seeking an unbiased opinion about country music radio

[Bill O'Neill]

On 08/07/2013 2:45 PM, Donna Halper wrote:
> So, what has changed in the past decade or so-- is it how country is 
> rated by PPM, have audiences for country expanded, or something else? 
> What is going on that would take country to #1 in Boston? (Note:  I am 
> in no way questioning the power of country music. It's not my music of 
> choice, but as a consultant, I grew to appreciate some of the artists 
> and I really was impressed by the loyalty of the fans.)

I share your position on country music, e.g., not my preference but 
intrigued by fan loyalty.  Country was likely a lot more successful 
pre-PPM but under-reported due to its stigma among listeners embedded in 
more cosmopolitan markets.  Read: Despite the 80s song, Country still 
ain't cool.

Now that reporting is passive there is a correction going on.

There may be another or concurrent reason for Country's increase in 
ratings and share - the economy. The labor market post-07 is not showing 
signs of growth and there is a malaise setting in akin to the one 
enunciated by President Carter (that contributed to his failed 
reelection attempt in '80).  Even without ditties about dogs getting run 
over by grandmas who passed out while driving down a road with a new 
sink-hole, Country tends to hearken to a more simple set of themes.

And another possibility is that Country has not improved but all other 
musical formats are so dreadfully awful that the format is looking 
better near closing time.

Bill O'Neill