Would a station like BBC Radio 2 be viable in American public radio?

[victorres43]

Music-oriented public radio stations that do not play classical music tend to have an AAA or Freeform format, most notably KCMP, KCRW, KEXP, and KUTX. I don't think anyone can deny that these stations have found their own path to remain viable, high ratings or otherwise.

But, imagine if a public radio broadcaster launched an AC format in the mold of the UK's own BBC Radio 2. A wide variety of hits spanning multiple decades will be played, be it Frank Sinatra or Ed Sheeran. Specialty programs will continue to be prominent, though more will be dedicated to throwbacks, and personalities will shine as much as the music.

The question is whether donors would donate to a variety-oriented mainstream station as opposed to a station playing mainly alternative rock. In theory, 60+ donors would be thrilled to hear Barbra Streisand on terrestrial radio again, whereas those 40-59 are amazed to hear a somewhat deeper cut from the 80s being played. The commercial-free AC may have high ratings (including within the money demos), which would lead to public support for the station. However, the debate remains on the motivation of donors who do give money to public [non-classical] music radio stations; this contrasts with BBC Radio 2 being funded by the UK government (much of it through licence fees).

 

[b-turner]

Interesting. I like the thinking outside the box.

In my study of classical I learned the exclusive classical listener was a huge supporter financially but the casual classical listener usually listened to other music formats that tended to be commercial. The casual listener, like most radio listeners, don't fully understand how stations make their money. Thus a casual classical listener is less likely to donate.

Don't think listener support. Public radio is all about listening audience size like commercial radio. Underwriters pay more to reach a larger audience. Grants are awarded where they get the bigger bang for their buck and widest exposure in many cases. Most public radio would not make it without underwriting and grants. A good 30-70% of income is not from the listener donation.

Public radio tends to follow general radio in listening habits. If the AC commercial station wants the same 500 songs and barely there air talent, a public station with the same format is likely to attract the same listener wanting those 500 songs without personality jocks. The issue is not the station but the listener.