Why does WGCI "over" censor some of its music?

[Hamp]

The question I have is, why does GCI "over" censor some of the songs its plays. I thought this trend would have ended when Elroy Smith left the station, but why is Kris Kelley doing the same thing?
A lot of the editing doesn't even make sense. For example, in the song "Lookin Boy" by Hot Stylz and Yung Joc, a portion of the song where they say, "Bang, bang, bang, bang" is taken out. That doesn't make sense to me at all. It doesn't even reference to anything violent.
I tried asking Ms. Kelley why this is still being done and her answer was she edits, "according to the market."
If that is the case, then why is it a competing station can air some of the same songs and not edit them? You mean to tell me listeners don't station flip????
I don't see how GCI is still number one with listeners with this practice because it gets annoying. That is why I don't listen to them very often. I guess they stay number one according to their name value, that is all I can think of.

 

[CapeRadio]

Elroy used to do it because he is very christian, and he was trying to create a family-oriented urban station. Makes sense, so parents can listen to very explicit songs without really worrying about it (nothing like 8 year olds singing about licking lollipops, you get the idea...). But what he did really works. GCI has been around forever, but he got it to the point where it very often beats WGN. So if it works, then why change it?

And, I am sure there is research to back this up. May not be your cup of tea, but one thing I have learned through my years in radio is that if I like it, its probibly a stiff. And if I hate it, its probibly a winner.

 

[Hamp]

Elroy used to do it because he is very christian, and he was trying to create a family-oriented urban station. Makes sense, so parents can listen to very explicit songs without really worrying about it (nothing like 8 year olds singing about licking lollipops, you get the idea...). But what he did really works. GCI has been around forever, but he got it to the point where it very often beats WGN. So if it works, then why change it?

And, I am sure there is research to back this up. May not be your cup of tea, but one thing I have learned through my years in radio is that if I like it, its probibly a stiff. And if I hate it, its probibly a winner.

I somewhat understand why Elroy did it (why is Kris Kelley), not every listener is a kid. What about the "grown folks"? I would understand if this were Radio Disney where it caters to very young kids, but WGCI caters to young adults.
Besides WGCI is in CHICAGO, not Salt Lake City!!!!!
Also, if the parents have a problem with certain songs, the radio does have an on/off button.

 

[Countrykev]

I somewhat understand why Elroy did it (why is Kris Kelley), not every listener is a kid. What about the "grown folks"? I would understand if this were Radio Disney where it caters to very young kids, but WGCI caters to young adults.

It's a great idea for all audiences. 1. As mentioned it's great because parents can listen to it in the car with the kids. 2. Why not leave out questionable lyrics and build a better community?

Personally speaking, I feel it's extremely sad that the lyrics in a lot of popular songs are getting worse and worse, and yet generally accepted by the mainstream public. Of course, suggestive and "naughty" lyrics are nothing new in popular music, but what's out today is just downright awful.

Quick disclaimer: I'm all for freedom of choice. A radio does indeed have an on/off switch. I'm not going to tell someone what they can and can't see and do (unless it's my own kids). I don't like shoving my beliefs down other people's throats.

However, being in charge of the the highest rated music station in market #3 gives a Program Director a great deal of power. What you do on the air can set the agendas and standards that your audience accepts. Now, I'm not one to further a stereotype, but let's think realistically here for a second. A good portion of your audience and community are a culture that faces risks and problems like poverty, gangs, violence, drugs, etc... everyday. I'm not saying that's your entire audience, but it's part of the community and you have their attention.

If you can do something that can help the overall community and set the standard a bit higher, why not do it? Especially when over the years it has been very well accepted. I'm not saying that bleeping a "bang, bang, bang" is going to change the world by any means, but if you can set the standard higher, why not? Why lower your standards? Why lower your community's standards? If the audience didn't accept it and appreciate it, the station wouldn't be #1.

 

[rkchgo]

Elroy used to do it because he is very christian, and he was trying to create a family-oriented urban station. Makes sense, so parents can listen to very explicit songs without really worrying about it (nothing like 8 year olds singing about licking lollipops, you get the idea...). But what he did really works. GCI has been around forever, but he got it to the point where it very often beats WGN. So if it works, then why change it?

And, I am sure there is research to back this up. May not be your cup of tea, but one thing I have learned through my years in radio is that if I like it, its probibly a stiff. And if I hate it, its probibly a winner.

