Radio talk and advertising
8 Sep
I listen to radio every day, as many of my posts may suggest. I noticed a new trend on the radio recently; almost every station has been talking about less commercials, and more music. If you actually listen to the stations at different times throughout the day, you’ll notice that the obvious commercials have indeed been reduced in length; however, commercials and advertisements have poured into the actual programming of the stations by being promoted as part of the “talk show.”
Weather update for every station is “brought to you by Lexus dealer in Tustin”, according to one station. The other “News update” is “brought to you by Ben & Jerry’s, offering free ice cream on Santa Ana Blvd. until Friday”, and similar sentences. Some stations even have weather reporters talk about Pennzoil more than they talk about the weather, and mention the specials they have and what coupon codes to use to get those oil change specials. Also, all the talk in the morning involves brand names being the starting or the closing words of almost every segment sentence. Thus, the commercials have gone away, and we have a new kind of advertising blended into the actual “normal” air time of the stations.
As though that was not enough, we also see more and more “overlapping.” I remember the time when radio hosts used to talk with no music in the background, and before a song even started, they would be quiet. Only after the speaker had finished talking would the song be played. These days, hosts keep talking even after the opening music has started, and all focus is to stop talking within a second of the actual start of the lyrics by the singer for any song. People, please get a hint; you are somewhat related to the music business by playing music, and thus act like an advertisement agency, and you don’t even know that music is an integral part of any song? We enjoy music also, instead of just enjoying the lyrics. Treat music like the lyrics, and stuff your mouth with food or something. We can hear you jabber on later after the song has finished..
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It’s sad indeed for the advertisements to cut into the music, but I suppose radio stations like to get in that extra money. I’m happy though that there aren’t the usual half hour commercials. I used to switch to another station in hopes that they weren’t also on a commercial break.
OMG! Sorry about the double post, my IE screen froze so I hit the button again. *Turns bright red*
I am also happy that these aren’t half hour commercials. I also remember the days when you could go several "moments" and sessions and the commercials would still be there. Even two years, there was a radio station here that played commercials for about 7 minutes. That radio station is now "gone", for some reason.
Also, heh, that’s ok, I deleted the extra comment & will delete your 2nd comment later on, unless you wish it to be there too. : )