What can be done to save rock radio?

[upstate29651]

She's dying. Other formats with worse presentation & less imagination are eating rock radio's lunch.

We now have fairly large parts of the county (in area & population) without a single rock station (Miami is the first example that jumps out at me). CHR radio is filled with unimaginative bilge that's marketed right. Country is a shadow of her former self, but still seems to win. Even urban has been pussified, yet it's on top.

What has happened here? Where did rock go wrong? What can be done to right this sinking ship?

G

 

[nocomradio]

From a listener standpoint, I think that MD's need to realize that Aerosmith has more than "Sweet Emotion", Eric Clapton has more than "Cocaine" and so on. Super tight playlists aren't helping at all. Relying on that 1972-1980 time period isn't doing it either, it just limits the options more. I never hear the Beatles or the Yardbirds, or Fleetwood Mac (pre-Buckingham-Nicks) or anything else that used to see airplay when it was new.

It may not solve all the problems, but it may be worth a shot to see if it would possibly help to keep a listener tuned in. What is going on now certainly isn't.

 

[88.9 Miracle]

We're doing our best to change it in Cincinnati and we are seeking affiliates! http://classxradio.com. We're terrestrial and internet. Over 8 million hits per month. I think they like us!

 

[Finatic]

I think "classic" rock stations have basically been committing suicide for the past 15-20 years. Once stations started getting classified as "classic rock", their playlists shrunk (agree a billion percent with that response) and they started to completely ignore new music by "classic rock" artists. IMHO this helped kill rock (or at least severely injure it) and thereby, helped start killing "classic rock" stations. "Classic rock" artists lost their only real avenue to have new music of theirs played, and I think this accelerated the decline of popularity of this music. Not to say things wouldn't have changed anyways, time has a way of doing that, but this disregard for new music was the beginning of the end.

Classic rock is what I grew up on and what I love. But I can't listen to classic rock stations anymore because I am so sick to death of the same damn songs over and over and over. Quite sad.

I think what's needed is rock (NOT "Classic Rock") stations that open things up a bit more. There may be some of those kinds of stations around but they are few and far between. The closest thing I think we had in this area (SF Bay Area) was "The Bone" but they went from a harder rock edge that included both old & new music to just being another damn boring classic rock station. Everyone needs to be introduced to new music to continue to keep up interest in the genre.

 

[88.9 Miracle]

I think "classic" rock stations have basically been committing suicide for the past 15-20 years. Once stations started getting classified as "classic rock", their playlists shrunk (agree a billion percent with that response) and they started to completely ignore new music by "classic rock" artists. IMHO this helped kill rock (or at least severely injure it) and thereby, helped start killing "classic rock" stations. "Classic rock" artists lost their only real avenue to have new music of theirs played, and I think this accelerated the decline of popularity of this music. Not to say things wouldn't have changed anyways, time has a way of doing that, but this disregard for new music was the beginning of the end.

Classic rock is what I grew up on and what I love. But I can't listen to classic rock stations anymore because I am so sick to death of the same damn songs over and over and over. Quite sad.

I think what's needed is rock (NOT "Classic Rock") stations that open things up a bit more. There may be some of those kinds of stations around but they are few and far between. The closest thing I think we had in this area (SF Bay Area) was "The Bone" but they went from a harder rock edge that included both old & new music to just being another damn boring classic rock station. Everyone needs to be introduced to new music to continue to keep up interest in the genre.

Agreed and that is exactly what we do. Play new music by Classic Rock artists. We really are not Classic Rock, but rather AOR!

 

[EZway2go]

Here's an idea to spur some interest. Vote for the 885 Greatest Rock Songs (You need to list 10 songs)...

http://www.xpn.org/music-artist/885-countdown

Just looking at the various Top Ten lists from the station's staff, you know that countdown's bound to have a few gems from outside the same old, same old tried-and-true 300 list.

 

[upstate29651]

Agreed and that is exactly what we do. Play new music by Classic Rock artists. We really are not Classic Rock, but rather AOR!

God no!! Not that! "New Rock" from Van Halen & Aerosmith is losing! Those acts need to simply fade away.

