Country Flip

Back to the archive for today’s Aircheck post. 20 years ago today this broadcaster presided over a format flip to Country. I was program director at a religious radio station in 1991 that was forced to fire most of our air staff. Our owner presumed that a change of music styles would cause our station to turn the corner overnight (my speculation.) All of our daily preacher shows were exiled to Sundays where contractual obligations were met. It was thought that Country music would be the magic cure. Frustrated, I quit about two weeks after this recording because of some inter staff conflicts between our skeleton crew. The station itself struggled a while, then changed over to a news/talk format before its eventual demise in 1993. That year the owner sold the license to a local church. Thereafter, local preachers and gospel music were once again on their air. Download here or press play below,

 

4 February 1991 Country Flip Neal Rhoden aka Jim O’Neal

Stay tuned

©2011 Neal Rhoden. Aircheck Blog. All rights reserved.

Mr. Microphone

“I’ll be back to pick you up later,” the young man announced from his convertible to the blonde stranger standing on the curb. His voice had been mysteriously amplified over his car stereo. One of the wonders of the late 1970’s, Mister Microphone was one of those $19.95 as-seen-on-TV wonders that everybody had to have. A toy, really, it was a cheap wireless mic that sent a signal via FM that was tuned in on a nearby radio affording many hours of fun—such as picking up chicks. I assure you no young woman has ever been wooed by one of these novelties. Sorry Romeo.

Stay tuned

©2010 Neal Rhoden. The Peanut Whistle. All rights reserved.

What's a peanut whistle?

I'm glad you asked. A peanut whistle is a radio station with limited power or listenership or both. It might have the best staff or talent but simply lacks enough umph to reach a broader audience. These media outlets are usually located out in the sticks. These are the places I've hung my hat as a DJ and programmer most often. I've led some very talented people. Some great and near great talents. 

These places are usually programmed for a rural audience. So, I'm not sure if they exist at all any more due to the consolidation of ownership permitted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The FCC decided to allow ownership of several radio or TV stations in one market. Large corporations have gulped up these peanut whistles at an alarming rate. It wasn't video that killed the radio star, it was corporate greed. More to come. Stay tuned...