August 27, 2008 / 12:47
My favourite radio personalities are the financial ones and I've never heard of a all-finance radio station. I know many people would find this boring, by I wouldn't mind hearing people like Lou Schizas and the late Dave Steinhart all day.. Financial analysis, investment advice, market updates, etc..
Yes, I could listen to that all day (or at least while driving).
August 27, 2008 / 12:54
- tired morning shows that have existed in the market far too long.
- Toronto radio is always last to add new music. It takes no risks. I used to think radio sucked, now that I live elsewhere I realize it's not radio that sucks, but TORONTO radio that sucks.
- Toronto radio is like the suburbs, it's all sorta the same aside from minor differences. The only thing that stands out is Z103, Jazz FM, CBC Radio 1 and Classical 96. The rest...
- Personality and programming logjam at the top. SAME people working in that city from when I was 18 years old. How are you supposed to come up with fresh ideas with the same people at the helm for the past two decades (they just change stations).
August 27, 2008 / 13:05
I really believe that a station that was somewhere between BBC6 Music and the old CFNY could totally thrive in Toronto.
As for Virgin radio in Toronto, they are spinning no music that is part of VFest next weekend. A huge disconnect.
August 27, 2008 / 13:28
My ideas,
Toronto already has too much boring talk. I find it quite difficult to find a good station to listen while I drive. I reluctantly listen to CFNY in the mornings and switch over to EZRock to listen to odd Humble bit. Unfortunately both stations are lacking a morning show that appeals to me. While I find some things that the Blundel show does to me amusing, I think they far too often go for obvious jokes and nothing that is really all that funny. Their form of humiliation humour at the expense of others can get old quick. The EZ Rock show is really for Soccer Moms. Not really for me.
What would I like to see? A station that plays music that isn’t always in the mainstream. I feel out of touch with what is really new since I don’t access radio stations from other markets. I listen while I drive. I know Jason “Get My OJ” knows a lot of stations but I can’t get them.
Show wise, I would like Radio Personalities that are real and honest. I think Jason Barr is one but his colleagues are not. I can’t stand anyone that uses a name like “Mad Dog” and come across as so phony.
I also think that radio is just so bogged down with extra crap and too many ads. Most half hours are filled with Traffic, commercials and other filler that the amount of time for a little talk and music is too short.
I may be way off base, but I don’t think every station needs news and traffic. If I want news I got to a news station, same with traffic. I tune into 680 for a bit and then back to a regular station. When the news comes on, I throw in a CD or whatever and usually never come back.
Last thing would be for radio stations to stop taking complaints too seriously. For the most part you get stupid people who would bother writing to a station to complain about the lack of content that they enjoy. Turn the dial you darn fools.
August 27, 2008 / 13:29
Agree with Mr.Hamilton, but i don't know bbc6 so i'll check it out.
I love indi103.1fm out of los angeles. They'll embrace new music like Kate Nash, Fratellis, the kooks well ahead of everyone else, while spinning classic stuff from bands like the cure, the jam, smiths, et al. One thing i used to also love about cfny was that they played deeper cuts of an album, and not just the hit.
One of my top fave bands of all time is James. A lot of people only know their biggest hit Laid, and cfny played it in the 90's, but they are such a great, prolific band with so many incredible tunes (and they're awesome live). And, after breaking up in '01, they recently reformed and the new album is brilliant..does cfny of today play the new James? absolutely not. oh wait, they'll play Laid a few days before their upcoming Toronto gig cuz they're the "brought to you by" station. whatever.
August 27, 2008 / 13:36
Toronto needs a good student radio station with guest/DJ's helping teach up and comers. Much like the two outstanding ones in the Hammer CFMU- MAC U and CIOI Mohawk College.
August 27, 2008 / 13:52
I really miss the old cfny and I would love something with a similar format. Suggestions...
- Never play the same song more than once in a day.
- No popular music. Just really damn good music that deserves airplay.
- Play multiple genres (except Pop) like cfny did with jazz fusion (remember that tune by Soft Machine?) or old progressive rock like Genesis ...and hey, why not a some Echo Beach?
- Great radio personalities with interesting things to say ...about the music.
- I could do without a morning show.
- Easy on the commercials ....come on!
I currently listen to Ethel and Lucy on XM.
Thanks Freddie
Ed.
August 27, 2008 / 14:00
-Toronto needs a station with the Spirit
-You can start by getting real DJ's that have a passion for a passion for what they do. DJ's that make magic on the air. Listen to Marsden for an example.
-DJ's should be knowledgeable and passionate and have a say in what they play.
-Then, let those DJ's talk. Let them have a personality on the air. If they don't, get rid of 'em! I don't want to listen to a generic sounding bore. I can just go back to my iPod now thanks. Engaging DJ's make listeners stick around.