"Core" rock acts nowadays are those post-grunge acts that have survived.

G

 

[nocomradio]

"Core" rock acts nowadays are those post-grunge acts that have survived.

G

Depends on who you ask.

Personally, having grown up on much of the "classic rockers" when they were in their heyday, and surviving the 80's and 90's grunge fad, I am still interested to see who is doing what these days in regard to the guys who paved the way. Not hearing them on the radio isn't a good thing to me. Ask someone half my age and you will get a different answer, however.

 

[88.9 Miracle]

"Core" rock acts nowadays are those post-grunge acts that have survived.

G

Depends on who you ask.

Personally, having grown up on much of the "classic rockers" when they were in their heyday, and surviving the 80's and 90's grunge fad, I am still interested to see who is doing what these days in regard to the guys who paved the way. Not hearing them on the radio isn't a good thing to me. Ask someone half my age and you will get a different answer, however.

God no, please no Grudge, Post Rock, Emo, Alternative or any other of the wanna-be rock genres/formats. Bring it back to the way it was when it was successful for 40+ years. The new form of Rock is what has completely ruined Rock radio and is causing its death. There are still TONS of bands making REAL rock music with the sound of rock that came out of the 70's & 80's. It is still quite popular in European Countries. In the US, younger Rock programmers were hired to program the Rock formatted stations they just didn't get it! It has caused the sound to change and as a result, has lead to mass tune-out. It's been programmed so long that way that listeners simply are not excited about the sound and just go away. We are experiencing 10-15 year olds are listening to our station because they hate the ROCK that is played on the radio and are discovering REAL Classic Rock and roll and liking it. Go to any club around the country that has live music and see what the bands are playing. For the most part, it is COVERS! In Cincinnati, it is almost impossible to get a gig if you want to play original music. The covers are always 70's & 80's rock tunes. Rock these days does suck and if that is all they are going to play, then they should just let it die in peace! Otherwise, do it right. Bring it back the way it was with the power ballads and hooks and positive lyrics and love and happiness instead of this dark sounding rock that sounds like death!

 

[upstate29651]

God no, please no Grudge, Post Rock, Emo, Alternative or any other of the wanna-be rock genres/formats. Bring it back to the way it was when it was successful for 40+ years. The new form of Rock is what has completely ruined Rock radio and is causing its death. There are still TONS of bands making REAL rock music with the sound of rock that came out of the 70's & 80's. It is still quite popular in European Countries. In the US, younger Rock programmers were hired to program the Rock formatted stations they just didn't get it! It has caused the sound to change and as a result, has lead to mass tune-out. It's been programmed so long that way that listeners simply are not excited about the sound and just go away. We are experiencing 10-15 year olds are listening to our station because they hate the ROCK that is played on the radio and are discovering REAL Classic Rock and roll and liking it. Go to any club around the country that has live music and see what the bands are playing. For the most part, it is COVERS! In Cincinnati, it is almost impossible to get a gig if you want to play original music. The covers are always 70's & 80's rock tunes. Rock these days does suck and if that is all they are going to play, then they should just let it die in peace! Otherwise, do it right. Bring it back the way it was with the power ballads and hooks and positive lyrics and love and happiness instead of this dark sounding rock that sounds like death!

I disagree with everything you've said here, down to the assertion that classic rock sells in Europe. In fact, it is the darker, heavier sound that is prevalent there. Your only purpose here is to shill for your online pseudo-station (10-15 year olds are your P1's?). Thanks for your suggestions, but old rock is old.

G

 

[upstate29651]

Depends on who you ask.

Personally, having grown up on much of the "classic rockers" when they were in their heyday, and surviving the 80's and 90's grunge fad, I am still interested to see who is doing what these days in regard to the guys who paved the way. Not hearing them on the radio isn't a good thing to me. Ask someone half my age and you will get a different answer, however.

I'm gonna guess that you're maybe 20 years older than me, give or take. If I'm correct, everything I've read from programmers tells me your age group is not a targeted group to broadcast to....that it's not profitable to target boomers. Strange.

