Well, I can't comment on what it is like to work in the business of
radio broadcasting. I can comment on the quality of programming found
on NPR stations, and to be it is well thought out, thought provoking at
times and generally enjoyable. I've also found some truly enjoyable
programs on small town radio stations. The number of stations found on
the dial is certainly a function of locality size, but quality
programming can be found in mosr markets - at least programming that
meets my requirements.

Your comments make me think of a restaurant or theater critic who has
been writing columns too long. Things that would pass by most
listeners loom very big in their eyes, nothing new compares to the way
it was once done, etc.

John S. wrote:


Your comments make me think of a restaurant or theater critic who has
been writing columns too long. Things that would pass by most
listeners loom very big in their eyes, nothing new compares to the way
it was once done, etc.

There are *few* stations left with truly quality programming. For the most
part, commercial American radio has become a commodity and the only thing
that means anything to the people that run them is the bottom line.

And yes, many listeners have taken notice. I'm convinced that the ones that
haven't just don't know any better. They don't realize that it *could* be
better because all they know is what they've had for the past 10 years.

Tim
--
Visit the new Unlicensed QRP website and forums: http://www.qrp.timpauly.com
The site and forums are geared toward legal, unlicensed (non-ham) radio
operation for low-power hobbyists around the world.

Part 15 said: There are *few* stations left with truly quality
programming.

JS As I said, your comments come across as from someone who has been
in the business too long. The old way of doing things is always
better. A long running restaurant critic began to whine about how the
modern restaurants could not compare with the french restaurants so
popular in the 1960's. Not all the time, but she eventually retired
and we got a fresh voice.

Part 15 said: For the most part, commercial American radio has become
a commodity and the only thing that means anything to the people that
run them is the bottom line.

JS Is this new news to you? Since when has commercial radio not been
a business focused on making money. Good grief...thats why all of us
devote a good part of the day to working. We make money during those
hours. But I think you are missing something fundamental here. If a
station doesn't offer creative and interesting programming that
attracts listeners then they will not be in the business for very long.
Likewise with presenters, producers and everyone else involved...if
they don't come up with a product that attracts business then they are
gone. But that standard applies in many work situations besides
broadcast radio.

I'm not sure what you mean by radio being a commodity. Are you saying
that the purchase and sale of radio stations is somehow wrong? Stations
have always been bought and sold and brought under a corporate umbrella
of one kind or another. If you mean the sale of air time for revenue
producing advertisements...well...that is part of running a business.
If you mean something else, please explain...