Re: Low power FM discussion

[SteveOrdinetz <steveord@xtdl.com>]

At 10:09 AM 1/28/99 -0800, Bob Nelson wrote:
>
>
>I hate to admit it, but radio is giving the people
>what they want. The same limited-playlist classic
>rock (or oldies, or country, or rock...). The same
>syndicated talk hosts (Rush, Dr. Laura, etc.)
>The same fast-paced (not in-depth) news radio.
(some snippage)
> I wish
>more people would be more eclectic in their radio
>tastes. Given the choice between a high-powered
>classic rock station and a low-powered college
>station offering new artists and a wider variety of
>music, whom would most radio listeners pick?
>
>The tried and true. The boring. 
>

Maybe boring for radio nuts, but we're hardly a blip on the audience screen
(albeit a very vocal minority).

You hit the nail on the head...most people are NOT eclectic in their
tastes. When they turn on the radio, they want what they expect to find,
whatever that may be...something familiar.

What is wrong with giving the people what they want?  Look at artists that
have had long careers...the Beachboys, Frank Sinatra, whoever...  I'm sure
the Beachboys are sick to death of "Help Me Rhonda", "California Girls" and
all their other big hits.  But those songs are why people go to a Beachboys
concert, not to hear some obscure cut from "Pet Sounds".



>>Radio is no longer a public
>> medium.  It is a medium for some folks to fill their pockets. 

When was it anything other?  It's just a lot less hit-or-miss today.  The
stakes are higher, mistakes are less tolerated.

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