G

 

[88.9 Miracle]

God no, please no Grudge, Post Rock, Emo, Alternative or any other of the wanna-be rock genres/formats. Bring it back to the way it was when it was successful for 40+ years. The new form of Rock is what has completely ruined Rock radio and is causing its death. There are still TONS of bands making REAL rock music with the sound of rock that came out of the 70's & 80's. It is still quite popular in European Countries. In the US, younger Rock programmers were hired to program the Rock formatted stations they just didn't get it! It has caused the sound to change and as a result, has lead to mass tune-out. It's been programmed so long that way that listeners simply are not excited about the sound and just go away. We are experiencing 10-15 year olds are listening to our station because they hate the ROCK that is played on the radio and are discovering REAL Classic Rock and roll and liking it. Go to any club around the country that has live music and see what the bands are playing. For the most part, it is COVERS! In Cincinnati, it is almost impossible to get a gig if you want to play original music. The covers are always 70's & 80's rock tunes. Rock these days does suck and if that is all they are going to play, then they should just let it die in peace! Otherwise, do it right. Bring it back the way it was with the power ballads and hooks and positive lyrics and love and happiness instead of this dark sounding rock that sounds like death!

I disagree with everything you've said here, down to the assertion that classic rock sells in Europe. In fact, it is the darker, heavier sound that is prevalent there. Your only purpose here is to shill for your online pseudo-station (10-15 year olds are your P1's?). Thanks for your suggestions, but old rock is old.

G

Not. In fact, we have 3 terrestrial stations and I'm not promoting them, thank you. I never talked in terms of SALES. I'm not speaking ofr Classic Rock here, but rather AOR. Though, you prob don't know what that is. Look it up and see how long it lasted. I was making a point that WE are finding that 10-15 year old's don't like the style of rock being forced down their throats and are discovering Classic Rock and AOR. If you don't get the young ones on with you, it WILL die. Thanks so much for your enlightenment that old rock is old. How many years did it take for you to figure that one out?

 

[landtuna]

When my now-adult kids were in their teens they paid attention to commercials featuring classic rock songs than they did to radio. Hardly a day would go by without one of them asking me if I recognized the song. Frequently that would be followed by a request for me to download it for them (if it wasn't already in my library which most were).

I agree that if what we now call Classic Rock were to make a popular appearance it would become the "new rock" for the current generation. Not necessarily covering the old songs but different interpretations and new music based on the sound and innovation that was Classic Rock.

As for sales demos, it is plain that the current 18-35 demo does not have anywhere near the financial resources of previous generations and far less than Boomers and pre-Boomers. And they are likely never to have what we did. Advertising toothpaste to this demo may or may not have a positive outcome since everyone can afford it. Advertising more expensive products to this demo are bound to be much more difficult. If your station doesn't want to live on a steady diet of bankruptcy lawyers and trade school ads I'd suggest it drop the old mantra about age-related buying and keep an open mind about products which your listeners can actually purchase.

 

[scottsvb5]

PDs and the suits are killing Rock radio cause they just don't understand the listener and alot (but not all) of the DJ's fall into that category also. Right now.. talk radio on FM is bringing in the ratings.. and why is that? Cause people are tired of hearing the same songs over the past 25 years on the radio or the alternative bands that were only good in the mid 90s. 2 things I see need to be done.

1. Rock is Rock music..meaning hard (not meaning metal) with a good beat, guitar, vocals... Just play Active Rock and the "Best" modern rock bands. We don't need alternative stations anymore. It kills the ratings. After Alternative music started to come out in the early-mid 90s.. there was 2 markets for Rock... Alternative and Active Rock heading into 2000. This is giving too much diversatey(sp?) to the selection of music. Back in the 70s-80s.. Rock music was different but all out in a happening way. So what I'm saying is.. just play Active Rock.. most of todays kids that listen to Rock music want to hear todays bands like Disturbed,Shinedown,5 FingerdeathPunch,Avenge Sevenfold.. bands like this.. more of the hard rock-metal scene. They are tired of the Pearl Jam, Smashing Punkins,,, stuff from the 90s that has been played Non-Stop in most markets for almost 20 years. Give it up!
2. Bring back some of the hair bands that made music fun to listen to... Yes it was very glammy...but there is a reason they went Gold and Platinum.. they had the best ballads. Bands like Tesla,Poison,Firehouse,MotleyCrue,Kiss,Iron Maiden,Anthrax,Megadeth,Whitelion,Queensryche,... I can go on and on but PD's are afraid to play most of this type of music.