-Take some bloody risks. Especially you so called "Alernative" stations. The excuse that a wider playlist doesn't make money is a bad one. Example: Indie 103
-On that note, listen to Indie 103 for 3-5 days and figure out what it is that you're doing wrong. Listen to Xfm Uk in London. Listen to BBC. Listen to KCRW. Hell, BBC *ONE* is more alternative than Edge 102
-Another good station: Indie 97.9 in Baltimore. Only avil. online and through DAT. I mention them because they are small but don't miss half the music The Edge doesn't include.
..But no matter the station or the format, come on, play more variety, have a deeper playlist, have engaging DJ's and maybe people will have a reason to listen.
Again, generic sounding announcers that tell you the time and the name of the song (while sounding about as enthusiastic as a TTC ticket collector) really isn't appealing to me.
I remember listening to radio back in the day on CFNY and guys like Brother Bill, Pete Fowler, Mae Pautts.. actually sounded like they dug what they were doing. Of course, the original CFNY seemed like that even moreso.
There are people on BBC and other stations who I tune into not only for the music, but because of the PERSONALITIES on the shows.
Oh... and a bit of a local spin doesn't hurt... which would be the opposite of that Ryan Seacrest B.S.
Last But not least... I'm in good company here. Apparently I have a reputation for seeking out new music and new stations so when you radio guys are ready to take a few risks, call me up.
I'm pleased with some of the ideas already written here. I see people write these ideas, and I hear people talk about these ideas, but the suits don't then take the ideas of their listeners, their customers, and follow through with somethinggenuine and condusive to our listening needs.
Notice how many time Indie 103 was mentioned. CFNY once had that reputation.
Maybe one day someone with enough "stroke" will get behind the Spirit of Radio again.
It's what Toronto needs.
There are tons of people driving in their cars right now if your stations had a pulse but often dead air is about as endearing in this city.
Why does FM radio in Toronto want to keep so much music behind bars? The ones who bother to look elsewhere will still find it, (get your oj peeps) but isn't it your job to introduce your listeners to more music that they might like?
Anyway, I won;t hold my breath because I know it's all about the money, right?
August 27, 2008 / 14:16
I try not to live in the past, but the old CFNY did so many things right that it is difficult not to use it as an example of how good radio can be.
My basic station would consist of:
In the morning, a Pete and Geets type of show. Funny, but not in an annoying way (unlike the current CFNY morning guys). Even Ralph on JAZZ FM is very smooth, with a bit of wit now and then. As another person commented, less talk and more music...even in the morining.
As other people have commented, don't overplay forty songs all day. Play popular songs no more than once every twelve hours. Screw the playlists and let the DJ's play want they feel like playing. Right now it doesn't matter who you listen to, they all play the same songs.
Expand the horizons of the listeners. I used to love to listen to Lee Carter in 'Live from London'. It really let me know what was popular in England. Closer to home, the 'PQ Special' was fantastic to showcase talent from Quebec.
Most of all, don't insult our inteligence by giving us the lowest common denominator when we turn on the radio. Challenge us with interesting subjects and music.
Also, please limit the number of stupid contests.
August 27, 2008 / 14:20
I currently listen to CFRB on the way in to work and Jack FM on the way home.
Somedays I feel like talk radio, some days I feel like music.
What I really miss, is the Mojo format. Not so much the "manly man" radio spin, but the light hearted, fun talk radio where people called in about anything entertaining. It wasn't politics, it wasn't the latest news story, but rather, life stories. When was your first kiss, or did you ever get busted as a kid for doing something you shouldn't have. Just fun, entertaining radio as if you were sitting around with friends telling stories and laughing.
As for music, I'm all for good music. Not particularly what is popular today but what is the music that most people enjoy. At work I listen to my mp3's and the songs are a variety from oldies, to 70's, 80's, 90's, and never do I hear the same song in a day, hell even in a week. I was down in florida, and if I could remember the station, I'd lsiten to it online. They played music all over the map. If a song came on you didn't like, didnt' matter, it was only a few minutes and another one you liked would come on. We left the radio locked to that station the whole week down there. Everything form Beatles to Justin Timberlake. IT wasn't pigeon holed into one musical format, because honestly most people like all kinds of music.
I also like that on weekends CFRB has specialty shows for finances, legal issues, fixing cars, etc. Great to listen to when your'e working around the house on the weekend.
My favourite Radio personalities are Mike Stafford, Jim Richards, Humble Howard and of course Freddie P for sports and comment.
August 27, 2008 / 14:25
Oh forgot to mention Maie Pauts and Martin Streek.
August 27, 2008 / 15:00
Freddie you've said it before but there really needs to be something for people that have graduated from CFNY. I just don't feel the connect with edge as much as I used to, I now typically listen to my Sirius Left of Center or CBC radio 3.
The problem is that just because I don't want to listen to edge doesn't mean I'm ready to sell my soul to leeza gibbons and Ez rock it up. On sirius there is a channel called Spectrum for Adult Alternative type music and it's great - there's the odd piece of crap, but the variety is way better than CHUM, 99.9, EZROCK or anything.