I somewhat understand why Elroy did it (why is Kris Kelley), not every listener is a kid. What about the "grown folks"? I would understand if this were Radio Disney where it caters to very young kids, but WGCI caters to young adults.
Besides WGCI is in CHICAGO, not Salt Lake City!!!!!
Also, if the parents have a problem with certain songs, the radio does have an on/off button.

<sigh>

Ipod. You. Again.

Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

This is getting old.

 

[Hamp]

Elroy used to do it because he is very christian, and he was trying to create a family-oriented urban station. Makes sense, so parents can listen to very explicit songs without really worrying about it (nothing like 8 year olds singing about licking lollipops, you get the idea...). But what he did really works. GCI has been around forever, but he got it to the point where it very often beats WGN. So if it works, then why change it?

And, I am sure there is research to back this up. May not be your cup of tea, but one thing I have learned through my years in radio is that if I like it, its probibly a stiff. And if I hate it, its probibly a winner.

I somewhat understand why Elroy did it (why is Kris Kelley), not every listener is a kid. What about the "grown folks"? I would understand if this were Radio Disney where it caters to very young kids, but WGCI caters to young adults.
Besides WGCI is in CHICAGO, not Salt Lake City!!!!!
Also, if the parents have a problem with certain songs, the radio does have an on/off button.

<sigh>

Ipod. You. Again.

Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

This is getting old.

Dude, you REALLY need to keep your comments to yourself. If you don't have any constructive comments on this issue, then DON'T SAY ANYTHING!!!!! This is a SERIOUS topic!!!!!!

 

[Hamp]

I somewhat understand why Elroy did it (why is Kris Kelley), not every listener is a kid. What about the "grown folks"? I would understand if this were Radio Disney where it caters to very young kids, but WGCI caters to young adults.

It's a great idea for all audiences. 1. As mentioned it's great because parents can listen to it in the car with the kids. 2. Why not leave out questionable lyrics and build a better community?

Personally speaking, I feel it's extremely sad that the lyrics in a lot of popular songs are getting worse and worse, and yet generally accepted by the mainstream public. Of course, suggestive and "naughty" lyrics are nothing new in popular music, but what's out today is just downright awful.

Quick disclaimer: I'm all for freedom of choice. A radio does indeed have an on/off switch. I'm not going to tell someone what they can and can't see and do (unless it's my own kids). I don't like shoving my beliefs down other people's throats.

However, being in charge of the the highest rated music station in market #3 gives a Program Director a great deal of power. What you do on the air can set the agendas and standards that your audience accepts. Now, I'm not one to further a stereotype, but let's think realistically here for a second. A good portion of your audience and community are a culture that faces risks and problems like poverty, gangs, violence, drugs, etc... everyday. I'm not saying that's your entire audience, but it's part of the community and you have their attention.

If you can do something that can help the overall community and set the standard a bit higher, why not do it? Especially when over the years it has been very well accepted. I'm not saying that bleeping a "bang, bang, bang" is going to change the world by any means, but if you can set the standard higher, why not? Why lower your standards? Why lower your community's standards? If the audience didn't accept it and appreciate it, the station wouldn't be #1.

I get what you are saying Countrykev, but at the same time I should have the choice to listen to a favorite radio station WITHOUT the excessive edits, that gets annoying. Besides, over editing a few songs isn't going to help the community's ills, responsible parenting and better personal decisions will. Well, I always have B-96 and Kiss. At least their PD's don't try to stuff their values down the listening audience's throats.

Oh, and here's another solution, if people are so up in arms about lyrics in a song, DON'T BUY (or download) IT, then radio will not continue to rotate it!!!!!!!

 

[rapking]

Does WGCI censor there music only in the daytime ? or is it all the time ( Im not in Chicago) ?

 

[radio vibe]

Does WGCI censor there music only in the daytime ? or is it all the time ( Im not in Chicago) ?

ALL THE TIME!! BUT LIKE WHAT THE GUY SAID.. IF IT AINT BROKE WHY FIX IT....

 

[snoman]

A couple of observations here, and this is just me making a few random guesses on their reasons for the editing. The first one could be because of all of the violent deaths and homicides over the past year or so in Chicago. I'm just going by the song you were talking about, of course. A lot of decisions PD's, MD's, and GM's make is based on something like that. It is possible that a city or Cook County official got in touch with them and asked them to please curtail the violent lyrics. In light of all the homicides.