If you want older 70s classic rock...expand your 70s-early 80s playlist.. people listen to radio about 20-30 min 2 times a day in their car... they DONT want to hear the same songs over and over again..so they listen to Talk radio instead... if you PDs want better ratings... make your station Fun.. and give the listener music that was popular but isn't heard that often..makes the listener want to listen longer to hear what you will play next. And if your station is more of the Active Rock format.. Play more New Music.. People want to hear New Music ... not the same 90s songs over and over and over and over and over ............

 

[Neanderpaul]

PDs and the suits are killing Rock radio cause they just don't understand the listener and alot (but not all) of the DJ's fall into that category also. Right now.. talk radio on FM is bringing in the ratings.. and why is that? Cause people are tired of hearing the same songs over the past 25 years on the radio

I've fought this battle for over 20 years. The fact is you, and I are wrong.

Time after time, the audience of Rock radio station around America, tell radio what to play. And time after time, the same 2 dozen songs come back as audience favorites. Could there be more *depth?* Absolutely. But, the argument that people are tired of the same songs, simply a proven falsehood.

1. Rock is Rock music..meaning hard (not meaning metal) with a good beat, guitar, vocals...

Again, respectfully disagree. There are many down-tempo songs that "rock." Rock is a lifestyle. A mindset. This is where Rock radio is failing. The age of AOR has returned. Rock fans like their favorite songs. No matter from whom, and what sub-genre you can toss. Look at the most popular downloaded songs every week. More often than not, you will see "Don't Stop Believing" in the top of songs that are considered "rock." Limiting the menu, always limits the potential audience. The secret to success in Rock; play hits. That's what the audience wants.

Now, how to preserve the future of Rock? That's the trick. I won't spell it out here. But, it can be done. You just have to have the right people in place on your station, and execute the plan with the proper mindset. This often contradicts conventional "business." However, Radio...is far from the typical business model.

Just play Active Rock and the "Best" modern rock bands. We don't need alternative stations anymore. It kills the ratings.

Prove this. Or, at least classify it as your opinion. *You* don't need alternative stations in your life. However, Alternative is a viable niche format in some areas. It will never be mass-appeal because it's not supposed to be. In fact, Rock radio will never truly be mass appeal. The fact is; *not everyone likes rock music* Everyone likes *some* rock music. But, the masses will never look at Rock as their primary choice. It's like eating Pizza every day. You can't do it. Sure, there are different toppings of Pizza. Just as there are different sub-genres of Rock. But, in the end, it's still just Pizza. And not everybody will want it all the time, every day. Your assertions re: Alternative stations fall under this logic.

After Alternative music started to come out in the early-mid 90s.. there was 2 markets for Rock... Alternative and Active Rock heading into 2000. This is giving too much diversatey(sp?) to the selection of music.

Funny, I hear people talk about Alternative's heyday being "the early-mid 90's" all the time. All of whom forget that MTV played "New Wave" since the beginning. Which is also "alternative." Bands like Missing Persons, Thompson Twins, Thomas Dolby, Eurythmics, and yes, U2 are *all* Alternative bands. We can even go back to the 70s with Lou Reed/Velvet Underground, Elvis Costello, The Police, The Clash, Patti Smith, Blondie and Talking Heads. Alternative bands who got airplay. Many of those bands moved forward in to the 80's and opened doors for R.E.M., Violent Femmes, and a whole host of one-hit-wonders that were commonplace on Rock radio.

There was a time when *Rock* radio played The Allman Brothers, Ozzy, AC/DC, REM, and Prince on the *same* station. And, it worked. So, listening to people claim "alternative" had it's best years in the early-mid 90's, makes me feel like the speaker has little understanding of what Alternative really is.

