Wouldn't it be great to get Smooth Jazz back onto FM commercial radio?

[MRFLASHPORT]

The last part is what absolutely baffles me about radio in general. People in their 50's and 60's aren't target demos?

THESE ARE PEOPLE WITH THE MAJORITY OF THE DISPOSABLE INCOME.
THESE ARE PEOPLE WHO TURN ON THE RADIO, USE FAMILIAR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, AND RESPOND BETTER TO TRADITIONAL ADVERTISING THAN YOUNGER DEMOS.

It's just further proof that the radio business has a cancer that is incurable.

My father, who is 71, retired, has a ton of money, doesn't listen to radio anymore. Why? "They don't play anything I like". He used to enjoy standards, jazz, and 50's and 60's rock tracks.

It's stupid of the industry to categorically ignore older demos. Radio seems to consider anyone over 55 "dead".

This industry is it's own worst enemy.
First rant of 2012 over.

[Tim]

Mr. Flashpoint...I agree, completely. Much of what you said was what the Music of Your Life sellers preached in the 1980's/1990's.

This time, there's a HUGE difference: there's one hell of a lot more people in the so-called Baby Boom Generation than any other seguement of the 2011 population. People born 1946 to 1964...folks today who are age 48 to 66. Not young, but certainly not geezers either.

So, that short-sighted advertising agency position seems be changing a bit. In the middle of 2011, a major advertising rep firm piece called: "Alpha Boomers" was released. It's about the size of the Baby Boom Generation and their financial assets, and why many advertisers should reconsider going after their $$$'s. Pretty interesting stuff.

Perhaps if you do a google search for "Alpha Boomers" maybe the study will come up...who knows.

In a tough economy that for most of us doesn't look like it's improving a whole lot anytime soon (or ever)....why not seek out the $$$'s that are available? Who cares where those dollars are?

Need is the mother of invention!

[Nock]

The problem is - - - When I was in my twenties, I spent money and saved little. (traveled, new cars, electronic equipment, partying etc)  Now that I am in my Fifties, I am socking away money for retirement and still spend some money. 

Who has more money that the advertisers want?

Nock

[Tim]

Nock...There isn't a problem, really. People of all ages are watching their spending a lot more carefully than just a few years ago. Very, very few people save more than 10% of their salaries (though they probably should). So, there are $$'s out there available to be spent.

The thinking re: Alpha Boomers is....market to them, convince/persuade them to buy your products. At least they have the money to spend....if they're so motivated.

People with money to spend is better than people who want to spend but have little or no money.

[Nock]

Nock...There isn't a problem, really. People of all ages are watching their spending a lot more carefully than just a few years ago. Very, very few people save more than 10% of their salaries (though they probably should). So, there are $$'s out there available to be spent.

The thinking re: Alpha Boomers is....market to them, convince/persuade them to buy your products. At least they have the money to spend....if they're so motivated.

People with money to spend is better than people who want to spend but have little or no money.

Tim I totally agree with you.  Just pointed out the logic (or lack of logic) that radio advertisers use.  There has been a fairly successful Triple A station here in town for over 20 years.  Never more then a 1.5 in ratings yet they continue to pay the bills.  they built a very loyal audience that shops where their advertisers are, show up at the shows that the station is behind.  They are independently owned which is what makes this work.


Nock

[Jimmy128]

P.S.: Indeed...I'm aware of BA's taking over many NAC/SJ stations about 15 years ago and it wasn't necessarily a great thing for the format. As I say, picking & blending the right mix of music in any format isn't an easy task.

My favorite NAC/SJ ever: KWJZ Seattle under Carole Handley. I liked KTWV's first 15 or 20 years. WNUA in Chicago was very good too. I'm sure I'm missing some stations...but, those 3 are the ones that I quickly recall.

Tim, Good News:

http://smoothinseattle.com/