I've learned that as a general rule, people resist change. We become so comfortable with our routines that the slightest hiccup jars us from what we find cozy. At times, change can intimidate or scare us. At the same time, I've found through my experience that it's easy to let something comfortable become stagnant. It takes a tremendous commitment to not let this happen.
When I found out we would be playing more music on O-Rock 1059, even though it was outside what I had become accustomed to, I knew it was the right move. We had shifted into a grey area of a music/talk hybrid radio station, and this caused some confusion in the marketplace as to our identity. Were we a music station that talked too much, or a talk station that played too many songs? I've always loved music and talking, so for me personaly the ambiguity was just fine. However, people eat at Mickey D's because they know how the french fries are going to taste. Consistency is something any customer-based industry must embrace.
So, a few weeks ago we started playing more music in the morning. It reminded me of my young, carefree, and naive days at Rollins' radio station and my early time at the other station I worked for before O-Rock. The only difference was that we had shifted from what we were doing and there are two people working with me now as opposed to flying solo. Our boss, who is also new to this, prepared us for the move to more music as best he could...but without actually diving in and experiencing it, I don't know what he could have told us that would have helped any more or less.
I don't know if I would be doing this even halfway-proficiently if Savannah wasn't as supportive as she is. I wanted to work with her for years because of the comedic chemistry that we share...but in addition to that, as her friend, I know I've got someone who will be honest with me but have my back each and every morning. She's been thrust into something that is FAR outside her radio comfort zone, but she's taking direction and keeping an open mind like a true champ. There's so much to love about her, but her providing a foundation for me during this next phase of the show has earned her my lifelong devotion.
I hoped that a handful of people would be at least marginally disappointed that they weren't hearing as much of us as they had become accustomed to. To be frank, I feared that we would be overwhelmed with calls saying things like "thank God you idiots are finally shutting up and playing music!" I'm not saying that we haven't received any calls like that (some suspiciously coming from my parents' phone number), but the amount of people who have called to make sure we still have jobs and want to know what they can do to "make things go back to the way they were" has been immensely appreciated. Like I said, people tend to resist change...and especially in those first few hours of the day, a sudden interruption in our routine sends us out of our comfort zone.
I've had people ask if I'm happy about what we're doing now at O-Rock 1059. Without hesitation, the answer is a resounding yes. What we're doing now is solidifying our identity as an alternative radio station that plays the good new stuff and a bunch of old-school classics. For me, the enjoyment of music radio has always been the unpredictability factor. Oh, sure, you know you're going to hear Daughtry, Nickelback, and the Chili Peppers...because like it or not, they're 3 of the top-selling acts in the US right now. But in addition to playing the hits for the masses, we'll bust out some old Sublime, Smashing Pumpkins, Beasties, or even one of the many one-hit wonders of the 90's. I don't know what it is about 90's pop, but I frigging love the one-hitters. Stroke 9, Harvey Danger, The Flys, Wheatus...being able to play that on the radio is a great way to make a living.
I think the missing element for this radio station I've come to love, live, and breathe is a consistent identity. If hits to our website and crowds at appearances are any measuring stick, the personalities at O-Rock 1059 have cultivated a sizeable following. In less than 2 hours at Big Belly, where I've done weekly appearances for over two years, a couple hundred party people will once again pack the place in order to drink, be merry, and win free stuff from us. Scott, our afternoon guy, brings the noise to Friendly Confines 2 every Thursday night and it's out of control. My point is, what we've been doing so far on the streets is definitely working.
So, we're playing more music than we ever have. 3 times a day, we go for 105 minutes, 9 seconds without interrupting the music with commercials. It's challenging for me to find stuff to talk about and whittle it down so it flows with the music, but again...I love a challenge. I also love being able to play great music. This is what will allow us to pick our corporation's pockets for some advertising money and begin to not just compete in the market...but to f*cking win. When Orlando realizes that they can turn to us for some compelling content, great free stuff (like this week's White Stripes trip to Alaska), and songs that stand out...well, I'll just say that it'll feel really good to finally see O-Rock billboards and television commercials.
