve got. And in today’s environment, the “rock through the window” method is less effective since no one is ever at the station anyway.
Check, good luck and thanks for your thoughts.