Back in the 70s-80s.. Rock music was different but all out in a happening way. So what I'm saying is.. just play Active Rock.. most of todays kids that listen to Rock music want to hear todays bands like Disturbed,Shinedown,5 FingerdeathPunch,Avenge Sevenfold..

No. They don't. They actually love Beastie Boys, Metallica, Black Sabbath Guns n' Roses & Led Zeppelin. That's the hard truth. Because that's what you're hearing on Rock radio. If people wanted to hear those bands en masse, they'd be dominating Top 40 Radio. That's where "most" of today's kids are listening.

They are tired of the Pearl Jam, Smashing Punkins,,, stuff from the 90s that has been played Non-Stop in most markets for almost 20 years. Give it up!

Here you have a legitimate point. The number of songs from those bands that people say they want to hear has diminished. Unfortunately, preferences haven't move toward newer Rock. They've gone backward toward *better* Rock. We must accept this truth; Led Zeppelin are better than Disturbed. The audience have dictated it to be true. Whether you, or anyone wants to refute it, that's not our business. Our business is to *play what the audience wants*

They want Zeppelin.

2. Bring back some of the hair bands that made music fun to listen to... Yes it was very glammy...but there is a reason they went Gold and Platinum.. they had the best ballads. Bands like Tesla,Poison,Firehouse,MotleyCrue,Kiss,Iron Maiden,Anthrax,Megadeth,Whitelion,Queensryche,... I can go on and on but PD's are afraid to play most of this type of music.

Not true. There are Rock stations around America that play the best of the Hair Bands that people care about, every day. That is an extremely limited list as well. But, it exists, and is being executed daily. Perhaps not in your city.

If you want older 70s classic rock...expand your 70s-early 80s playlist.. people listen to radio about 20-30 min 2 times a day in their car.

Again, your assertions as to *how* people use radio are clearly speculative at best. We as an industry don't really know how *everyone* uses radio. It's impossible. So, we must create a product that is a desirable choice when people want aural entertainment.

they DONT want to hear the same songs over and over again..

Yes. They do. They tell us this repeatedly. Go to a bar with a jukebox. Look at the choices that people *spend money* to hear. Sit there for a few hours and count how often you hear the same songs, by the same bands.

so they listen to Talk radio instead...

No. They don't. Show me a market where Talk is the dominant station overall.

if you PDs want better ratings... make your station Fun..

Couldn't agree more.

and give the listener music that was popular but isn't heard that often

Couldn't disagree more. There is a balance. Finding it, is the path to a stronger station.

And if your station is more of the Active Rock format.. Play more New Music.. People want to hear New Music ... not the same 90s songs over and over and over and over and over ............

When this becomes more than your personal opinion, it might become the norm. Until then, it's simply your opinion.

Appreciate the conversation.

 

[radiobum]

'maybe they should survey people who stopped listening to radio (rock or otherwise) because they think the music SUCKS ?

 

[88.9 Miracle]

'maybe they should survey people who stopped listening to radio (rock or otherwise) because they think the music SUCKS ?

RadioBum - What a killer idea. But the suits will never go for that. They think they have all of the answers. But you are right. Non-listeners might spur some innovation, a word not seen in radio for 20+ years.

 

[radiobum]

Thanks RockNuts! You'd think all the people opting to pay for satellite radio might open the suits' eyes.

The good news is I think AC stations may have finally stopped playing The Pina Colada Song by Rupert Holmes !

 

[ChrisWright]

I actually believe the answer is very simple. It's working for my station at least.

The best rock stations (in my opinion) were the stations that existed before we ever heard the term classic rock. There were reasons for the split to classic and active and at one time the pie was big enough to split but the classics got run into the ground and we stopped getting enough consistently good new tracks to sustain a great active rock playlist. If companies will invest in putting mainstream rock stations on big enough signals with big enough personalities and get smart MDs who understand the overall genre then I think they will have success. When I was looking at launching my station 4 years ago I looked for Rock stations that were actually WINNING 12+ and 25-54. Yes, there are some - mainly in mid size markets. I built my station around what I heard from them and from what I remembered from the old 96 Rock in Atlanta and I've had 3 #1 books 25-54 (2 in a row now) with a signal that is marginal. Arbitron definitely doesn't do enough research in our market to brag a lot about numbers but we are right up there in the latest 4 book average and we'll soon have a signal upgrade.