The second observation could be a corporate mandate from Clear Channel, their parent company. Try listening to another Clear Channel Urban or CHR/Rhythmic station somewhere else. I think they have one in Detroit. All CC stations stream, so you should be able to get them on-line. See if they do the same editing tricks. If so, there's your answer.

 

[rapking]

A couple of observations here, and this is just me making a few random guesses on their reasons for the editing. The first one could be because of all of the violent deaths and homicides over the past year or so in Chicago. I'm just going by the song you were talking about, of course. A lot of decisions PD's, MD's, and GM's make is based on something like that. It is possible that a city or Cook County official got in touch with them and asked them to please curtail the violent lyrics. In light of all the homicides.

The second observation could be a corporate mandate from Clear Channel, their parent company. Try listening to another Clear Channel Urban or CHR/Rhythmic station somewhere else. I think they have one in Detroit. All CC stations stream, so you should be able to get them on-line. See if they do the same editing tricks. If so, there's your answer.

No editing tricks on Clear channel WJMN 94.5 Boston.

 

[chriscoxradio]

A couple of observations here, and this is just me making a few random guesses on their reasons for the editing. The first one could be because of all of the violent deaths and homicides over the past year or so in Chicago. I'm just going by the song you were talking about, of course. A lot of decisions PD's, MD's, and GM's make is based on something like that. It is possible that a city or Cook County official got in touch with them and asked them to please curtail the violent lyrics. In light of all the homicides.

The second observation could be a corporate mandate from Clear Channel, their parent company. Try listening to another Clear Channel Urban or CHR/Rhythmic station somewhere else. I think they have one in Detroit. All CC stations stream, so you should be able to get them on-line. See if they do the same editing tricks. If so, there's your answer.

No editing tricks on Clear channel WJMN 94.5 Boston.

As previously stated, it was done by the previous PD, Elroy Smith. It'd make no sense to go and replace all the music in the library with the original files, so they just continue to do the editing.

 

[Hamp]

Does WGCI censor there music only in the daytime ? or is it all the time ( Im not in Chicago) ?

ALL THE TIME!! BUT LIKE WHAT THE GUY SAID.. IF IT AINT BROKE WHY FIX IT....

It depends on your definition of broken.

 

[Hamp]

A couple of observations here, and this is just me making a few random guesses on their reasons for the editing. The first one could be because of all of the violent deaths and homicides over the past year or so in Chicago. I'm just going by the song you were talking about, of course. A lot of decisions PD's, MD's, and GM's make is based on something like that. It is possible that a city or Cook County official got in touch with them and asked them to please curtail the violent lyrics. In light of all the homicides.

The second observation could be a corporate mandate from Clear Channel, their parent company. Try listening to another Clear Channel Urban or CHR/Rhythmic station somewhere else. I think they have one in Detroit. All CC stations stream, so you should be able to get them on-line. See if they do the same editing tricks. If so, there's your answer.

The term used in the song, "Lookin Boy" by Hot Stylz, "Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang" wasn't referring to any type of gunshots, it was referring to the Wayans Bros. character "Pops", played by John Witherspoon. He uses that term as a reference to "gettin busy" so to speak. But to me it is stupid to edit that part of the song.

In terms of other stations owned and operated by Clear Channel, 103.5 Kiss FM (also in the Chicago Market) can air some of the EXACT same songs, but you don't hear those songs being edited at all. So what is the real deal? Did WGCI just hire a female version of Elroy Smith or what?

 

[Hamp]

A couple of observations here, and this is just me making a few random guesses on their reasons for the editing. The first one could be because of all of the violent deaths and homicides over the past year or so in Chicago. I'm just going by the song you were talking about, of course. A lot of decisions PD's, MD's, and GM's make is based on something like that. It is possible that a city or Cook County official got in touch with them and asked them to please curtail the violent lyrics. In light of all the homicides.

The second observation could be a corporate mandate from Clear Channel, their parent company. Try listening to another Clear Channel Urban or CHR/Rhythmic station somewhere else. I think they have one in Detroit. All CC stations stream, so you should be able to get them on-line. See if they do the same editing tricks. If so, there's your answer.

No editing tricks on Clear channel WJMN 94.5 Boston.

As previously stated, it was done by the previous PD, Elroy Smith. It'd make no sense to go and replace all the music in the library with the original files, so they just continue to do the editing.

So what are you saying? Are you saying every song that is coming out Elroy Smith edited before he left WGCI??? How much of the music library did he touch and when will Kris Kelley actually have any control of the music????