One more thing to note - I took a visit to Boston and there's a great station there called WERS - it's student focused, but not a college station per se. It's got a great lineup and great variety.
I've said it before, but I'd love to see what would happen if CFNY actually had some real competition of another new rock station in Toronto. Does anyone think it would change their attitides?
August 27, 2008 / 15:22
I made this entry as to newer bands of a fresh yet soothing pop-rock genre; the kind that are often seen via the Late Night talk shows and music blogs. In overall tone: think neo-AM 70s Gold, and updated 80s synth, when average guys & gals everywhere were easy going & alright with everyone else.
And when mixing in the retro songs, go well beyond Madonna or Prince and never be afraid(!) of the abandoned Cancon Vault.
August 27, 2008 / 15:25
Simple: Cross BBC2 with BBC5. I'd love to hear intelligent talk radio in Canada, but I'm not holding my breath.
If you think Toronto is bad, try Ottawa radio.
August 27, 2008 / 15:29
Radio hasn't been the same since the coach left WGR-550 Buffalo and he would challenge his more verbal listeners to come down to the station so he could take a round out of them. Now I listen to Scruff Conners Junior at BOB FM out of Lindsay, who is almost as crazy as his old man......
August 27, 2008 / 16:01
A radio station will never appeal to everyone - the goal is to appeal to the masses and make a profit through advertising revenue. Afterall it is a business.
That being said, as a listener, I like a good morning show with a mix of banter and debate debate (John and Maureen Q107) mixed with humour; a break once in a while with a good report on news and sports (that way I don't need to always switch to AM680)and enjoyable music which is increasing hard to find on FM so I tune to XM 44 "Fred" which is close to the old CFNY tunes.
August 27, 2008 / 18:04
Hard to beat Don Jackson , Lovers and Other Strangers, for mood, preparation and appropriate music.
I always liked the 60's but I doubt that there will be any original hits coming from who's left from that Era. The Stones? They amassed at least 20 great songs in 40 yrs. .5 a year....hahaha.
August 27, 2008 / 19:36
Hey! I popped on to get a little bit of a H&F fix recently and was excited to learn that Humble is back. I wish though that Freddie, you were in the saddle beside him. I know that's not what your looking for here but since I'm in KW now I'm not the best source of commentary on TO radio.
Best wishes from the guy who used to work at Daily Bread.
August 27, 2008 / 20:45
Toronto radio needs the return of CFNY as The Spirit of Radio. That to me was real radio. The announcers picked the music and treated their listeners like real people and not like mindless consumers who turned on their radios just to hear some background noise. As for me personally, now that I've moved to New Brunswick I'm no longer 'tuned in' to Toronto radio - except for checking your's and Humble Howard's blogs. Glad to see Humble is back on air - unfortunately the powers that be who hired him overlooked your talent as Howard's sidekick or cohost. Hope you find an on-air gig soon.
August 27, 2008 / 21:12
I Miss Mojo, specially Scruff Connors and Ripkin
August 27, 2008 / 22:17
I miss the days when John Oakley was on CFRB in the afternoons. The old John Oakley was really funny once you got used to his sense of humour. The new John Oakley and the whole "AM640, what can we complain about today", morning show is boring. Except for Lou S., it tends to be an amen chorus.
August 28, 2008 / 01:57
AM Radio needs it's MOJO back. I still believe that had AM640 hung on to that format they would have been #1 by now. Bring back Ripkin & Johnny B.
, Jesse & Gene, Humble & Fr... oh right...
FM Radio needs more DJ's like Marsden. REAL PERSONALITY. People can tell when it's forced and when it's authentic. Broaden the music pallet, there are literally MILLIONS of great unheard songs, don't be so damned repetitive, and rethink the commercial aspect of radio.
Both AM and FM could use some fresh blood too. I know it's a tough industry to break in to, but give us new guys a chance, we may just surprise you.
Of course, none of this will come to pass because radio is no longer about entertaining, it's about the money. Sorry Donald, but greed is not good.
August 28, 2008 / 04:49
Radio is all crap anywhere you go. Everything is so programmed and contrived. This whole Virgin radio thing is a joke.
Even satellite radio is so repetitive and corporate crap. I'm not sure it would happen, but a station like the old original CFNY would be nice where DJ's can bring in their own music. I just can't see that happening today.
August 28, 2008 / 07:50
Alan Cross visited the old Niagara Falls Media Play a few years back now, probably 1999 when his Alternative Music Almanac came out and he said a format he would like to see is "Classic" Alternative. That would essentially be old school CFNY. It would coincidentaly be a format that Both Humble and Fred would be fit for and Alan Cross could escape the travesty that has become 102.1
That Format would easily survive and you could always add new music to the format as new rock becomes "Classic" could even have listeners vote on what belongs on the station and what doesn't.