Every market is different and this won't work for everybody but just because classic is having problems and active is having problems doesn't mean they can't come together and make a kick ass combination. Just don't try to do it without personality. That is an absolute must for the format. The rock listener requires a station that will entertain between the records and make the music feel alive.

One final note... I'm not saying you have to spend a fortune. I've programmed my station on a budget so small you won't believe me if I tell you. There are very talented, dedicated people who just want a chance to do things the way they believe they should be done. If you need a couple of names just ask me. Find a few that share your passion and convictions and they will make you proud. And successful.

 

[scottsvb5]

PDs and the suits are killing Rock radio cause they just don't understand the listener and alot (but not all) of the DJ's fall into that category also. Right now.. talk radio on FM is bringing in the ratings.. and why is that? Cause people are tired of hearing the same songs over the past 25 years on the radio

I've fought this battle for over 20 years. The fact is you, and I are wrong.

Time after time, the audience of Rock radio station around America, tell radio what to play. And time after time, the same 2 dozen songs come back as audience favorites. Could there be more *depth?* Absolutely. But, the argument that people are tired of the same songs, simply a proven falsehood.

1. Rock is Rock music..meaning hard (not meaning metal) with a good beat, guitar, vocals...

Again, respectfully disagree. There are many down-tempo songs that "rock." Rock is a lifestyle. A mindset. This is where Rock radio is failing. The age of AOR has returned. Rock fans like their favorite songs. No matter from whom, and what sub-genre you can toss. Look at the most popular downloaded songs every week. More often than not, you will see "Don't Stop Believing" in the top of songs that are considered "rock." Limiting the menu, always limits the potential audience. The secret to success in Rock; play hits. That's what the audience wants.

Now, how to preserve the future of Rock? That's the trick. I won't spell it out here. But, it can be done. You just have to have the right people in place on your station, and execute the plan with the proper mindset. This often contradicts conventional "business." However, Radio...is far from the typical business model.

Just play Active Rock and the "Best" modern rock bands. We don't need alternative stations anymore. It kills the ratings.

Prove this. Or, at least classify it as your opinion. *You* don't need alternative stations in your life. However, Alternative is a viable niche format in some areas. It will never be mass-appeal because it's not supposed to be. In fact, Rock radio will never truly be mass appeal. The fact is; *not everyone likes rock music* Everyone likes *some* rock music. But, the masses will never look at Rock as their primary choice. It's like eating Pizza every day. You can't do it. Sure, there are different toppings of Pizza. Just as there are different sub-genres of Rock. But, in the end, it's still just Pizza. And not everybody will want it all the time, every day. Your assertions re: Alternative stations fall under this logic.

After Alternative music started to come out in the early-mid 90s.. there was 2 markets for Rock... Alternative and Active Rock heading into 2000. This is giving too much diversatey(sp?) to the selection of music.

Funny, I hear people talk about Alternative's heyday being "the early-mid 90's" all the time. All of whom forget that MTV played "New Wave" since the beginning. Which is also "alternative." Bands like Missing Persons, Thompson Twins, Thomas Dolby, Eurythmics, and yes, U2 are *all* Alternative bands. We can even go back to the 70s with Lou Reed/Velvet Underground, Elvis Costello, The Police, The Clash, Patti Smith, Blondie and Talking Heads. Alternative bands who got airplay. Many of those bands moved forward in to the 80's and opened doors for R.E.M., Violent Femmes, and a whole host of one-hit-wonders that were commonplace on Rock radio.

There was a time when *Rock* radio played The Allman Brothers, Ozzy, AC/DC, REM, and Prince on the *same* station. And, it worked. So, listening to people claim "alternative" had it's best years in the early-mid 90's, makes me feel like the speaker has little understanding of what Alternative really is.