If you are a fan of the stuff you used to hear us do on the air, you should definitely check out our website. We have been taking phone calls and talking to people off the air, and putting most of it up on our "sounds" section of www.orock1059.com. It's kinda like a DIY approach to streaming and podcasting, but 20% more effective when it comes to fighting plaque. Thanks for your support, time, and effort in reading this massive missive.
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15 comments:
Change is not the enemy.Changes for the better are a welcomed relief. If something is not working, then change is imminent (and necessary). Change is a way to improve upon the immediate.
But if the immediate is working, change is not always a good thing. Change can take a good thing and make it bad. In the case of more music, less talk...change has been the enemy. I have given it the gipper try, with open mind and ears hoping that the "new and improved" morning after show would hold me close and keep me the loyal listener I have grown to become thanks to the Drew, Savannah and Silent Rob of yore.
When change occurs in business, you hope that the change will make the good even better. It is the ultimate management team that can recognize a poor decision, admit to it and correct it for the good of all. Hopefully it is not too late for O-Rock and the Morning After Show.
My loyatly is fading fast. How's that for change?
Wow. I have not been listening to the station the past month because I have been off of work due to surgery. Now, I am back to waking up with O-Rock and I thought I had the wrong station on because I did not hear the witty banter of Drew, Savannah and Rob. I had to find out what was going on and found this blog entry.
I like change. I loved it when Howard left and Drew came on the air. It was great to have someone local, someone near my age and someone funny making me laugh while I was getting ready for work each day. Mornings are about talk. I own lots of CDs and I own an MP3 Players and several computers. I can get music from anywhere. I listen to music that even O-Rock doesn’t play, such as the The, Liz Phair, Concrete Blonde, Billy Corgan’s solo work, etc. What I want in the morning is to be entertained in a way that I can not get anywhere else. I want the time, traffic, wacky Savannah news, Drew stories and Rob blurbs.
I never understood the talk of the afternoon or evening shows but talk has always been a staple of many radio stations for the morning drive. Even the morning pop and hard rock stations filled much of their morning air time with chatter. I have been an O-rock listener from day one. I expect music throughout the day and especially on the weekends. But now I am lost about the mornings. It pains me to hear talent wasted. Why would I listen to the radio when I have other sources for music?
Anyway, I am saddened about the recent change of this station. I understand they want to create an identity and a brand, but a brand is not made from blandness. I am crossing my fingers and hoping that O-Rock reconsiders and changes the morning format back to the way it was, the way that I enjoyed and the way that made sense.
I didn't even read all of your message drew... but i have nothing else to say, but the new format sucks... and that you are losing thousands of loyal listeners. I don't even listen to the station anymore... i still check out the website to check out everybody's blogs and such and hopefully i will see something about LESS Music in the mornings and afternoon's. But oh well, until that day comes again... you lost another listener.
With the advances of radio giving people the opportunity to listen to whatever genre of music they please…why would you discontinue providing your listeners with radio they cannot get anywhere else? OROCK you have lost a loyal listener since 2001. Keep up the good work!
The only definite thing I can say about change is, that it's going to bring about more change. You "moved our cheese" on us guys. Understanding that there are many things that contribute to a decision to change things up, I have to say that I'm disapointed as a loyal listener of "The Morning after Show". I get in my car at 5:30 sharp every morning for my drive from St Cloud to downtown Orlando, and I actually look forward to the drive, because I know, as sure as the sun is going to come up, that I'm going to be entertained by Drew and his insightful commentaries, rapier wit, and borderline obsession with proper grammer. By Silent Rob and his sardonic brand of humor, and technical expertise. And by The Sexy Savannah and her ability to melt a heart with a single syllable. Personally, I don't feel all warm and fuzzy about this change, but I am hear to say that I won't take it personally. You have earned my loyalty many times over for all the times I arrived at work with a smile on my face. I'm here for you guys. For whatever that's worth. lol. Carry on, and best of luck with whatever comes your way.
People don't resist change as often as you think, Drew. When change is desired, people tend to embrace it because they -want- that change, and this is especially true in radio and entertainment. Every major figure in radio has gotten embraced because they brought about change to what was a stagnant industry.
