I am one who believes that the distinction between broadcast radio, internet radio and mobile radio will disappear in the near future. From a consumer point of view, the purpose is the experience the best content possible where, when and how they want.
It is with that in mind that the statements from LA-based Indie 103.1 host Steve Jones about the the complete lack of originality on the LA airwaves should send a strong message to the industry; not that they need one given the direction of revenue.
The fact is that Indie 103.1 was the most original commercial radio station in the market and they felt that the outdated, antiquated method of measuring audience combined with the fear from PDs and MDs in the market to play anything more than Brittany and Puffy has brought the market down.
I agree.
So they went online where originality could survive, which brings down the industry a little bit more.
Take a look at the table below where we show the top 30 songs played on 103.1 over the past 4 weeks...few of the other stations in the market even touch that music.
With the obvious exception of KCRW which exists at its own level of excellence, the stations are losing listeners because their content simply does not capture the listeners, nor do the station allow the listeners to truly interact with each other or the station. It is amazing ot me that they all cry poverty because the listeners are going elsewhere followed by the advertising dollars when the trends are just so obvious that a better connection to music discover and a more inclusive methodology can help.
The listeners know where to find original music and stations willing to play it...online, which is now where they will find KDLE/KDLD.
The connection between dwindling revenue and static content is clear. Stations need to listen to the listeners and get them involved in the process of music selection and direct interaction so you are playing what they want. Otherwise, the floor will continue to drop.
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