Put the music in the hands of the fans again. Thats what made CFNY so special was that it was the fans that made that station, now it has become a coorporate run entity that plays whats popular. I personally like Jack FM here in Buffalo, yeah they play some stuff I don't like but its the fact that they can go from a bad Heart song to Echo and the Bunnymen or the Cure. Eliminate the Heart and replace with say The Dead Milkmen .... and now your talking.
August 28, 2008 / 08:25
...and still this will all fall upon deaf ears...
& I'm not a fan of that 'Classic Alternative' cop out... Classic alternative combined with the newer songs would be great.
Please listen to Indie 97.9 in Baltimore for a few hours to get a true feel the concept.
August 28, 2008 / 08:28
Oh, and by newer songs I don't mean Nickelback, Linkin Park and Sum 41 and all that soccer dad crap..
Here's a slice of what Indie 97.9 just played.
R.E.M. - Accelerate
Keane - Somewhere Only We Know
The Futureheads - See What You Want
Lemonheads - Become The Enemy
The Walkmen - In the New Year
Buzzcocks - What Do I Get?
The Broken West - Perfect Games
Phoenix - Long Distance Call
Tokyo Police Club - Tessellate
Material Issue - Valerie Loves Me
That's right, even some CanCon in there.
August 28, 2008 / 09:04
Jason, it sounds like you have access to what you want to hear.
What is the complaining about? (Besides a way to get attention.)
August 28, 2008 / 09:58
Wow, good response from this posting Fred!
I really enjoy listening to smart, well read radio hosts. I think John Derringer from The Q and Bob McCown from The Fan are 2 of the best. It is to the point where if I turn to their shows and they are on vacation or away for some reason, I’ll check to see what else is on the dial. I don’t mean to stroke you on this Fred but I really miss hearing you on a regular basis. There are a few reasons. First of all, you are totally honest and transparent. Your blog has provided has provided some interesting and amusing reads that many of us can relate to. You move that to radio and it would be a hit. Also, because my wife and I use to you back in the day (with no kids and no responsibilities), it takes me back to a different time. I don’t mean to sound cheesy but you’re like an old friend. There is simply not enough of that type of personality on the radio these days. I will also stop and listen to Alan Cross if I hear him on the radio. His knowledge of music is outstanding and I find it great to listen to. I know you mention Mike Stafford as a great host, I have never tuned into him but will give him a listen at some point.
As for music, I enjoy all kinds so the idea of a “formatless” station that just plays great music is appealing. None of the pop stuff that that gets manufactured in the US and then pumped out of some marketing machine. I remember in the early 90s while at university rushing to press record on my tape player once I heard “up next, live Hip” (on CFNY or HitzFm). I guarded those recordings of the “Killer whale” and “nuclear submarine” versions of New Orleans is Sinking with life (I have since thrown them out thanks to the ability to get this stuff in electronic format). It’s this sort of rare/live stuff that I really like.
When it comes to news/sports/weather, a station does not really need to spend a lot of time on that, people know where to go to get that if they want it (either on the radio or the internet).
Anyway, that’s my 2 cents for what it’s worth.
August 28, 2008 / 10:09
CFNY in the late 80s and early 90s will always be the best for me. I like djs that make me laugh but I hate that crude type of humour (i.e Dean Blundel). It's lame. I loved H&F of course, and Alan Cross, Maie Potts, etc. I listen to Sirius in the morning. I like BBC1's morning show. There's music on there that I never hear on Cdn radio. Right now, new Keanne and new The Verve.
I don't mind Q morning show, but I get tired of classic rock and never end up listing to it. I like Darren B Lamb and Maie Potts in the morning. Too bad they aren't replacing Roger and Marilyn! Love hearing Humble back on the radio, but it's not my favourite format.
August 28, 2008 / 10:13
My preferred playlist would be a mix of classic rock album cuts and CFNY standards from the 80s.
I like intelligent personalities like Alan Cross and Dave Marsden. I listen to Q107 and the morning show but I can do without Derringer - he's not smart - just an egomaniac who reads the paper and repeats it. He and Maureen Holloway continually play a game of one-upsmanship.
Something I really hate is the lack of programming during the summer when the jocks take their 5 weeks of holidays. It's like they don't care about the listeners. However, an exception is John Scholes who replaced the endlessly vacationing Derringer. He was great and I'm having a tough time adjusting to Derringer again.
I also hate contests - I know they are deemed necessary, but I'd prefer a format that didn't include that kind of stunt programming.
August 28, 2008 / 11:02
Jason: Great reference as to the “soccer dad”. We know those types. They’re forced into buying a mini-van by their ever-controlling wives even though they swore to their friends a few years back they would “never ever, no way in hell buy a mini-van”. Overall they’re decent guys but when they’re behind the wheel of said mini-van and no kids are present in the van they turn into Mario Andretti. A mini-van, with a V6 and suspect brakes driven by a guy who feels he’s been emasculated by the fact he’s driving a mini-van is a deadly combination.
Oh and to get back to the article, our “soccer dad” dude is cranking the Q enjoying his Nickelback, SUM 41 and Van Halen.
