A note on Star 93.7

["Bill Vlahos" <vlahosw@hotmail.com>]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Over the last couple of days, there has been much speculation regarding 
the outcome of Boston's newest radio station.  I just wanted to make a 
couple of points in favor of the madness that has been occurring at 
Entercom.

Yes, some of us radio geeks have noticed that Star currently has a very 
tight, repetitive music rotation.  Remember, only 4 days ago, 93.7 was 
known as Boston's 2nd 70's Rocker (with a touch of the 80's).  Thus far, 
I think they've made it pretty clear that 'the Eagle has crashed' and 
the 'Rhythm of Boston' is here to stay for a while.

Remember: this station is still defining it's image and testing its 
format.  This alone can account for the variety of what we are hearing, 
as well as some of the repetitiveness. And what about the jukebox 
thing??

Bottom Line- like it or hate it- the format IS going to work.  No other 
station in Boston (nor am I aware of any other in the country, except 
for maybe 'KTU) is touching this music--- music we thought was only 
destined to be on CD compilations for the rest of our lives!

When they kicked it off with the Gap Band that Thursday afternoon, I was 
like " it's about freakin' time!!! ".  If the music makes you feel good 
in clubs today- or 20 years ago- why wouldn't it work on the radio?  So 
unique!!  The music is upbeat, uplifting, and brings back a ton of 
memories (especially for FEMALES!!! )  There was a major music hole in 
Boston radio, and this may be the best way to fill it.

So, if any consultants are reading, here are my suggestions (or should I 
say mere opinions) on fine tuning this beast  :-)

- - You can never have too much audio compression with this format--- make 
it "in your face- 20 years later!! "  We've been blessed with the 
technology to digitally remaster all of this great music- lett'em know 
it- without the pops and scratches.

- - If the format's going to last, they do have to keep it very fresh.  
Even a classic will burn if it's played more than 2 times in a day.  It 
will be very tempting for them to play songs like "We Are Family" and 
"Into the Groove" all of the time since these are examples of songs that 
test very well.  But I'd really hate to hear these songs being played to 
the point of just killing them- 20 years later.  It's going to take some 
ironing out and continual research, but it will work.

- - The format must maintain a high familiarity in its programming.  
Playing any of the lesser known disco or dance tracks could be 
detrimental- at least in the beginning.

- -I don't like the idea of the station toying with the newer rhythmic 
music at a lighter rotation.  If they're going to play some of the newer 
club music, why not try all of it.  "Another Night" and "Get Ready For 
This" are staples, but let's not end it there.  Give them more of the 
cuts that are making it big as recurrents in the clubs.

IMHO, I think the station will be most marketable if it does go in the 
'KTU direction- but with a finer blend of the classics we are currently 
hearing in its fetal stage.  The format could be effectively dayparted 
to accomplish this.  Just remember though, Ace of Base, MC Hammer and 
the Backstreet Boyz aren't going to cut it.

- - Keep the jocks upbeat.  I wouldn't mind hearing Alex Stone or Stu Zoo 
(what was his name??) back doing the Beantown thing.  If there is going 
to be emphasis on 70's, 80's, and 90's rhythm music, bring back the 
jocks who made and played THE HITS back when they were hits.

- -Finally, hit 'em with a kick ass morning show ( i don't see kevin and 
pete staying, or coming back for that matter).  Why not bring back the 
morning Zoo???  


Just my 3 cents.

btw, I'm a new subscriber but actively read the archives.
Feel free to e-mail me personally.

- -Bill
Wild Productions
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

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