Airplay Shifting??

Leigh Howell · From: Edinburgh, Scotland * R.I.P.

I read an article in the Country Music Magazine that said, Radio is starting to play more traditional country, and some of the more pop sounding artists are not getting the airplay they used to get.I sure hope that is happening. But I dont listen to country radio much anymore, so I cant confirm that one way or the other. Anybody notice a difference lately?

Leigh

Mike Winter · From: Portland, OR

I think there has been a little bit of a shift. Out here in Portland the big country (corporate) station is KUPL. Recently when they do their call letter announcement, it goes something like,"The best of modern country and country legends." I'm not exactly sure of the wording, but they are playing more of the traditional country by playing some older cuts by the "legends": Willie, Waylon, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn,Tammy Wynette, etc. Don't kid yourself. It's not a lot, but it's some...a few every hour, and that's a step in the right direction. I would like to see them play some Dale Watson and Derailers, but that's not likely to happen.

erik · Posted 26 Nov 2003 5:12 pm

The Country Station here advertises (paraphrase) "New Country and the best of your favorites". I heard Killin' Time today for the first time since it was on the regular playlist years ago. All in all I would say i've noticed a modest shift towards traditional sounds within the past few months.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

If the awards show a couple weeks ago is any indication, "Honky-Tonk" seems to be making a comeback. I haven't heard much of what I would call "traditional country", unless you're willing to including the "folky-bluegrass music" in that category.

Ben Slaughter · From: Madera, California

I too think the pedulam is starting to swing back, good news!!

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Ben
Zum D10, NV400, POD, G&L Guitars, etc, etc.

Bowie Martin · From: Wilson, NC USA 27896

I have noticed a swing back to more country in this area. The article in the Country Music magazine was talking about the girl singer's not selling as many records and not getting airplay now (Faith, Shania,and even Martina). This could be because that they now are all favoring a "pop" style. On the other hand Alan Jackson, George Strait, and more country sounding newer artists like Joe Nichols (Brokenheartsville/w steel)are getting play. We could help by calling a station when they play a country song and request it, or complimenting the station when they do play "country." It is looking more positive now than it has in a long time.

John Hawkins · From: Onalaska, Tx. on Lake Livingston * R.I.P.

There is a station in Houston that plays nothing BUT traditional country artists. It is 97.1 FM . The station is titled "COUNTRY LEGENDS"and is the only station I tune into these days . I understand their ratings are very high since they began this format .

I am hoping for more of this type format on todays' radio !!!!

John

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

Ages ago, some DJ's got in big trouble for taking money to play certain artist's releases, much to the detriment of other, deserving artists. It was a CRIME!
Today, since the BIG BOYS took over the radio stations, only certain "current" artists seem to get the play time, top 20 or whatever. Tha't now called popularity.
My music library is full of fabulous records by little known artists, great steel guitar work, that were played by local DJ's back in the 1950's, and that diversity is what gave country its DEPTH! At least, for me.
Folks like Hawkshaw Hawkins, Ernie Lee, Bob Eaton, Bobby Williams, etc., were never big names here in Oregon but they did put out some really nice stuff, from time to time. Happily I was exposed to those little names in country music and my library certainly shows it. So sad you new comers have been so restricted by the radio stations to what you're going to get to hear. Their corporate office selections often S-U-C-K, from where I sit and used to listen. I can't even tell you today, how many stations in the region even play country music or what their call letters are.

Roger Miller · From: Cedar Falls, Ia.

Our major FM station that played traditional country switched on a Friday to contemporary rock. With 11 records to play all weekend till they got a library. Our Traditional country station now in the Heartland is KWMT in Fort Dodge, Ia. They play Darrell McCall to Ray Price everyday. Everyone was rather upset over the change of the other station but most now have found KWMT 540 A.M. and really enjoy it. WE have a top 40 country station but who listens to that when you can have Lefty and Hank, and Ray.

Bowie Martin · From: Wilson, NC USA 27896

Fantastic!! Now, if we can just more stations to do that successfully, we will be back in the country music business!! I mean, pop music is fine and that there is a place for it, but we need a place for traditional country too..

Tom Olson · From: Spokane, WA

There is an independent (I think) station that started up near me a couple of years ago and they play about 50% classic (traditional, old, whatever) country and the other 50% new country. I only listen when the play the old country stuff.

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