August 28, 2008 / 11:49
In the sixties there was CHUM AM amd little else. Foster Hewit's station gave them a mild run.
Seemed like chatter was in, they played about 6 songs an hour and you looked forward to hearing some of them as you couldn't afford records.
Now with CD's which btw made the music industry zillions which they would never admit too and now MP3's and sort of free downloads you can play what you want whenever.
Radio, and it seems there is a lot of passion in Mr Fred's blog for radio, is background sound while you do something else. I'm surprised it's still an econonical and viable medium through which people like Derringer can make $1,000,000 a year to talk.
August 28, 2008 / 12:02
Check out Marsden on 94.9 THE ROCK Thursday and Friday nights and get a taste of what good radio sounds like.
And Jason, "soccer dad",
classic.
August 28, 2008 / 12:43
Couldn't help but noticing the amount of other stations people have listed to check out. Here's a suggestion. I've been sharing a cottage this past week up on Stoney Lake near Peterborough with two other buddies. We now have high speed internet on site so thought it would be fun to check out some online stations and put it through the soundsystem onto the deck.
By far and away the favourite station we have listened to is Planet Rock, the only Classic Rock online station in the UK. They play a great combination of Classic Rock from the 70's, 80's, 90's and a smattering of new releases. The talk is minimal and there is maybe 2 minutes of spots an hour tops. The rest of the advertising lives on their website. What they don't do is play any hair 80's hair bands. Lot's of Floyd, Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, Aerosmith, Guns N Roses, The Cult, AC/DC but in addition they play classic in depth cuts from The Stranglers, Clash, Sex Pistols the best of the original punk bands.
Also have heard long lost gems from Family, Groundhogs, Budgie, Hawkwind, Black Oak Arkansas etc.
Planet Rock is now the fastest growing radio station in the UK and are owned by a guy with deep pockets who is a huge rock fan and also have financial contributors from the likes of Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull and ex Marillion front man Fish.
Yesterday, they were spinning new tracks from David Gilmour's forthcoming Live in Gdansk album and new Gary Moore.
If you are a classic rock fan and want to go in depth with no nonsense announcers, this is the station for you!
August 28, 2008 / 13:46
The Soccer Dad line was quite brilliant. Why have I not heard it before? Nicely done.
Back to radio.....we need hosts knowledge and love of the music. While I appreciate the honesty of Blundel, hearing him rag on the music he is paid to play is sad.
August 28, 2008 / 14:04
Sid,
I am now actually curious as to what Derringer would really make and other morning show hosts as a matter of fact. I really have no idea what that would pay.
August 28, 2008 / 14:57
Q doesn't play Nickelback or SUM 41.
August 28, 2008 / 15:06
No, Q doesn't play Nickelback or Sum 41, but they do play the Beatles and the Stones 90 times a day.
August 28, 2008 / 15:11
Andrew - I read on the Southern Ont./WNY board (big yellow board) - that Derringer made $750,000 and up.
August 28, 2008 / 15:13
I too would want a classic alternative morning show. A smarter, younger group of personalities would really improve the Q morning show.
August 28, 2008 / 15:40
Unfortunately, FM radio sucks. I listen to EDGE morning show, but I miss Pete and Geets and Humble and Fred.
If you want to listen to the old CFNY music, then go here:
http://radionigel.com/
Here's what they're playing:
U2 - Gloria
X - Burning House of Love
Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Rage hard
The English Beat - Mirror In The Bathroom
The Bongos - Numbers With Wings
Trio - Da Da Da
Bump D1 - Trousers Down
Blur - Girls and boys
Malcolm Mclaren - Double Dutch
Thomas Dolby - Hyperactive!
August 28, 2008 / 15:44
Forgot to mention that I hate the fact that EDGE plays Weezer, Linkin Park, NIN et al 4,5 or 6 times per day. Drives me nuts.
And don't get me started on the so called "retro recall" that Josie does at lunch. She thinks that any song that's 10 years old is considered "retro".
This is why I listen to Radio Nigel.
August 28, 2008 / 16:57
To me the whole concept of 2 guys and a girl yapping and laughing is really quite un- listenable. If I want talk radio I listen to am640. If I want music I use my MP3.
For me an FM station should be playing music 95% of the time. I don’t want contests or chattering announcers; I understand they need to run station promos but limit the traffic updates and news. I can go to am for that.
At the end of the day, fm stations should just stick to music. When it comes to what kind of music, well that’s a matter of taste. All I will say is NEVER play a song twice in a day. That’s the one thing that drove me crazy about the EDGE – and I assume they still play certain songs to death.
August 28, 2008 / 17:56
What we need is the return of the radio mogul. Someone who owned the station because they loved music, not some soulless corporate media conglomerate. One who will change formats at the drop of a book looking to score another point.
During the heyday of CFNY, having 500,000 listeners was cool. Then they all started chasing for more, more, more and of course, lost the very audience they were chasing. Idiots!
