It appears all the talk is about Dave-FM, this just in…Michelle Engle was just seen dangling at the end of a tie-dyed t-shirt from the 17th Street Bridge.
Most are saying that the morning show sucks and that starts the downward spiral. While I agree a decent morning show is key for good ratings, Dave’s top rated day part is Midday’s. The average Dave listener is tuning into whomever they prefer in mornings and then going for Mara for 4 hours. I have postulated previously that they need more music and less Barnes in the morning. I was ridiculed. Yet, BnF have moved their hours to 5am and they are on “shuffle” starting at 9am. Is it to compete with 99X’s 9 at 9? Or is it to get rid of BnF and get back into what they perceive to do best, music? Me thinks the latter.
On to music, I think the reason that the station has taken a turn is the horrible music selection. I have talked to Margot, the MD, a few times and she seems knowledgeable. I think the problem lies with Michelle. Just because she likes Jam Bands doesn’t mean we all do. Just because she spent three days at Bonnaroo doesn’t mean we all want to. She is programming the station for herself rather than 4.1 million Atlantans. If you wanna program music for yourself, get an iPod. I would never subject any of you to my taste. (Right now, I am listening to London Calling; before that I was listening to Professor Longhair.) Here is what Dave has played recently: Gnarles Barkley, Smashmouth, Ben Harper, U2, REM, Clapton, Petty, Wilburys, Trey Anastasio, Cake, Paul Simon, The Cure, KT Tunstall, the list of classic rock and one-hit wonders goes on. They are now playing U2 and Petty once an hour. On the website they list the top 100 songs spun, guess what number 11 is? “Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley. Radio without rules indeed!
CBS/Infinity will not blow up the station because V103 is a cash cow. They can take a loss with Dave. Besides, Dave will look better on the books after the Dirty Birds wind up at WSB.
The bottom line is that Dave appeals to 35-45 year olds, the smallest demo currently breathing. There aren’t that many of us so why program to us? Yes, we have money that we will spend (I heard that Rodney Ho went all out at Target last night and got the 6 pack of tube socks!). At work, I listen to CD’s or 97X Vintage from Oxford, OH.
For now, Dave tweaks the sound, maybe opening up the play list, getting rid of the stuff that is too esoteric, playing more established bands, going back to the mid-70’s for some forgotten classic rock (would it kill them to play a little Foghat?). If they make a change, it’ll be after the Falcons end their season.
Just my opinion, flame away.
Most are saying that the morning show sucks and that starts the downward spiral. While I agree a decent morning show is key for good ratings, Dave’s top rated day part is Midday’s. The average Dave listener is tuning into whomever they prefer in mornings and then going for Mara for 4 hours. I have postulated previously that they need more music and less Barnes in the morning. I was ridiculed. Yet, BnF have moved their hours to 5am and they are on “shuffle” starting at 9am. Is it to compete with 99X’s 9 at 9? Or is it to get rid of BnF and get back into what they perceive to do best, music? Me thinks the latter.
On to music, I think the reason that the station has taken a turn is the horrible music selection. I have talked to Margot, the MD, a few times and she seems knowledgeable. I think the problem lies with Michelle. Just because she likes Jam Bands doesn’t mean we all do. Just because she spent three days at Bonnaroo doesn’t mean we all want to. She is programming the station for herself rather than 4.1 million Atlantans. If you wanna program music for yourself, get an iPod. I would never subject any of you to my taste. (Right now, I am listening to London Calling; before that I was listening to Professor Longhair.) Here is what Dave has played recently: Gnarles Barkley, Smashmouth, Ben Harper, U2, REM, Clapton, Petty, Wilburys, Trey Anastasio, Cake, Paul Simon, The Cure, KT Tunstall, the list of classic rock and one-hit wonders goes on. They are now playing U2 and Petty once an hour. On the website they list the top 100 songs spun, guess what number 11 is? “Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley. Radio without rules indeed!
CBS/Infinity will not blow up the station because V103 is a cash cow. They can take a loss with Dave. Besides, Dave will look better on the books after the Dirty Birds wind up at WSB.
The bottom line is that Dave appeals to 35-45 year olds, the smallest demo currently breathing. There aren’t that many of us so why program to us? Yes, we have money that we will spend (I heard that Rodney Ho went all out at Target last night and got the 6 pack of tube socks!). At work, I listen to CD’s or 97X Vintage from Oxford, OH.
For now, Dave tweaks the sound, maybe opening up the play list, getting rid of the stuff that is too esoteric, playing more established bands, going back to the mid-70’s for some forgotten classic rock (would it kill them to play a little Foghat?). If they make a change, it’ll be after the Falcons end their season.
Just my opinion, flame away.