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Time to vent!

It's clear to anyone who's subjected themselves to your braindead advice before like Harvey Warfield? putting AAR hosts on conservative stations and hiring college radio talk show hosts that taking your advice would land them where you are, which is nowhere.
 
Patently untrue--how can a cable access show with 14 viewers be considered nowhere?

I've heard tell that Malden's local is regarded as the "CNN of the Northern Suburbs".
 
....just one more thing....not to offend anyone here (radio personalities).... when it comes to a music DJ, I really don't want to hear them talk. It's not about them, it's about the music. I want to hear music. My comute to work is about 40 minutes....some times I'm lucky if I hear three songs. I don't want to hear blah, blah, blah.
For this reason, I can't stomach morning radio.
It's like..."Hey, lets laugh at each others jokes....we're soooo funny!"
I personally find it insulting to my intelligence.
And if I got myself sucked in for a minute, and eventually wait to hear a song...by the time it finally comes on it's like John Cougar....what a let down....that god for the attenuation button on my car stereo.
 
I agree about morning radio and over-talkative DJs...though some shows pretty much amount to being talk
shows with music thrown in for a little variety (hence the high number of Ipods/mp3 players being sold, to
people who want music!)
I heard Loren and Wally's anniversary show and music was scarce though there was a whole bunch of songs
after 9 am. But that's really a morning talk/comedy show, not music.

When I do my blues show on WMWM (once in awhile) I talk for a few minutes and then go into a 15-25 minute
set of music. I always tell people every song I play, and what album it's on, and throw
in some interesting facts, but it's mostly about the music (available for you to check out at http://www.wmwmsalem.com --look for 7/30/06 under Podcasts)
 
Is there an echo in here:

INTERcom99 and PugUgly seem to be one and the same.

safe to assume some people put more time and love into access than alleged hosts put into 50,000 watts.
Plus, Public Access is the last great frontier for those of us with integrity - who won't allow some nit wit program director tell us it is time to yell out a gay slur to get the ratings up.

If that's your definition of "professional" (said to the schizophrenic same person using those two handles referenced above), well, keep arguing with yourself - that way you'll get to hear one hand clap for you.

Talk radio is nowhere. The fact that more interesting and vital information is on the Public Access channels not only proves my point, it is a huge statement on how bad Corporate radio really is today.
 
How does one get a show on cable access?

They ask for one.

How does one get a show on any major talk station?

Audition. Reputation, track record, having numbers. Ability, coherence, personality and also beating out hundreds of others for a very small number of PAYING jobs.

In other words, anyone off the street can get a gig on a public access network, that's why they're called "public access".

If you think (already a misnomer, sorry) that you are somehow superior to Mr DePetro, Mr Carr or anyone else, ask yourself this: Would any commercial talk station or TV station ever hire me?

Of course not, otherwise you'd be working at one. The level of delusion in that last post would have Freud reaching for his coke vial in a millisecond.

"Nothing ain't worth nothing, but it's free", eh "Janis?
 
Re: Time to vent!
« Reply #46 on: Today at 10:39:15 am » Quote

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How does one get a show on cable access?

They ask for one.

How does one get a show on any major talk station?

Audition. Reputation, track record, having numbers. Ability, coherence, personality and also beating out hundreds of others for a very small number of PAYING jobs.

In other words, anyone off the street can get a gig on a public access network, that's why they're called "public access".

If you think (already a misnomer, sorry) that you are somehow superior to Mr DePetro, Mr Carr or anyone else, ask yourself this: Would any commercial talk station or TV station ever hire me?

Of course not, otherwise you'd be working at one. The level of delusion in that last post would have Freud reaching for his coke vial in a millisecond.

"Nothing ain't worth nothing, but it's free", eh "Janis?
Going by that logic...lets use another analogy...how does one get a major recording contract: audition, talent (questionable), lots of money, great agent/ manager, etc....
Then move to a small independant lable: I'm sure similar qualities are needed, just not as much money and ass kissing involved.
So are we going to assume that because more money/ ratings/ sales are involved, it is a better product?
 
Ridiculous analogy--A major label sings acts that can sell. Aesthetics be damned, unless it's a boutique act and those go to indies.

An indie won't sign an act that doesn't fit its motif, either--however "good" or "bad" a bluegrass band is (say), they won't go to Epitaph or to (the late lamented) Wax Trax.

This is not a "commercial equals good" argument--to make the cut at a radio station is not the same as getting a deal. The parameters are much more defined. Record companies are not entirely sure of what sells, but radio stations ARE entirely sure of what doesn't sell--ya dig?