 

[rkchgo]

Elroy used to do it because he is very christian, and he was trying to create a family-oriented urban station. Makes sense, so parents can listen to very explicit songs without really worrying about it (nothing like 8 year olds singing about licking lollipops, you get the idea...). But what he did really works. GCI has been around forever, but he got it to the point where it very often beats WGN. So if it works, then why change it?

And, I am sure there is research to back this up. May not be your cup of tea, but one thing I have learned through my years in radio is that if I like it, its probibly a stiff. And if I hate it, its probibly a winner.

I somewhat understand why Elroy did it (why is Kris Kelley), not every listener is a kid. What about the "grown folks"? I would understand if this were Radio Disney where it caters to very young kids, but WGCI caters to young adults.
Besides WGCI is in CHICAGO, not Salt Lake City!!!!!
Also, if the parents have a problem with certain songs, the radio does have an on/off button.

<sigh>

Ipod. You. Again.

Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

This is getting old.

Dude, you REALLY need to keep your comments to yourself. If you don't have any constructive comments on this issue, then DON'T SAY ANYTHING!!!!! This is a SERIOUS topic!!!!!!

Funny. I was going to make the same comment about constructive comments to you.

Dude! Buy the station, run it however you want to. One more time: IT IS A FREAKING BUSINESS. IT IS NOT THERE FOR YOU SPECIFICALLY, BUT FOR THE ENTIRE MARKET.

If you don't like it, turn the station off.

Yet again, a question you've NEVER answered: what in the world qualifies YOU to decide what a major market powerhouse should do?

Yeah, that's what I thought.

 

[urban]

I somewhat understand why Elroy did it (why is Kris Kelley), not every listener is a kid. What about the "grown folks"? I would understand if this were Radio Disney where it caters to very young kids, but WGCI caters to young adults.

It's a great idea for all audiences. 1. As mentioned it's great because parents can listen to it in the car with the kids. 2. Why not leave out questionable lyrics and build a better community?

Personally speaking, I feel it's extremely sad that the lyrics in a lot of popular songs are getting worse and worse, and yet generally accepted by the mainstream public. Of course, suggestive and "naughty" lyrics are nothing new in popular music, but what's out today is just downright awful.

Quick disclaimer: I'm all for freedom of choice. A radio does indeed have an on/off switch. I'm not going to tell someone what they can and can't see and do (unless it's my own kids). I don't like shoving my beliefs down other people's throats.

However, being in charge of the the highest rated music station in market #3 gives a Program Director a great deal of power. What you do on the air can set the agendas and standards that your audience accepts. Now, I'm not one to further a stereotype, but let's think realistically here for a second. A good portion of your audience and community are a culture that faces risks and problems like poverty, gangs, violence, drugs, etc... everyday. I'm not saying that's your entire audience, but it's part of the community and you have their attention.

If you can do something that can help the overall community and set the standard a bit higher, why not do it? Especially when over the years it has been very well accepted. I'm not saying that bleeping a "bang, bang, bang" is going to change the world by any means, but if you can set the standard higher, why not? Why lower your standards? Why lower your community's standards? If the audience didn't accept it and appreciate it, the station wouldn't be #1.

I have to agree with CountryKev. I'm all for freedom of speech but at what point do we start paying attention to the messages and images that we're putting out there for our kids to hear, which in turn has a negative impact on our community? It just so happens that now most of the music coming out of the pipeline today and played on mainstream urban stations is glorifying what's wrong in our communities. Before having kids and getting married, I had the opposite perspective, but with age and maturity and kids of my own, my lenses can see the larger picture. Just my $.02

 

[chriscoxradio]

Funny. I was going to make the same comment about constructive comments to you.

Dude! Buy the station, run it however you want to. One more time: IT IS A FREAKING BUSINESS. IT IS NOT THERE FOR YOU SPECIFICALLY, BUT FOR THE ENTIRE MARKET.

If you don't like it, turn the station off.

Yet again, a question you've NEVER answered: what in the world qualifies YOU to decide what a major market powerhouse should do?

Yeah, that's what I thought.

Agreed, 100%.

 

[Hamp]

Elroy used to do it because he is very christian, and he was trying to create a family-oriented urban station. Makes sense, so parents can listen to very explicit songs without really worrying about it (nothing like 8 year olds singing about licking lollipops, you get the idea...). But what he did really works. GCI has been around forever, but he got it to the point where it very often beats WGN. So if it works, then why change it?

