Radio needs to be a friend, not prey on the weak
Radio has become a medium of bullies and anti-heroes, argues former radio executive Chris Taylor.
Here’s a question. Is there still a place for an anti-social medium in the age of social media?
I know it’s tragically unhip of me to say so, but I used to love ‘the’ radio. Growing up, it was usually always on in my house. The advent of the Walkman and headphones made it even more personal and each engagement gave you something special; cool music, news, advice, or information.
But technology did as technology does, and before you could say troglodyte all those things became available elsewhere and the ‘non-rusted on’ listeners were enticed away. So old-faithful began a slow, painful reinvention. Everything got a little bit meaner; first the ratings, then the shareholders, then the budgets, now the presenters.
What an ignorant generalist piece of bul$$&?.
A couple of big points you missed
1. Radio audiences are growing so your outdated ‘radio is dead because of the rise of social media’ argument is hogwosh. Social media has enhanced radio
2. 2day fm has been primarily responsible for tarnishing radio’s reputation and their content heads should be held responsible for continuing to allow this rubbish to ho to air from either green DJ’s or vile shock jocks. Dont generalise and tarnish other stations who are properly run
Stick to copy writing not trying to be a journalist
Totally disagree with you. Digital Radio in the UK is thriving with stations like BBC 6MUSIC, The Asian Network, 1Xtra etc..
Hi Barry. Apologies. I was simply trying to make a point about fragmentation. I wasn’t trying to say radio in the UK was dead or dying. As personally I wouldn’t know.
However, I might be mistaken, but I was under the impression that at least a couple of your examples (The Asian Network and 1Xtra) existed pre-DAB.
I don’t think any brand, service etc would see a marked fall if they pulled advertsing altogether from Radio schedules.
Hi James.
You’re right about social media enhancing radio. Couldn’t agree more with you. Well said.
I agree with much of what you said Barry. Whilst the commentary is all pretty focused on supporting the hosts right now … this would be a wasted moment in time if we didn’t use it to do some profound navel gazing about where radio is at. Personally I think people deserve their privacy … Royal or otherwise … when they are in hospital. So even beyond the consequences, of this particular phone call, I’m completely over the idea that being a ‘personality’ gives you a right to cross privacy boundaries.
Spot on, Chris. Something I’ve been advocating to a variety of Oz radio managers/programmers for years only to me countered with the standards audience degrading meme, “Australian listeners aren’t ready (i.e. are too dumb) for the quality programming you’re suggesting.” Rather than tackle proven success, Oz media continues to spew a country-wide format of safe, and easily maintained regurgitation of failed 80s U.S. ‘Morning Zoo’ buffoonery, targeting the lowest common denominator.
Take 2
I agree Chris 101%
‘Instead of preying on the weak with mindless pranks, radio stations might do well to play to their strengths again. Be there, be immediate, be intimate and personal, be a friend.’
What he’s really saying is………………”Lets all just be weak minded hypocritical politically correct sheep!