Now with the wall to wall commercials the station is damn near unlistenable.
Rock94.9 out in the shwa is pretty good, tho I miss Rockin Rod on the afternoon shift, Jack is good except for their crappy signal, Hitz97.7 and Q107 ok if you can stand having the same damn music on all the time.
When it's all said and done, be thankful we DON'T have ClearChannel up here!
August 28, 2008 / 19:30
Unfortunately most good radio in Ontario is dead. I'm finding myself regularly desperately flipping between stations for a small dose of what I want to hear. Admittely, in my later 30's now, the Sprit music of the 80s and 90s is still pretty appealing. I've caught some slivers of good tunes on GiantFM (91.7?) out of Welland of all places. Living in Burlington, I get 105.1 the River, which is a pretty decent 80s/90s station (although prepare to put up with some cheese to go along with good tunes). I can't handle any radio in the morning now other than the FAN590 and WGR550. Thanks for the chance to vent, Freddie!
Brian.
August 28, 2008 / 20:47
I agree with Pauly, the original incarnation of Mojo was really cool.
The talk radio for guys gag was sort of misleading. When Mojo was at it's best it was relating stories and relatable conversations.
As far as the music is concerned I don't listen to the radio for music because I can pretty much find what I want online and I'm at the stage in my life where I don't bother listening to new bands... All my favorite bands don't get their new stuff played on the radio anymore anyway. What can I say? I really dug the 90's.
So it's entertaining personalities that I listen for... As far as personalities go, there's the morning show that we shall not speak of who were awesome together. But I also dig Derringer, Bob McCown, Alan Cross and Dean, Todd and Jason on the edge. Great shit right there.
Having said that, if I were starting a new station I might try my hand at bringing in Opie and Anthony's syndicated show from the states. Very funny stuff. Unfortunately they always make fun of Canadians.
PS whatever happened to Jessie & Gene? Did you and humble ever fight those guys Fred? Who would've won?
August 28, 2008 / 22:21
Radio used to be fun. Announcers used to be fun to listen to. There was personality and passion that is sadly lacking today. I'd love to hear a radio station that has one announcer per show (morning shows included). I'd like to hear a morning announcer that is downright funny without being nasty. I'd love a station that plays album cuts (or are they called cd cuts now?) and not just the mainstream hits. Music, old and new as long as it sounds like music and isn't a tirade to impregnate women and kill cops.
August 28, 2008 / 22:43
Argie: If Blundell actually rags on the music he plays, I'm glad to hear it.
Nosaj: How nice of you to give me the attention you accuse me of seeking.
Actually, I've always been passionate about this topic and I wasn't complaining, I was taking up Fred's offer to discuss this topic. I'm sure he knew I would, lol.
As for YOUR imput, do you have anything of substance to add to this conversation?
And as for the "soccer dad" term.. well I admit that was inspired by a certain Edge defender... ;-)
August 29, 2008 / 00:04
I'm tired of morning shows only talking about sex realted topics ( see current edge morning show ). I guess it maybe funny to people under the age of 18 or that are stupid. Personality radio is lacking in the GTA market. Sure, you get some personality of talk radio. They better have personality to rely on if there is no music playing. I cannot listen to the most of the "canned" radio announcers from the Toronto music radio stations. I use to love listening to a music station that also had personalities. If a dj is playing a song or a new cd and they think it sucks and is not as good as a previous cd, then I appreciate their opinion and honesty even if I dont agree with what they are saying. I miss Humble and Fred, Brother Bill, and Pete Fowler on Toronto radio. I don't know how they can fix the problem. We have recorded programming now, and recorded announcers. Hell, we even have Alice Cooper broadcasting from a Hamilton station. Thank God for sattelite radio.
August 29, 2008 / 00:46
The fact that there are this many posts so far, proves that there are still many people who love to listen to radio and who want to hear an improvement ASAP.
If someone could recreate the magic of WKRP in real life, there would be a lot of happy radio listeners in Toronto. In talk radio, I can honestly say that MOJO 640 was the closest anyone's gotten. On FM, CFNY was pretty damn close, too. For starters, they DESPERATELY need to update the rating system for stations, a mail-in survey in today's high tech world is laughable.
As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.
August 29, 2008 / 09:18
First of all....Virgin radio is a bunch of bullsh!t. It's all the same crap. Freddie...you know better than us how everything is so programmed now. Toronto has the worst corporate radio stations anywhere.
Something creative, innovative and without a pre-dtermined schedule would be a start.
August 29, 2008 / 09:21
The only radio station on the FM dial I find myself regularly tuned into for the music ans personalities is the Mighty Q 107. They with Derringer have a great morning show that hopefully will be around for a long time yet.
102 I tune into to hear whats on from time to time but not as regular as I used to. The personalities were a big part of the station, just as big as the music because the personalities were passionate about the cause of the station. They knew that CFNY while they may not have been the biggest fans of all the music (take for example Humble and Fred) they believed in what the station was doing. The station served a purpose, to provide cutting edge (that word is used way too often for alternative music) music, not just rock, but new and far out there MUSIC. Stuff that was different.
