asking about audience reaction. For example if the track was aimed at clubs the DJ would be asked what time it was played, was it played more than once and did the dance floor fill up or did the night clubbers leave the floor during its duration? The DJ’s returned these reaction sheets to the label which ensured they would be sent further free records.
I talked to several radio stations around the UK who I am in contact with regularly and play our music to ask them for an update on their own opinions and their input into modern radio and how they feel it’s all going. From about a dozen I asked, just 4 responded.
Disappointed that commercial radio in Britain has not evolved as envisaged by the offshore radio stations of the 1960s.
There is a lack of truly independent commercial stations with the freedom to maximise local live programming. Instead, a system of large profit-orientated radio groups owning the vast majority of stations has emerged, with a high degree of programming centralisation from hubs, which detracts from true localness.
A non-individualistic commercial radio voice style has gained superiority resulting in an unfortunate commonality among the majority of presenters. This, along with the hub programming concept, creates difficulty in identifying a station from others. Steve Wright's mickey-take of commercial radio by miming the DJ on "Wonderful Radio FM" as he describes it, is, in fact, pertinent.
There is also a lack of opportunity for airplay of new talent, as some stations will only play tracks supplied by the established big labels.
Individuals responsible airplay selection should be made aware of, or advised of, the reason for the original British commercial radio (Caroline) being established by Ronan O'Rahilly, was because of the same problem that he faced as a record promoter for Georgie Fame in 1962.
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At Preston Hospital Radio our presenters come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds from early 20s right through to late 60s. Myself, Dave Gilson and my co-presenter Sian Baker broadcast Dave and Sian's Music Mix which is pretty much what it says, a music mix from brand new artists who are either unsigned or with independent labels through to those more established.
I welcome being sent new music no matter what genre, so I can either air it myself or pass to other presenters to use. As a presenter it gives me great pleasure to play the songs for the first time and send the artist a link so their fans can tune in.
The radio station has a captive listenership and we do try to get as much music from all sources, which may be presenters using their own music collections to getting record labels sending in, so far with limited results, but this is improving thanks to the small labels who are keen to get new acts they support, as much air time as possible. We are also looking to get the children’s ward involved in producing a special show for our younger listeners and also a chart show with a top 20.
We hope this will continue for many years to come as I'm sure I speak for all our volunteers at PHR when I say we enjoy what we do. I have now been given the roll of marketing manager which a little scary! - but it will allow me to get in touch with more small labels, so we can get even more new music. Please feel free to contact me.
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Preston Hospital Radio
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