Over the past few years, the urban radio industry has been facing some significant challenges. The landscape has been largely dominated by industry veterans like Donny Simpson, Steve Harvey, Tom Joyner, and Michael Baisden. While these figures have played an important role in shaping the industry, there’s an increasing urgency for fresh, local talent who can connect with the new generation. Amidst the changing tides, I’ve been pondering over the state of the industry, the role of veterans, the need for new voices, and the overall future of urban radio. In this post, I share some of my thoughts and observations.
The Current State of Urban Radio
There’s a palpable sense of uncertainty in the urban radio industry today. Despite the presence of veteran figures, the industry seems to be struggling to keep its listeners engaged. I’ve often wondered if the industry’s reliance on syndicated shows is a short-term solution that’s undermining its long-term success. Could we not achieve greater success by investing in young, local talent who can connect with the trendsetters in our markets?
Do We Need a Shift in Focus?
The question of who our radio shows are trying to reach is becoming increasingly relevant. While we have figures like Donny Simpson who’ve had illustrious careers, are they still able to connect with today’s audience? And if not, should we not be looking to bring in new voices who can?
Passion vs Payday
One of the things that’s been bothering me is whether our veterans are in it for the love of radio or for the love of money. While they undeniably bring a wealth of experience and skill to the table, are they truly passionate about the craft? Or are they simply riding the wave for the payday?
Opening Doors for New Talent
There’s a need for forward thinking in the industry. We need to create opportunities for new talent to enter and make their mark. We need to open the doors that were once opened for us. It’s time to bring in fresh voices, innovative ideas, and a passion for radio that resonates with the new generation.
In conclusion, while we respect and acknowledge the contributions of our veterans, it’s time to seriously consider the future of urban radio. The industry needs a fresh breath of air, and it’s time we let it in.
#UrbanRadio #MusicIndustry #RadioTalent #FutureOfRadio #NewVoices
Right On!
Urban radio today sound like crap!!! Too, too stale, same ole same ole.
XM……rocks!!
But wait a minute. I’m an older seasoned and still very good, check that, great & progressive thinking damn jock that can still outdo most on radio today. Why ain’t I on traditional radio?
Oh wait…I did say “progressive thinking.” NEVER MIND. Answered my own question…cuz the power massas that be HATE that. U know, that “out the box” thinking makes ’em nervous. Oh well, thank God for satellite and internet radio.
Carry on, Kevin! 😉
I was watching the movie “Talk to Me” this weekend and I started to think how powerful African American jocks were. Back in the day jocks had style and a polished sound that made listeners want to listen not only to the music but to them along with informative and interesting local love. Jocks were community leaders and friends, they were accessible. We had that media locked in and we owned it. Then someone decided that we should all talk the same and say the same thing basically taking away all the personality and individuality away that made a DJ and personality and it wasn’t no white person who did that! We gave it all away, the owners though their fear of making the jock to powerful, the wiz p.d. who wanted to make history by changing the game (thus killing our voice) and once that foundation was knocked down it was easy to for others to come in and take over……sad sad sad. radio should not about youth, or vet it should be about who can keep the audience locked in Rush Limbaugh is making millions by doing what? being the voice of his people (although their crazy) and he’s making the big bucks doing what Petey Greene, Magnificent Montague, Jack Gibson, and so many others did when they were simply allowed to DO IT!
well said suga….i say bring back the days of petey green and do it on AM…….that’s what i’m doing at wdia memphis…….and we are top 5 rated radio station..and we having fun doing it…………
Why are Black people hurling grenades at other Blacks,Kevin. Don’t hate the playa,hate the game.White people nor any other sane race don’t just give up cushy high paying jobs,voluntarily(nor do I hear their contemporaries calling for them to, Stern is nearing 60,I-mess 90,lol),why should these brothers?They are making more money than ever,and they should just quit,how unintelligent of you to say that!!! This kind of talk in 2010 should be beneath us all, it’s so Willie Lynch like,young vs old etc.If you don’t like it, do something about it,there are more options available today than ever,your blog is an example of that,stop endlessly moaning on and on ,you sound like a nag with a stomach ache.BTW,have you ever spoken to any of these guys that you trash,that’s being a journalist,you are acting like Perez Hilton.Find a solution to the problem and act on it,instead of your daily woe is Black radio spiel.There is room for everyone,develop a niche.Every problem like the one you continually talk about, brings a solution,which means money.If people you run into are not listening to radio,I’d want to know why and what are they listening to and why and see if I could do it wide scale or even small scale.You have opinions,so that’s a start,put those ideas into action or are you only good for complaining?
Interesting points in your article..
SCREW “urban radio,”it’s just a bunch a (c)rap B.S. and popinjay
“mis-leaders”(Dyson,Jackson,Farra-Con-Man,etc.)attmpting to cash in by “interpreting” African-Americans to “sympathetic”whites for loot which enriches them and their boys,NOT other blacks.That’s why I’m a Country
music fan.(Oh,and the babes are 25 times hotter than the fat,fugly,b***hy,
rap/R&B/Gospel/soul broads!!!