Its not different anymore. It doesn't do what it did right up till about the time that Humble and Fred left them. They changed after that. Its not about being cutting edge, offering whats different, its about the same as every other rock station is about that slaps the word edge on it, its about making money.
It should be, but it should also be about making your fans happy,not just the fans of today but the fans of yesterday who grew up on it and want to hear the same ideals in the music that the station plays that made it such a cult favorite back then. How they get back to that I have no idea. Radio has become sooooo comercialized. I think that is part of the discontent I have with 102. It was always something that wasn't supposed to become what it has become. It has become just like the others, instead of standing out on its own and playing what makes it different.
The mighty Q has at least continued to play classic rock that doesn't get played on other classic rock stations.
August 29, 2008 / 09:54
It wasn't Arige, it was me who made the comment about Blundell.
My point is that it is sad that the DJs don't have a passion about what they are playing. I am not questioning Dean's taste or his problems with the playlist. It is really the station that has the problem.
August 29, 2008 / 11:06
That's funny, because when people talk about radio w/"passion" it's more likely to be those AM stations that had even more repetition than it is the FM ones.
You get what you pay for? i.e. $12/hour
August 29, 2008 / 11:31
Here's what to expect on 102.1 in the near future, making alternative a more female-friendly format (because, sorry guys, that's where the bucks are):
http://fyimusic.ca/industry-news/broadcasting/chum-launches-hot-new-format-in-winnipeg
August 29, 2008 / 15:40
Hi Fred,
To answer your questions what Toronto radio lacks is originality. Especially when it comes to naming the radio station.
I could care less if it's called Virgin Radio or EZ Rock or Oldies 1150 or CHUM or whatever other fancy name they give it. I don't tune in because of the name of the radio station and I do miss the days of the orignal call letters of the station. I listen to the station if I like the announcers and the songs.
What's needed you ask? I think what's needed is a radio station that plays the music of singers people haven't heard of yet. I've found many talented singers on Facebook and MySpace that just are not given the opportunity for airplay as the well-known artists are.
Sure there's a need for radio stations to play songs by well-known artists but there's also a need to give exposure to just as talented singers who aren't popular yet. But radio stations it seems just don't want to give the new artists a fair chance to get their name and their music out to the people.
You say not to include Humble & Fred in announcers we'd like to hear and that'll never happen. Maybe not but as the saying goes "never say never" so I will include you two in the list(sorry!). In no particular order my favourite announcers I'd love to hear are:
Humble & Fred
Visnja
Sandra Plagakis
Jimi James
Sam Cook
and there's lots more...no kidding the list is rather lengthy but with just the ones I named any radio station that has all of my fave announcers on it I will listen to no matter what the radio station plays.
What I listen to now, in the morning I switch back and forth betwwen Mookie & Lea on Country 95.3 and Humble, Kim & Colleen on EZ Rock and Roger & Marilyn on CHUM-FM.(I hate when all my favourites are on at the same time on different stations).
Oh yeah, and many if not all stations repeat the same song way too much throughout the day. With all the songs out there surely they can find something new to play so they don't have to repeat the same song over and over...and over...and over...and over...again.
August 29, 2008 / 15:54
oops I was tired(so what ekse is new?--damn midnight shifts are getting to me!)when I posted. CHUM is the exception to the name of the station since that's their original call letters.
And I forgot to mention I miss comedy shows. Is it my imagination or was there a time when more radio stations played more comedies?
August 29, 2008 / 16:30
Some people might be wondering why- if some of us have access to the kind of radio we want to hear- why do we even care about the state of Toronto radio?
Because, it's embarassing!
Some of you stand behind your Leafs no matter what, I stnd behind the idea that this city DESERVES better radio..
..plus not enough local talent is promoted on the great radio I listen to and that's another big issue
August 29, 2008 / 17:53
You all should know your "CFNY for grownups" will be fulfilled to some degree in drive times on CBC 2, starting on Tuesday. New artists and pop music not played on commercial radio. They already do this overnight.
Jian Ghomeshi's show Q will also be moving to 10 a.m. on CBC 1, which covers a lot of music people are saying they don't get on the radio here.
Sadly, there won't be commercials, time and temp or stupid contests, so you will find it foreign.
August 29, 2008 / 20:23
You want a good radio host? You'll have to pay $$$ for one.
How are you going to pay? With money.
How are you going to get more money?
Continue to 'tinker' with your format to claw for more market share.
If that means the music suffers, I'm sure they don't give a rat's behind.
No more niche radio. It doesn't make enough money.
