I got this from a spot I heard on NPR _All Things Considered_. http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=3057018 Neo-Radio Succeeds by Cutting the Noise June 30, 2004 -- A new style of commercial FM radio station represents a backlash against the rest of the industry's consolidation, narrow playlists, and similar sounds. Stations that have tried the new "Neo-radio" format have shot up the charts. NPR's Wade Goodwyn reports. Stream available from the above link. Detailed report: http://www.npr.org/programs/atc/features/2004/jun/neoradio/neoradio.pdf ---- Succinctly, radio listeners are not happy with their current choices and are ripe for music radio stations that have knowledgeable DJs and play music. These neo-radio stations run fewer commercials.; they make up the revenue since the station's popularity allows them to charge more for the ads.
Which means this format just may hit Houston in about 6 or 7 years. The Houston radio scene is so pathetic and behind the times. I remember when Houston was pretty much the only major city without an all sports radio station for the longest time. And when 610 finally dumped country and went all sports, supposed Houston radio 'insiders' doubted it would be successful. This 'Neo" format sounds kinda cool though. Just don't expect any of Houston's crap stations to take the plunge anytime soon.
Agree with you on that. I couldn't believe Howard Stern's radio show is JUST NOW coming to Houston. Wow. Stern is so yesterday.
Exactly. FM is a joke. I'm contemplating getting a second XM subscription now (or maybe Sirius). It means I eat out 1 less time a month... big whoop.
Another point made in the NPR segment was NPR itself is growing dramatically in listenership. Listeners appear to appreciate hype free, grownup radio. The Denver neo-radio station (95.5 The Mountain) concedes it attracks the same set of listeners as NPR.
I ended up with Sirius (got an awesome deal) and I have not been disappointed at all. In fact I just got an announcement in the mail today that on July 7th they are adding several channels (including the NFL channel). I can't wait for football season to start so I can actually catch several games on Sundays.
I wonder if "the Mountian" is owned by the same people from Seattle (there's a station there called the mountian). I love that station! Been streaming it for a couple of years now. AH! the 70s and early 80s were the golden age of FM radio. Anybody remember when KPFT used to be the big head station in Houston?
KPFT 90.1 FM on Saturdays and Sundays is the only music worth listening to on Houston radio....AM or FM.
Stern was in Houston, I think. Was taken off the air in that Clear Channel vs. FTC or FCC or whatever indecency battle, right? Stern was yesterday when he came out. Sucky programming at its best (worst?).
Sorry Chance, but 610 is just awful. Palillo is smart and Lance is nice, but all the others are morons, especially Rich Lord and Johhny Gratardo. And Rome and the ESPN guys, well, now there's some Geneva Convention violations for you. Back to FM. I don't think this would work in Houston. Sadly, we are left only with KPFT on the weekends when they are not (always) doing the commie agitprop.