Let me make this so simple that even Varulven can understand it:

If Howie Carr, John DePetro, Scott Miller, Michael Graham, Braude/Eagan et al WANT cable access shows, they go to the provider nearest them, ask for one, get one.

If Varulven walks into WRKO and asks for a radio show, he will be asked for an aircheck and that's where it ends.

Anyone can host a cable access show. Not everyone can host a commercial talk show.
 
Howie Carr on TV. That's a hoot. I'm reminded of that scene in Tootsie, that went something like:

"Can you pull back a little to make her look better?"

"How do you feel about Cleveland?"

If Carr were on Dover Cable they would need to shoot him from the Norwell studio. ::)
 
What Pug Ugly fails to grasp is that Public Access is truly the last frontier of FREE SPEECH. Many people who do Access do it as a hobby - it is a chance to say whatever you want without having some individual censor your point of view - or in the case of WBCN and RKO personalities - being forced to represent some ideology.

What is laughable (and people on other boards have pointed this out, one a current on-air personality) is that the "Pug Ugly" mission to discredit someone doing access work is absurd. [EDIT]

That being said, the Major Record Companies hardly exist. As these "big fish" swallow each other up in an attempt to control all the content, many major artists go the independent route for the same reason(s) people go to public access: Freedom of Speech.

Not everyone has the control a Neil Young has - and didn't Neil Young get sued by Geffen for not being commercial enough? An absurd suit - Geffen purchased Neil Young and Neil Young was being...Neil Young.

But there's not enough time to argue with the "shadows" who say stupid things without revealing their name.
We all have a good idea who Pug Ugly is, and his motives.

Howie Carr's ratings got a nice bump when he was on Public Access. Steven Dodge, former owner of WRKO, came from cable tv. He is well aware of the power of access TV. So are all the politicians who flock to the community stations come election day. There are hardly "5" viewers as people with anonymous postings would like people to believe. Howie would be wise to go back to access (though their use of it was real grey area; I saw the access shows from RKO come in with an RKO sticker on the envelope. It was - in my opinion - commercial programming trying to pawn itself off as Access to get all those eyes that use a remote and scan the dial. the RKO banner was displayed prominently, so even if someone tuned in for 5 minutes during a commercial break, RKO was getting an advertisement.

Also, the access world is not an easy one. An 85 year old man in one city tapes the politicians and airs misconduct. This past Sunday night he aired the President of an access station attacking him - the senior citizen - on camera. It was amazing Access TV that station attempted to illegally censor. The fellow gave the tape to me to transfer to DVD and then got it put on the air without the culrpits knowing their sins would be broadcast for all to see.

That's the power of access tv and each community's politics. It ISN'T easy to get on access - they make it difficult - weeks of classes, getting to know how to utilize digital camera, digital editing, and much more.
Of course anyone can make up a handle, come on this board and diss a man's hard work, because they have no other life but to do that.

I'm quite proud of my resume on access and on commercial radio. Both are hobbies for me. Pug Ugly doesn't
get it. They are my HOBBIES. Running a record label for 30 years is part of my business. Having worked with Buddy Guy (with sessions from Nils Lofgren, Joe Perry, etc. etc.), Alvin Lee, Marty Balin and other classic rockers and such is what I do for my life's work. I'm quite happy with my resume because those are some of the artists that I believe in - and enjoy. That's what makes me happy. What is more satisfying than doing what you love and getting paid for it? Since Pug Ugly hasn't worked in those circles, he can only lash out.

Who have you "worked with" Pug Ugly and what's your real name? We understand if you can't post your name because of your reputation.


[EDIT=ad hominem attack]
 
Ohhh, now I see....so you're saying if Pearl Jams management walking into Rounder and said...we love what you do, and would love to put out our next album with you.
....and Rounders response: well, you really don't fit with what we do....sorry.
 
If Pearl Jam's management did that NOW, of course Rounder would take them

If they'd done that in 1988, no. Rounder was and is an ethnic music label, they would have declined politely.

Why would Pearl Jam ever go to Rounder? For smaller promotional budgets and weaker distribution?

[EDIT]




[EDIT=ad hominem attack]
 
Irrelevant is someone who posts comments against access TV - veering this thread waaay off topic. Misinformation is what the Swifties were all about. But I love commenting on the importance of access. I had a very good friend named Nik. Nik Venet. Nik Venet produced The Beach Boys, Linda Ronstadt, Jim Croce; his record label had the rights to American Pie by Don McClean. We spent hours talking on the phone. I never got the opportunity to interview Nik before he passed away unexpectedly, but his girlfriend located a 2 part Public Access show and they gave me permission to air this important interview with an industry legend.

