Entercom Hits the Road with 2012 Children's Hospital Radiothon

[202Blogs]

Looks like the crying towel will be out once again at the GSP outlets for Entercom.  They will be playing those depressing audio clips and interviews with patients and their parents.  I love live radio, on the scene, out of the studio broadcasts.  It doesn't take long to hear who has the chops to be out of the safety of the studio to deal with distractions, gawking, and hawking with real people.

I admit the "cause" is worthy, but most of the stations work these depressing clips in and the actual interviews with crying parents is difficult to listen to.  I checked out ROCK101 last year and they seemed to avoid that pitfall, while still promoting the cause, the numbers, etc.  I saw this story regarding their plans.

[carolinaradio]

Oh, yes.  I'm sure this year they'll raise just a little more than last year when they raised a little more than the year before....I would think that corporate sees that Greenville breaks each year's record by chipping in a donation of their own. 

I guess I don't see the need to break programming on 5 different stations.  Do the audiences at B-93.7 or 93.3 The Planet really care to listen to all of this?  Seems like it would be difficult to get much participation from a younger demographic, especially one that would listen to 93.3 The Planet.  I can see it more on Magic, WROQ, or WORD, since those have older demographics that would be more supportive of the cause as they are likely parents of their own -- especially Magic, who seems to go overboard with it the most.  I agree that it gets old and frankly, depressing after a little while.

[Bugz]

Am I reading this thread right?  I am so sorry you are depressed by sick local children and their families.  This will probably surprise you, but these parents actually want to tell their stories and get it off their chests.  The reason Magic goes "overboard" is this event is primarily aimed at moms, who actually connect with the stories.  The reason that Rock 101 handled it differently is their target is men.  Men simply say, "sounds like a good cause, I'll throw in a few bucks" and that is all it takes.  It is on five stations to raise more money, awareness, and to connect with a community with a staff that continues to be diluted by budget cuts.  Man, if this is all you have to complain about concerning radio, go listen to more voicetracking and come back when the live and local event is over.  Sorry it has gotten "old" for you.   

[Scooter Lesley]

So, is it hard to get stations to do this anymore...or...or...was the air staff promised movie tickets, if they would volenteer their time.  Ooooooh, it just hurts to think what was (asked)said.  Truthfully, if you pay the announcers on duty, by the hour, you can bump it of the taxes; provided that you file the correct paperwork, correctly, using the correct exzimpion number.  Man!...with only two announcers per station, they're really gonna wear someone out: Blood-shot eyes, sleepy breaks, tired feet, soiled undergarments, indigestion from all that free Papa John's,...and Sheeeesh, someone needs a shower!  I always did my part, when asked, but there were four hangs that I posted up front: No Dunk Tanks, No Jail & Bail, No Donkey Basketball, and(for those that know) I ain't ridin' any Camels or Elephants!  It's good to asist charities, with a driving effort, but back at the office, you Corp Bean Counters need to really take care of your own.
 

[freqdev]

Am I reading this thread right?  I am so sorry you are depressed by sick local children and their families.  This will probably surprise you, but these parents actually want to tell their stories and get it off their chests.  The reason Magic goes "overboard" is this event is primarily aimed at moms, who actually connect with the stories.  The reason that Rock 101 handled it differently is their target is men.  Men simply say, "sounds like a good cause, I'll throw in a few bucks" and that is all it takes.  It is on five stations to raise more money, awareness, and to connect with a community with a staff that continues to be diluted by budget cuts.  Man, if this is all you have to complain about concerning radio, go listen to more voicetracking and come back when the live and local event is over.  Sorry it has gotten "old" for you.   

you forgot to mention the thousands of dollers entercom pockets by selling sponsorships.  it is a good vehicle to promote the hospital and the work it does, but the real reason entercom does it is for the money

[Al Timiter]

you forgot to mention the thousands of dollers entercom pockets by selling sponsorships.  it is a good vehicle to promote the hospital and the work it does, but the real reason entercom does it is for the money

Now, that's depressing!

[carolinaradio]

[quote author=freqdev link=topic=218380.msg1965721#msg1965721    
you forgot to mention the thousands of dollers entercom pockets by selling sponsorships.  it is a good vehicle to promote the hospital and the work it does, but the real reason entercom does it is for the money
[/quote]Exactly, and good PR.  That's why I don't care for this.  They're not trying to "help the community" - do people really think that Entercom, or any national broadcaster, would devote all of the personalities, resources, time, etc. if there wasn't something for them to gain from it?  I have no doubt that there are good hearted, well meaning people there, but the financial and PR rewards are the driving force.  I'd be interested in knowing how much they really raise in listener/local donations.