[BC] In the AM radio wars of the '60s, they talked big and talked back

[Rich Wood]

------ At 04:03 PM 10/6/2009, JIM GRAHAM wrote: -------

>As I've mentioned more than once, the whole
>industry shot itself in the foot by teaching a whole generation,
>in effect, that commercials cause cancer.
>
>And, aren't today's programmers giving this booster shots all the 
>time with the "hour of commercial free music" or X-Songs in a row!

Ad agencies don't respond well to the mention of "commercial free." 
You can add the two commercial breaks per hour fiasco to the list. I 
can get through a chapter of  "War and Peace" before the music begins again.

At WJIB(FM), Boston, we'd have commercial free hours but we called 
them "Total Music Hours." Agencies didn't object because we weren't 
badmouthing commercials. Their spots also got heard because our spot 
load was 8 units per hour. Not 8 minutes. 8 units.

One of the people I respect most in this industry is Jerry Lee of 
Philadelphia's WBEB. He's a great guy and a brilliant broadcaster. 
Not only does he promote year round with a vengeance, the station 
helps advertisers create great spots. Spots are considered 
programming, not interruptions. Best of all, it's locally owned by 
Jerry. One man. One station. 100% attention to it. Did I mention the 
station is nearly always #1?

Rich