Vitally important for my Hendrix book as Nik was A & R at Capitol when the Hendrix tapes came through.


Just as essential, my TV interview with Little Walter 10 years ago (from Time Machine fame) uncovered the fact that he taped Little Richard with Jimi Hendrix. The only known live tape of Hendrix on the Little Richard tour.
A rep from the Hendrix estate came to the studio with us and for the first time since it was aired live on WTBS
back in 1966 or so, the tape was played again. It's phenomenal. This is part of the work Public Access TV does. A lot more compelling than John DePetro using a gay slur or Mitt Romney crossing the line accidentally-on-purpose a la Tony Snow to give a story some legs.

The Power Of Access. In my hometown just an hour ago the President of the TV station was exposed repeatedly by an 85 years young producer! Good man - putting on TV the problems with access and the vitally important First Ammendment right that it is.

RE: Pearl Jam & Rounder Records. If not for Rounder would we have George Thorogood? Would his song have gotten into TERMINATOR 2 without Rounder Records first discovering him? They do great work and Mercury Records invested heavily in them (7 figures if I recall), so yap all you want. They now have a book division with a Red Sox book. Independent labels are the real source of discovery. But if you're an "on air personality" forced to play garbage like...well, "Garbage" or "Limp Bizzz-QUIT already Fred"...well...the Pug Ugly defensive posts are so easy to disregard.

Rounder Records, Ryko Disc, their work together and separately, vitally important. Varulven Records landed Willie Alexander a deal with RCA back in 1980 - a deal that generated him lots of albums and tours of Europe.
We also negotiated with Motown, helped the band SPIRIT re-negotiate with Sony/CBS, my production of
Unnatural Axe is on Rhino/WEA (the tape made before Oedipus produced the second single on my label).

I guess if Oedipus wants to vote in the Grammys, he has my label as a credit on his resume!

"The Man I Don't Want To Be" Unnatural Axe on Varulven Records, Produced by Oedipus.

"Ya Gotta Love It", to quote Mr. Wharfield.

So diss indy record labels and public access all you want. Oedi was also my guest on TV EYE in 1979 at
Somerville Cable (Oedipus & Barry Glovsky). Hmmm...should I re-release that classic clip on Visual Radio?

Signed,

Joe Vig
host since 1979 and still lovin' it!
 
Does anyone actually bother to read all of Vig's post anymore? Or, like me, do you get half way through and then your eyes glaze over and roll back into you head like a couple of Ban Roll-On tubes?
 
Joe, I’m thinking about doing a study on Social Autism. I know you are not busy. Want to make $50 and a cookie?
 
Eli Polonsky said:
mcamp said:
You would think someone in this vast country, an individual with some money, who just happens to be a music lover, would invest in a radio station.....someone, anyone!
Click to expand...

Here's one, on the outskirts of Burlington, VT. This hippie couple runs WCLX 102.9 FM out of their house. The format is sort of a combination of Classic Rock, AOR, and AAA, and it does go deep. It's the closest commercial station that I know of nowadays to your 1970's "free-form" AOR. Stream it from their site and check it out.

They seem to run it because they love the music, they can't be making much money with it. It's owned by a guy in Connecticut named Dennis Jackson who owns a handful of small-market stations in New England and upstate New York, though the others are more conventional formats.

What's the catch? The married couple in their home studio are the only DJ's (besides one other occasional fill-in), and the rest of the time it's automated. They couldn't afford to pay a staff. There is enough of an eclectic audience in that area to float a low-overhead operation like that with some local Burlington, VT ads, but it would never fly in Boston or most any major urban market nowadays, if they could even acquire a major-market signal in the first place. The all-over-the-map format and the lack of production values and interactive programming would not get significant ratings in a major market nowadays, and major-market expenses and competition for advertisers would financially crush it.

But, I'm glad they're pulling it off and doing their thing up there. I check it out whenever I get up that way.
Click to expand...

sounds like MY kind of station. :)
 
mcamp said:
It's not about them, it's about the music. I don't want to hear blah, blah, blah.
Click to expand...
Kinda what this board has turned into??

Really, too many DJs try to prove in each break how much they know musically and otherwise through bumbling for 4 minutes.
Get the info in, read your odd news story, get to the punch line--hopefully there is one--and get out. All can be accomplished in record time. Instead, some go on and on about nothing. How about when you tune out only to come back and they're still talking!
 
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