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raydofan
Guest
Magnum said:
There is really no need for imaging with the People Meter, right? Imaging emphasizes the ID of the station, so you write it down.
You should really post that aircheck...I would love to hear it.
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There is really no need for imaging with the People Meter, right? Imaging emphasizes the ID of the station, so you write it down.
You should really post that aircheck...I would love to hear it.
raydofan said:
Uh, PJ Harvey what? I meant the one, the only, PEARL JAM.
So, you want to know what I call "steering wheel tappers"? Well, let's just look at the WRFF recent play list.
This hour is a perfect example:
Lazy Eye Silversun Pickups - I LOVE this jam...sounds like Smashing Pumpkins Jr...I could hear it 8 times a day and not be sick of it.
Alive Pearl Jam - no comment necessary, every time they play this I take it as tribute to Y100
Intergalactic Beastie Boys - love it, can't hear it any where else.
Train In Vain (Stand By Me) Clash - nice.
Speed Of Sound Coldplay - can't hear it any where else and it's a song I e-mailed about.
The Dolphin's Cry Live - I'm fine with it.
Zombie Cranberries - clunker, don't want to hear it, I would check to see what MMR is playing...probably a commercial
Read My Mind Killers - in the station's wheel house, but I have heard enough of this Cars rip off.
Trippin' On A Hole In A Paper Heart Stone Temple Pilots - fine with it.
Californication Red Hot Chili Peppers - MMR killed this song.
Walking On The Moon Police - see Clash.
Cold Crossfade - don't care to hear this one again either.
Adam's Song Blink 182 - don't care for it.
My Immortal Evanescence - wheel house.
So, there you have it, 8 out of 14 songs makes for a very nice, long hour of "steering wheel tappers". 6 straight songs that I would be into and engaged. After that there were a couple that I would have flipped to see what's on at MMR, only to have found a bevy of commercials and stayed in with RFF.
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raydofan
Guest
Wexler said:
Oh, I thought you meant an actual brooding musical talent than a band let by a High School Drama Club King turned brooding singer. My mistake.
This mix is very clunky. It's gonna take taking the audience out of the mix after a while-although they seem to be repeating a lot of crap.
It's like a big whirling crap-centered cotton candy machine with an occasional bit of chocolate whizzing by.
Wait til the commercial load increases...
This is going back in the thread a bit. I had it prepared before my computer crashed.
I remember seeing the term "Adult Alternative" used in the press release for the new station. G Rock in NJ doesn't use this term to describe themselves, but that's essentially what they are - they don't play music that management considers too "dark" or "edgy" either. Radio 104.5 indicates on their webpage that they are open to listener input to help "build" the station, but that only means so much - I think Clear Channel is turning a blind eye to much of it. It's a known fact that the term "Adult" is considered industry jargon for "safe" and "inoffensive", music that can be played at the doctor's office. That could describe accurately what we've been hearing on Radio 104.5
But here's the thing I don't get. CC is clearly banking on Females to flock the the station by making it appealing to them. But they have a lot more to compete with than they would if they were to go straight-up Alternative. Think of all the stations in the market that are targeting the Female listener - you've got My, Q 102, Ben, B 101, Wired 96.5 ... granted, they all target different segments of the Female audience, but a sixth station entering the fray doesn't make sense. Especially when you have a Male audience that finds WMGK and WMMR boring, was turned off by WYSP's switch to Free FM, can't receive Skin Radio and isn't about to pony up for satellite or HD radio. The only thing I can think of is that CC hopes that 104.5 can help to erode the ratings of other stations to boost their other properties in the ratings. You know, so they can sell themselves as being "#1" in key demos with the advertisers. Thanks a bunch, Telecommunications Act!
Perhaps a smarter investment would have been to be more inclusive with the Male listener by throwing in more titles that appeal to them. CC has no properties that target Males and would provide formidable competition for the dominant Greater Media. Radio 104.5 could have been its own successful entity, but the format choice makes it evident that it's a low priority for CC and is only here to help make the other stations look stronger. That said, I don't see it making much of an impact for itself in the market on account of the fact that it's not different enough. It's just another station geared toward Females in a market that's already jam packed with them.
There 's a handful of songs that Radio 104.5 really needs to ditch, as I posted way back in the thread. The Fray and Lifehouse do not belong on any station that identifies themselves as Alternative. Neither does any of the lite-rock balladry of the Goo Goo Dolls, post A Boy Named Goo. They also play songs by the likes of All American Rejects ("It Ends Tonight") and Evanescence ("My Immortal") that never went for adds on the format. Leave all of that stuff to Ben. Add more Currents and play more songs that actually fit the format.
