With rumors flying about an impending format change at 99.7 WSKO-FM, I hope to see a Jack-type format at that frequency. With that said, the Jack-style format, which has made radio more interesting in markets across the country, has much potential that will likely remain untapped.
Prior to the advent of the I-Pod, conventional thinking in radio indicated that formats should be tight, for broad-based playlists would alientate subsets of each station's most desirable demographics. For example, over the years, one of the most common critiques of WHJY on this forum was that the older male demographic would be aliented by too much focus on Alternative Rock. However, as many industry observers have indicated, the advent of Jack directly coincided with the advent of the I-Pod.
The I-Pod allows the listener to program music as he/she sees fit. The music consumer and I-Pod enthusiast, contrary to prior conventional radio industry thought, liked the ability to program and thus listen to a wide variety of music on his/her I-Pod. Radio stations, facing competition from the I-Pod, increased their variety. On average, Jack stations have quadruple the playlist of typical radio stations. However, while many Jack-style stations proclaim that they will play "whatever" or "anything," this is simply not the case.
Most Jack stations are simply traditional-to-Hot AC stations that play wide varieties. One question I have: Why is the Jack format limited to the AC realm? Would a Jack-style format work with other formats? For example, would a CHR/Pop/Rhythmic/Alternative Rock Jack-hybrid format work? Many in the younger demographics listen to BOTH Rhythmic and Alternative music.
Because Jack formats have been limited to the realm of AC, I think that Jack's potential has not been realized. While I love the increased variety of the Jack stations that exist - and indeed I hope to hear it on 99.7 instead of the current third signal in the market that is a Sports station - I would love to see Jack hit other formats. Contrary to what others on many boards think, Jack is here to stay. More and more markets have a Jack station, and the demise of WCBS is further proof that the powers that be in the radio industry also believe it is more than a passing fad in radio.
What do you all think?
Prior to the advent of the I-Pod, conventional thinking in radio indicated that formats should be tight, for broad-based playlists would alientate subsets of each station's most desirable demographics. For example, over the years, one of the most common critiques of WHJY on this forum was that the older male demographic would be aliented by too much focus on Alternative Rock. However, as many industry observers have indicated, the advent of Jack directly coincided with the advent of the I-Pod.
The I-Pod allows the listener to program music as he/she sees fit. The music consumer and I-Pod enthusiast, contrary to prior conventional radio industry thought, liked the ability to program and thus listen to a wide variety of music on his/her I-Pod. Radio stations, facing competition from the I-Pod, increased their variety. On average, Jack stations have quadruple the playlist of typical radio stations. However, while many Jack-style stations proclaim that they will play "whatever" or "anything," this is simply not the case.
Most Jack stations are simply traditional-to-Hot AC stations that play wide varieties. One question I have: Why is the Jack format limited to the AC realm? Would a Jack-style format work with other formats? For example, would a CHR/Pop/Rhythmic/Alternative Rock Jack-hybrid format work? Many in the younger demographics listen to BOTH Rhythmic and Alternative music.
Because Jack formats have been limited to the realm of AC, I think that Jack's potential has not been realized. While I love the increased variety of the Jack stations that exist - and indeed I hope to hear it on 99.7 instead of the current third signal in the market that is a Sports station - I would love to see Jack hit other formats. Contrary to what others on many boards think, Jack is here to stay. More and more markets have a Jack station, and the demise of WCBS is further proof that the powers that be in the radio industry also believe it is more than a passing fad in radio.
What do you all think?