You'll Never Guess What's Making a Comeback on Internet Radio

From the first day I started dabbling in the streaming radio realm (back in '09 at AccuRadio.com), I sensed a distinct divide between the worlds of terrestrial and internet radio.  With few exceptions, those employed on the terrestrial side viewed internet radio as something of a poor stepchild, as something less than "legitimate" radio.  At the same time, those whose careers began on the internet radio side perceived terrestrial as outdated and representing obsolete notions and practices.  As someone who was fortunate enough to have had opportunities on both sides, I saw how counterproductive this attitude was for everyone involved.  Those on the terrestrial side had gotten comfortable doing things the same way for so long that they were turning a deaf ear to new ideas that could refresh and revitalize their medium.  Similarly, those on the internet side were too quick to dismiss and devalue lessons and principles that the terrestrial side had learned long ago, especially when it came to programming. 

Therefore, I wanted to launch SmoothJazzChicago.net with an open mind.  I wanted to try and combine the best of both worlds, implementing the best practices from the terrestrial side that I had absorbed in my thirty years of working in over-the-air radio and supplementing them with features unique to the streaming radio platform.  That was my specific vision for SmoothJazzChicago.  Well, it seems that others on the internet side, at least, are finally starting to catch on.

I came across this article this morning in the industry press, and I had to chuckle.  It seems pureplay internet broadcaster Slacker has decided there might be some value after all to having--fanfare, please--hosts on some of their most popular channels.  And they could be bringing back more than just announcers.  According to the article, Slacker is intent on "integrating old school radio fundamentals to make their service more than just a lifeless algorithm that endlessly spits out music."

Imagine that.  New technology admitting old technology might have gotten something right, starting with actual people--warm, breathing human beings--who presence might complement their music programming by enhancing the experience of those who are listening.  Wasn't that the idea behind disc jockeys in the first place?  But wait!  Since there are technically no discs to jockey anymore, they had to come up with a new name to go along with the new/old job.  This is the name they settled on:  "human curation," which to me is a mouthful.  Like when stewardesses became flight attendants and janitors became sanitation engineers. 

I'm a proud old schooler who refuses to change my business card to read "Human Curator."   But I will admit I'm happy to see one branch of the broadcasting industry come to its senses about something, because it's been awhile since that's happened.  And it's something I've felt was important all along.  Call 'em DJs or curators, the human touch is as vital as ever to the listening experience. 

~Rick O'Dell ([email protected])

Our Smooth Video of the Day:  Who sends sweet salvation?  Esperanza Spalding knows:  a DJ, of course!

 

Comments

[Super Dave]

Interesting piece, Rick. Is it possible YOUR design for SJC is being monitored by the industry & the light bulb went on? If so, it's good to know SOMEONE is paying attention. Kudos to you, & "Go Hawks".

[Art B.]

Rick, Dave is right, it is an interesting article and you said a mouthful " the human touch is as vital as ever to the listening experience ", that is one attribute that will always hold true !!!

[Abouting Your Passions]

Thank you. I guess this is turning into a "me too", but when I've listened to Internet Radio, I have often noticed the lack of a human feel to the broadcasting. Piece goes into piece, at times with no break between the two. Understandable when the station is one guy on a shoestring budget having music play automatically 24 hours per day - the guy has to eat and sleep - but something is missing.