In 2010 and 11, internet radio is going to make a big splash and it’s going to do everything for radio that American Idol did for music and Blogs did for the magazine industry. It’s going to break all the old rules. The “Format” concept will get the boot with the most unlikely people will be behind the mics and conservative urban radio will be up for its greatest challenge.
You just don’t hear a lot of excitement over commercial radio stations…so when you do, it’s imperative that one take note. Urban industry people are even talking about how great Groove 105.7 sounds in Atlanta. The station MUST be on to something. Of course we all know the newness of any station (Honeymoon phase) quickly wears off once a staff of announcers are hired but it appears Clear Channel’s foray into this interesting format is creating a lot of buzz in Atlanta. Listeners are also showing great interest in the station as they continue to comment and search for more information online. I have to admit, I have not seen this kind of excitement for an urban station in years. I’ve noticed mostly major market transports like the station, most citing they’re tired of the annoying plethora of hip hop stations and screaming jocks they can’t understand in Atlanta as a reason for the welcomed change.
It appears part of Groove’s success is the unique format that encompasses everything from New Edition’s “Candy Girl” to the current Lady GaGa hits. The program director Duncan Payton has programmed several stations and was unemployed before he was given the opportunity. He currently also maintains an online gay-themed radio station called StudioOUT. Time will tell how The Groove will compete in Atlanta but the station is certainly off to a great start.