Back in the 70s-80s.. Rock music was different but all out in a happening way. So what I'm saying is.. just play Active Rock.. most of todays kids that listen to Rock music want to hear todays bands like Disturbed,Shinedown,5 FingerdeathPunch,Avenge Sevenfold..

No. They don't. They actually love Beastie Boys, Metallica, Black Sabbath Guns n' Roses & Led Zeppelin. That's the hard truth. Because that's what you're hearing on Rock radio. If people wanted to hear those bands en masse, they'd be dominating Top 40 Radio. That's where "most" of today's kids are listening.

They are tired of the Pearl Jam, Smashing Punkins,,, stuff from the 90s that has been played Non-Stop in most markets for almost 20 years. Give it up!

Here you have a legitimate point. The number of songs from those bands that people say they want to hear has diminished. Unfortunately, preferences haven't move toward newer Rock. They've gone backward toward *better* Rock. We must accept this truth; Led Zeppelin are better than Disturbed. The audience have dictated it to be true. Whether you, or anyone wants to refute it, that's not our business. Our business is to *play what the audience wants*

They want Zeppelin.

2. Bring back some of the hair bands that made music fun to listen to... Yes it was very glammy...but there is a reason they went Gold and Platinum.. they had the best ballads. Bands like Tesla,Poison,Firehouse,MotleyCrue,Kiss,Iron Maiden,Anthrax,Megadeth,Whitelion,Queensryche,... I can go on and on but PD's are afraid to play most of this type of music.

Not true. There are Rock stations around America that play the best of the Hair Bands that people care about, every day. That is an extremely limited list as well. But, it exists, and is being executed daily. Perhaps not in your city.

If you want older 70s classic rock...expand your 70s-early 80s playlist.. people listen to radio about 20-30 min 2 times a day in their car.

Again, your assertions as to *how* people use radio are clearly speculative at best. We as an industry don't really know how *everyone* uses radio. It's impossible. So, we must create a product that is a desirable choice when people want aural entertainment.

they DONT want to hear the same songs over and over again..

Yes. They do. They tell us this repeatedly. Go to a bar with a jukebox. Look at the choices that people *spend money* to hear. Sit there for a few hours and count how often you hear the same songs, by the same bands.

so they listen to Talk radio instead...

No. They don't. Show me a market where Talk is the dominant station overall.

if you PDs want better ratings... make your station Fun..

Couldn't agree more.

and give the listener music that was popular but isn't heard that often

Couldn't disagree more. There is a balance. Finding it, is the path to a stronger station.

And if your station is more of the Active Rock format.. Play more New Music.. People want to hear New Music ... not the same 90s songs over and over and over and over and over ............

When this becomes more than your personal opinion, it might become the norm. Until then, it's simply your opinion.

Appreciate the conversation.

Your wrong on most of your points. I'm assuming your a PD who doesn't know the listener cause 95% of corperate suits don't. I'm not trying to sound harsh so I apologize if it sounds this way

If people know you will play a band.. they will call in and suggest it.
Hey.. I want to here Slaughter "Up all Night" from 1989 but I won't call your station and request it cause I know you won't play it... also that song wont be 1 of the songs you play for me on the phone for me to hit 1=Like 2=Dislike cause again, it's not out there to give a answer to #1.

Suits play the same bands all the time and that's why ratings are bad. People are going to Talk radio..especially in the 30s-40s cause they heard the same damn songs for 20-25 years every single day on the radio. Yes we are tired of hearing the same stuff over and over again. Play popular stuff that was big 20 years ago..but hardly play it.. another words.. EXPAND YOUR PLAYLIST!

Your reasons on most of your replys are flawed and out of touch with the listener. Some are valid, but most are not. If you really want to make a station work... make it fun to listen to. If you play Active Rock.. play more New Music.. everyone loves New Music.. if your a Classic Rock station... Expand your playlist and stop playing the same overplayed songs cause you get the wrong idea by giving out samples of the same music. Your samples are flawed and it's what fails.