raydofan said:
I remember seeing the term "Adult Alternative" used in the press release for the new station. G Rock in NJ doesn't use this term to describe themselves, but that's essentially what they are - they don't play music that management considers too "dark" or "edgy" either. Radio 104.5 indicates on their webpage that they are open to listener input to help "build" the station, but that only means so much - I think Clear Channel is turning a blind eye to much of it. It's a known fact that the term "Adult" is considered industry jargon for "safe" and "inoffensive", music that can be played at the doctor's office. That could describe accurately what we've been hearing on Radio 104.5
But here's the thing I don't get. CC is clearly banking on Females to flock the the station by making it appealing to them. But they have a lot more to compete with than they would if they were to go straight-up Alternative. Think of all the stations in the market that are targeting the Female listener - you've got My, Q 102, Ben, B 101, Wired 96.5 ... granted, they all target different segments of the Female audience, but a sixth station entering the fray doesn't make sense. Especially when you have a Male audience that finds WMGK and WMMR boring, was turned off by WYSP's switch to Free FM, can't receive Skin Radio and isn't about to pony up for satellite or HD radio. The only thing I can think of is that CC hopes that 104.5 can help to erode the ratings of other stations to boost their other properties in the ratings. You know, so they can sell themselves as being "#1" in key demos with the advertisers. Thanks a bunch, Telecommunications Act!
Perhaps a smarter investment would have been to be more inclusive with the Male listener by throwing in more titles that appeal to them. CC has no properties that target Males and would provide formidable competition for the dominant Greater Media. Radio 104.5 could have been its own successful entity, but the format choice makes it evident that it's a low priority for CC and is only here to help make the other stations look stronger. That said, I don't see it making much of an impact for itself in the market on account of the fact that it's not different enough. It's just another station geared toward Females in a market that's already jam packed with them.
There 's a handful of songs that Radio 104.5 really needs to ditch, as I posted way back in the thread. The Fray and Lifehouse do not belong on any station that identifies themselves as Alternative. Neither does any of the lite-rock balladry of the Goo Goo Dolls, post A Boy Named Goo. They also play songs by the likes of All American Rejects ("It Ends Tonight") and Evanescence ("My Immortal") that never went for adds on the format. Leave all of that stuff to Ben. Add more Currents and play more songs that actually fit the format.
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content
Guest
SoulCrusher said:
Never went for adds on the format? So, Record Label add dates are now the litmus test for what is and isn't Alternative? ???
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Beejus
Guest
content said:
OK. Let's just call The Fray, Lifehouse, AAR and Evanescence what they are ... Pop/Rock. It's highly accessible, simple, safe mainstream music. The soccer moms and other Females that make up the audience for the Hot AC format love these bands. But with the occasional exception, they haven't even appeared on the Alternative radar. Like them or not, you have to admit that they stand out like a sore thumb on Radio 104.5. Fun Lovin' Criminals into AAR? Beck into Lifehouse? What's next - playing Da Shop Boyz after a Josh Groban song?
If there's a point to be made, it's this: We have plenty of stations that play these bands, and plenty that target the audience for these bands. There's tons of material that Radio 104.5 could be playing that fits the format better and isn't being played elsewhere. I'm talking very familiar acts here, too. First of all, there's Currents - only about 15-20 of them, and many are from Hot AC acts. Then there's popular acts like The Strokes that receive practically no airplay, and some acts (The Cure, Depeche Mode, R.E.M., etc.) that are represented by fewer songs than acts like Nickelback who I think should be removed completely.
I understand that the station is still in the "feeling out" process, and still trying to find its direction. Right now they're playing too many songs that can be heard elsewhere, and often sound like a cross between MMR and Ben. If they don't present Philly with something different on the whole, WYSP just might beat them to the punch.
If there's a point to be made, it's this: We have plenty of stations that play these bands, and plenty that target the audience for these bands. There's tons of material that Radio 104.5 could be playing that fits the format better and isn't being played elsewhere. I'm talking very familiar acts here, too. First of all, there's Currents - only about 15-20 of them, and many are from Hot AC acts. Then there's popular acts like The Strokes that receive practically no airplay, and some acts (The Cure, Depeche Mode, R.E.M., etc.) that are represented by fewer songs than acts like Nickelback who I think should be removed completely.
I understand that the station is still in the "feeling out" process, and still trying to find its direction. Right now they're playing too many songs that can be heard elsewhere, and often sound like a cross between MMR and Ben. If they don't present Philly with something different on the whole, WYSP just might beat them to the punch.
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Beejus
Guest
SoulCrusher said:
Again, I use my example that you always blow off (probably because it goes against your argument)... but how do those segues differ from Nine Inch Nails into The Cardigans in the mid 90's? Or Sarah McLachlan into Alice in Chains?
And again, not just females love those bands... when you are able to get that into your head, you'll see that 104.5 is pretty solid musically. Yes they can expand a bit (and I'm sure they will), but it's not nearly as bad as you paint everything that has the word "Alternative" in it to be.
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8638
Guest
carnyfeet said:
Oh, I get it, sonny! You don't like the station. I, and many others, do. All those other acts you mention can certainly be heard in the college milieu, so listen to them there.
[EDIT]
[EDIT-inflammatory]
Don said:
Wasn't trying to insult you - it was just a saying, and it was all in jest. Good job actually making it personal by throwing out your own insult on the internet.