August 30, 2008 / 11:52
Hey Fred, in my last comment(s) I didn't get a chance to finish listing who I listen to. I also listen to talk shows. The Bill Carroll Show on CFRB and was pleasantly surprised to hear Rick Hodge join him recently. And continuing with talk radio I listen(passionately not reluctantly)to The Motts(Paul & Carol Mott)and leave it on CFRB for another hour to hear Michael Coren and Stephen LeDrew. But when The Motts are away I don't listen to whoever fills in for them. Then I listen to music on 92.5 JACK. And evenings I like listening to Taylor Kaye, especially her Impossible Trivia(always stumps me)on Virgin. Lately though, not always but often, almost no matter who's on, I find myself more and more picky going from dial to dial. The days of me leaving the radio tuned to one station are long gone.
August 30, 2008 / 11:52
Hey Fred, in my last comment(s) I didn't get a chance to finish listing who I listen to. I also listen to talk shows. The Bill Carroll Show on CFRB and was pleasantly surprised to hear Rick Hodge join him recently. And continuing with talk radio I listen(passionately not reluctantly)to The Motts(Paul & Carol Mott)and leave it on CFRB for another hour to hear Michael Coren and Stephen LeDrew. But when The Motts are away I don't listen to whoever fills in for them. Then I listen to music on 92.5 JACK. And evenings I like listening to Taylor Kaye, especially her Impossible Trivia(always stumps me)on Virgin. Lately though, not always but often, almost no matter who's on, I find myself more and more picky going from dial to dial. The days of me leaving the radio tuned to one station are long gone.
August 31, 2008 / 19:34
When John Oakley is on his game, hands down #1 on the AM dial. The show has become a little Fox News like, but that can't be bad, can it?
September 1, 2008 / 00:30
omg Blundell is awful, I can't stand to listen to 102.1 in the mornings any more. H+F were excellent, I miss their brand of humour and music. Now its mostly an ipod or 640am in the mornings for me.
September 1, 2008 / 01:33
When I listen to Toronto radio in the morning I usually flip back and forth between the Edge, Q107 or HTZ FM, I like all 3 morning shows, I find HTZ doesn't have as many comercials as Q and the Edge do though.
I've always liked Iron Mike Bensson, in a way though I wish he wouldn't have moved over to the morning spot though, cause now I never know what I wanna listen too.
September 2, 2008 / 14:07
In the morning I flip flop between the Fan and Q10Zepplin, Landry is terrible and the commercials drive me crazy, but they talk hockey. Q is okay Derriger is intelligent and whitty. On the way home I listen to McCown, unless he's on vacation then I switch to Bill Watters on 640.
My Favorite personalites include McCown, Derringer, and Watters (for Hockey), Alan Cross, Martin Streak on Sunday nights.
September 2, 2008 / 15:03
How's Rick Hodge doing?
I can't get am in the am.
Maybe like Henny who was a third or 4th banana at CHUM for a long time he'll hit his stride late too.
September 2, 2008 / 16:13
I agree with the guy about Ottawa radio - even worse than Toronto. One DJ actually talks about his digestion problems - Kevin something on Majic 100. Won't listen to that station in the morning anymore.
There is just crap in Ottawa. I only listen to get the weather then tune out.
September 2, 2008 / 19:40
Hey.
I wanted to comment on this last week but I knew that the 102 best new rock songs were coming out over the weekend.
Why are the top ten songs between the mid 1980's and 1990's?
I doubt that there has been anything worth listening to since 2002.
Here is the link...
http://www.edge.ca/Music/Top102AllTime.aspx
September 3, 2008 / 05:38
What I want is a classic rock radio station. Not a classic "Number One Hits" station that plays "Bennie and the Jets" every five minutes (there were so many great songs from that album that never get airtime)and considers The Tragically Hip a rock band so they can meet their CRTC quotas. I want announcers with the balls to play what they want, say what they want and embody the spirit of what rock and roll was about in the first place. Rock on.
September 3, 2008 / 05:40
What I want is a classic rock radio station. Not a classic "Number One Hits" station that plays "Bennie and the Jets" every five minutes (there were so many great songs from that album that never get airtime)and considers The Tragically Hip a rock band so they can meet their CRTC quotas. I want announcers with the balls to play what they want, say what they want and embody the spirit of what rock and roll was about in the first place. Rock on.
December 4, 2008 / 18:52
honestly, it looks to me like there are a LOT of ppl on this message board that are just crying with generic "it was better back in the day" complaints. everything's allllways better as we remember it as children.
this is especially true with music. it's always "i don't listen to new music, it's all crap now". stop trying to sound cooler than cool for being old enough to have an opinion 10 or 20 years ago.
and to the person that complained about Josie Dye's retro recall songs sometimes "only" being 10 years old, get over yourself. THAT IS RETRO. that's how it works. there have been several major rock movements since the collapse of grunge, it's safe to say grunge is now retro, just like how Whiskey Saigon used to be retro when it played '80s music in the 90s.
i'm not saying radio is perfect here now, but stop and think about how you all sounds like crusty old curmudgeons.
Yesterdays posting which included a short comment about the new Astral experiment with "Virgin Radio" created an enthusiastic response on FreddieP.ca.
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