Winston-Salem, NC – As a listener to both “country” and “rock” radio stations, there’s a subtle difference between the styles besides the music itself. Have you ever noticed the radio stations that play “rock” music employ 'hardcore' DJ’s, compared to “country” music stations who employ some cheesy characters? Your typical rock station has a morning show such as the award-winning “Elliot in the Morning” on DC 101, along with “The Wicker Show” on 98.7 Simon in Greensboro, and my personal favorite Mara Davis on Dave FM in Atlanta. All of these personalities cater to the mainstream folks, ages 13-40. Their fun, games, and contests are more prone to make fun of someone. If a contestant loses the game, there is no consolation prize. The rock DJ's are also not afraid to criticize a caller or avoid a certain issue. Contrast these broadcasts to your classic country radio station morning shows, “Wake Up with the Wolf with Leanne Petty and Chuck Marsh” in Greensboro or Jim London on WMZQ back in DC. These particular show hosts are all a bunch of cheeseheads. They have a greater propensity to laud their listeners in their contests. They also have a knack of praising celebrities when they do something right, such as some community work or if they write a song for their wife. Good for them, but let's not place the celebrities on a pedestal like everyone else.
I do like both types of music; hence the reason why I listen to both stations. But here’s where I think the difference lies. Throwing out the morning shows, for the remainder of the day, all radio stations usually just have one person running the show. With Mara Davis, I feel like I’m having a conversation with her when I’m listening to her midday show. Her direct and comical wit is entertaining. The same can be said of Sully (also of Dave FM) and Cerphe of '94.7 The Globe' in DC. Conversely, with Jim London of WMZQ and Gunner Jackson of 'The Wolf,' there is a ton of gag space. The lull is awkward, it's as if they’re saying words in between songs just to fill up space. After every song, Jim London gives the time of day by saying, “10:52 right now, 52 after 10, 8 before 11.” Is that really necessary? Tell me something funny, give me some country news out of Nashville, etc. Gunner Jackson has his two year old son introduce him in between songs: “Listen to my daddy on ‘The Wolf’ or I’ll bite ya.” Awful! Do something witty for a promo -- introductions like that make me not want to give you my ratings.
I say enough of the dense satire in these country radio disc jockeys. With the break-up of “Ben and Brian in the morning” on WMZQ, I’m not sure that I will ever be able to refer a buddy to “try country music” without lending them a CD.
4 comments:
I concur. However, the country stations are not the worst it gets... there is also Jack Diamond in the morning on 107.3. That one's worse than any country station i've heard.
Lets remember though that the Wolf has your bff Jim Bob on every week, so you can't come down on them too hard if they have you tuning in regularly.
I don't think its JUST country stations... I think the stations try to cater to who listens to them. For example, no soccer-mom is tuning into 99.1 (99.5?) so Elliot has more room to be inappropriate while the stations that boast "play us at work" can't really go for the more crude laughs because they'd lose their audience.
You're right about Jack Diamond. He takes the cake when it comes to Hostess products. I left out "soft rock" stations from this discussion because they're even worse than country.
booo mr. rock/mr. country music lover ....hoorray rap
Sean, I do believe that I saw Carrie Underwood's "Cheatin'" on your ipod last week.
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