Listening to college stations for my music isn't good enough for me. If I can tune in to any one of dozens of mainstream TV shows aimed at my demographic and hear the Arcade Fire, the Shins, Wilco and the Arctic Monkeys, tell me why can't I tune in to the radio and hear the same thing?
Time will prove my assertion that this station is not different enough to hold on to listeners long-term. The older crowd will continue listening and claiming WRFF is new and fresh, and the younger crowd will continue to tune out radio altogether. Years (or, more likely, months) down the road, the station will decide it's had enough of the low ratings after trying half-heartedly to get the ad-dollars it so covets from my generation's wallet and it'll flip formats again. The older crowd will express their shock and surprise that we didn't gobble it up, make excuses, and then go back to listening to their old reliables - WMMR, B-101, or whatever.
Being from the older generation, you should appreciate this concept that my parents taught me: "if you're going to do something, do it right the first time." I am listening to this station, and I don't think it's trying HARD enough to reach new listeners. The playlists, the automation, the lack of live DJs, call-in requests and listener contests are all scathing indictments of a weak, half-assed attempt at reaching my demographic. No matter how different YOU think it is, I KNOW it's not different and that's why it's set to fail.
Didn't mean any disrespect about your age - that was a joke. But come on, you're ignoring my points the same way these station execs are ignoring what I want to hear in a radio station. Do you understand what I'm saying here?
For what it's worth, I'm pretty sure "My Immortal" did go for adds at Alternative.
And honestly, if WRFF wants to be an Alternative-leaning pop-rock station, then that's fine. I think there's a market for such a format. If they try to pass themselves off as a bona fide Alternative station, that's another issue, but Radio 104.5 is not a bad station for what it is. They do need more Currents though.
And honestly, if WRFF wants to be an Alternative-leaning pop-rock station, then that's fine. I think there's a market for such a format. If they try to pass themselves off as a bona fide Alternative station, that's another issue, but Radio 104.5 is not a bad station for what it is. They do need more Currents though.
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Beejus
Guest
mjb1124 said:
It may have, but to the casual listener (AKA- Those who do NOT post on this board), they don't know if a song went for adds in a certain format. They're not going to listen to Cartel and think "Hey! What the hell are they doing playing it? It record label didn't send THAT to them!"
No. If it fits, it fits.
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RunWithScissors
Guest
They just played Breaking Benjamin, Meat Puppets, Story of the year and New Found Glory, they have my attention, what is all the fuss about, the station sounds fantastic, they have been mixing it up and have a large library, compare that to 200 OGL. If they were not on the dial, what would we be listening to, dried up MMR. I would go back to XM's Lucy in the car, but 1045 sounds much better, I just don't get it with everyone.
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raydofan
Guest
RunWithScissors said:
You'll be getting a PPM shortly...ha!
Obviously you have better endurance than I do. There were 20 decent bands that came out in the 90s. RFF plays those and the soundalikes ad nauseum. They need to place a programmer in there work on segues as well, some one who not only the songs, but what music is (from a key/composition standpoint).
KLUNK.
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i know
Guest
you are over thinking it..sorry..try listening like your average listener...you will say you are..but you are not
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raydofan
Guest
i know said:
I am a sound engineer. I do my job well. I have a simple axiom: "When people don't notice your presence, you're doing a great job."
Yes, I know I'm not an average listener. But there is a science to all of this, even with 'listener contributions'. People don't know why they change the channel, they just do. So when you have a jock that doesn't lump stuff together, that is helpful.
This is exciting at first, but when the bloom is off, forget it. No more charm.
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8638
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carnyfeet said:
Well, remember, words mean things. And your words were insulting. In response, mine were as well.
Aside from that, radio is broadcasting, not narrowcasting. Was there ever a commercial station in Philadelphia that met your needs? I'm guessing not. Probably because your tastes aren't representative of what a broad audience wants to hear. And that's not intended to be insulting...my tastes are pretty broad as well. WRFF is but one of many stations I listen to. I like it because, to me, they play music that I haven't been able to hear in a while. In a year or so, I may tire of it. If so, I just don't listen to it any more. I believe that's just what happened to 'RFF's predecessor, WSNI. Out of the hundreds of 'classic hits/oldies' they could have chosen to play, they stuck with maybe 100, played to death. People stopped listening.
I say, give CC a chance here. The station is not hard core alternative, nor is it positioning itself that way. Songs have been added to the rotation. I'm guessing there will be more, because if you don't respond to your listeners, you will have no listeners. They call that capitalism, BTW
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eyg2181
Guest
PhillyWatch said:
how, WRFF is on FM, skin radio is on AM, and WRFF's signal reaches up past the pottsville area
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raydofan
Guest
I wonder what impact, if any, will the promotions guy going from YSP to HAT have on this situation.
BTW, anyone know anything about Marconi-salaries, etc for the team they have over there?
BTW, anyone know anything about Marconi-salaries, etc for the team they have over there?
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