And, I am sure there is research to back this up. May not be your cup of tea, but one thing I have learned through my years in radio is that if I like it, its probibly a stiff. And if I hate it, its probibly a winner.

I somewhat understand why Elroy did it (why is Kris Kelley), not every listener is a kid. What about the "grown folks"? I would understand if this were Radio Disney where it caters to very young kids, but WGCI caters to young adults.
Besides WGCI is in CHICAGO, not Salt Lake City!!!!!
Also, if the parents have a problem with certain songs, the radio does have an on/off button.

<sigh>

Ipod. You. Again.

Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

This is getting old.

Dude, you REALLY need to keep your comments to yourself. If you don't have any constructive comments on this issue, then DON'T SAY ANYTHING!!!!! This is a SERIOUS topic!!!!!!

Funny. I was going to make the same comment about constructive comments to you.

Dude! Buy the station, run it however you want to. One more time: IT IS A FREAKING BUSINESS. IT IS NOT THERE FOR YOU SPECIFICALLY, BUT FOR THE ENTIRE MARKET.

If you don't like it, turn the station off.

Yet again, a question you've NEVER answered: what in the world qualifies YOU to decide what a major market powerhouse should do?

Yeah, that's what I thought.

Rick Chicago, I NEVER said the station was for me specifically. Don't put words in my mouth. Also, you are contradicting yourself. If the station is for the "market", aren't I apart of the market?????? Hello!!!!! If there is something I don't like about a station, don't I have the right to say so?????? You don't have the right to tell me what I can and cannot like about something. Mr. Censorship!!!!!! So get off of my back dude. I don't understand why you don't like what I have to say about radio anyway. Does it hit too close to home for you or something?

 

[Hamp]

I somewhat understand why Elroy did it (why is Kris Kelley), not every listener is a kid. What about the "grown folks"? I would understand if this were Radio Disney where it caters to very young kids, but WGCI caters to young adults.

It's a great idea for all audiences. 1. As mentioned it's great because parents can listen to it in the car with the kids. 2. Why not leave out questionable lyrics and build a better community?

Personally speaking, I feel it's extremely sad that the lyrics in a lot of popular songs are getting worse and worse, and yet generally accepted by the mainstream public. Of course, suggestive and "naughty" lyrics are nothing new in popular music, but what's out today is just downright awful.

Quick disclaimer: I'm all for freedom of choice. A radio does indeed have an on/off switch. I'm not going to tell someone what they can and can't see and do (unless it's my own kids). I don't like shoving my beliefs down other people's throats.

However, being in charge of the the highest rated music station in market #3 gives a Program Director a great deal of power. What you do on the air can set the agendas and standards that your audience accepts. Now, I'm not one to further a stereotype, but let's think realistically here for a second. A good portion of your audience and community are a culture that faces risks and problems like poverty, gangs, violence, drugs, etc... everyday. I'm not saying that's your entire audience, but it's part of the community and you have their attention.

If you can do something that can help the overall community and set the standard a bit higher, why not do it? Especially when over the years it has been very well accepted. I'm not saying that bleeping a "bang, bang, bang" is going to change the world by any means, but if you can set the standard higher, why not? Why lower your standards? Why lower your community's standards? If the audience didn't accept it and appreciate it, the station wouldn't be #1.

I have to agree with CountryKev. I'm all for freedom of speech but at what point do we start paying attention to the messages and images that we're putting out there for our kids to hear, which in turn has a negative impact on our community? It just so happens that now most of the music coming out of the pipeline today and played on mainstream urban stations is glorifying what's wrong in our communities. Before having kids and getting married, I had the opposite perspective, but with age and maturity and kids of my own, my lenses can see the larger picture. Just my $.02

You cannot blame the negativity in a community on a song, that is just a scapegoat excuse. A community's problems run way deeper than that. It all starts at home. I don't and shouldn't rely on a radio station to raise children. It is up to the individual parent or guardian to do that. Do you guys actually think adding some uncalled for edits is going to make or break a community, I really don't think so. I said it once, I will say it again, DON'T BUY OR REQUEST THE SONG if you feel it is trash. That is the only way bad music is eliminated. Or TURN THE DIAL OR DON'T LISTEN!!!! I am tired of all these people on this board putting GCI on a high horse. This isn't the same quality GCI from ten to fifteen years ago. Just to let all of you know, I have taken WGCI off of my presets. B-96, Kiss, V-103 and Power 92 will get my listenership because these stations actually realize all of their listeners AREN'T twelve years old!!!!!!!!