CHR, RHYTHMIC FORMATS AGREE TO JUST GET ALONG Radio and Records R&R CHR/Pop Editor Kevin Carter and CHR/Rhythmic Editor Dana Hall co-moderated a R&R Convention 2005 panel focused on the high level of music sharing that's occurred between the two formats. Attendees learned that while both sides are concerned about the issue, the tide may be shifting.
CHR/Rhythmic WLLD/Tampa PD Orlando remarked that the CHR/Pop format is in better shape than it has been in a while, with artists including Kelly Clarkson, The Killers and Gwen Stefani providing the format with music that can steer it away from hip-hop and return it to its pop roots. But Orlando also warns CHR/Rhythmic against going too hardcore with hip-hop material. "Some of these stations have painted themselves into a corner," he said. "Once you get so dark and thuggish, where do you go from there?" WIHT/Washington PD Jeff Wyatt agreed that the tide is shifting. But the CHR/Pop programmer also noted that as hip-hop has become more mainstream, artists such as 50 Cent can fit comfortably into either format. As for breaking new songs, panelists agreed that stations must monitor music downloading services to learn what's popular and keep an open mind about new and unsigned artists that are generating buzz.
Emmis VP/Programming Jimmy Steal noted that any new media choices -- from online digital services to stations that take on your format -- offer listeners another choice for entertainment. He urged programmers to always take those new competitive threats seriously. "Even if a new station comes on and sucks, it's another choice for listeners," said Steal. "There is an expiration date on your career if you keep doing the same thing and expect to always get the same results. If you listen to what kids are into, your expiration date will get extended." |