The idea of a hybrid talk/music station that keeps the focus on the local area is a change from what Orlando radio has had. The idea of a morning talk show that appeals to those of us who aren't idiotic rednecks is a change. And these are changes that were embraced, despite the always nebulous Arbitron ratings system.
The reason people pack Big Bellys is because of your personality, not the music you play. The reason the music programming has flipped to rely heavily on 90s alt rock is because the new stuff is crap.
With the Internet and MP3 players and now MP3 players being installed in the car (a friend of mine has an entire 300GB hard drive installed in his car), the recording industry is dying, and with it the importance of music based radio. Why listen to commercials and songs you don't want to hear and DJs you want to hear even less of when you can play exactly what you want with no interruptions. And for those without moral scruples, you don't even have to pay for it if you spend a few hours searching the Internet to find the music you want to hear. The same industry has sucked all the life out of modern rock, alternative has become mainstream, pre-packaged corporate crap, with every band sounding exactly like the rest. Sure, there's some exceptions, but they don't get the airplay the rest do, or they're drowned out by the droning of the rest.
With music playlists no longer being the primary drawing force in radio, the only thing left is the personality of the on-air talent. With people like Howard Stern drawing millions of people to a -pay- service based on their personality, and Imus drawing enough attention to get him canned, even a novice PD or GM should be able to see that they have to push for more on-air interaction from their talent.
I think the title of this entry would do well aimed back at the author and the author's bosses. A change was made when the station became a hybrid talk/music station. A change was made in a local focused talk show that appealed to the growing community in Orlando that was tired of the redneck pandering idiots on TKS. That change was never allowed to blossom, you can't have instant gratification in this industry, it takes years before you finally see the fruits of your labors when bringing something new to the table.
This reaction is not from being removed from our "comfort zone", it's from the listeners not liking what we're hearing. Don't underestimate or insult us by assuming our reaction comes from being uncomfortable with something new. This format is not new, it's the same old boring radio we've heard for years.
And I seem to remember a show where you complained about the amount of music you had to play before this format change, and I doubt I'm the only one who remembers it. So you'll have to pardon us if we find your towing of the corporate line and ready praise of the new format faked and insincere. You have a family to take care of and bills to consider, so I understand you have to do what you have to do to get that paycheck, and no one can blame you for it. However, don't think for one minute that you're fooling those of us who have listened to you for years.
ditto to what spuds said... exactly.
drew, maybe you should re-evaluate your comfort with the recent changes.
Seeing as how the majority of what I feel has already been said, I will just add that O-Rock has been on unstable grounds for a while now, and this just put you guys to the grave. I loved the "Morning After Show" and the "Afternoon Show to which I cannot name because CBS radio won't let anyone use it", and not only have I stopped listening to the station all together, I've also devoted myself to not affiliating myself with CBS radio stations all together. I feel that many have done the same, and a lot will soon follow. O-Rock may have not topped the ratings chart in Orlando, but the fans it did/does have are more loyal than ANY station I've ever listened to. Drew, I'd love to hear a response from you.
CBS radio and the people involved in programing are the enemy of The Morning After Show! It seems to me that the show was sabotaged from the beginning. Drew and company were never given the tools (advertising and promotions) to make it a #1 radio morning show. I remember the rant, by Drew, about a lousy AM Station's show had a billboard on I-4 and they did not.
I feel that If The Morning After show is to fail, it should not be because of a lack of resources and support by 105.9. To not let the talent decide the direction and show format, is like telling Picaso he must paint in the dark, using black paint, bound, and blind folded (thats a little extreme but you get the point).
My weekday morning commute From New Smyrna Beach to DeLand will no longer be filled with the sounds of Drew, Savanna, And Silent Rob. Instead I will tune my radio to the AM side of the dial where morning talk is plentiful. Don't get me wrong, O-rock plays great music throughout the day. But a Alt rock music dominate format at 6am is like being hit in the head with a 2x4.
i've gotta say that i really don't like the new changes. I listened to ORock in the mornings specifically to hear the morning after show. I find my self more and more switching over to different stations now that I don't get to hear you guys having a good time in the mornings. I hope this doesn't last too long, or I may have to find a different station all together.
I remember once you gave a review of Clerks 2 comparing it to Green Day. You said that if Kevin Smith (after making Chasing Amy, Dogma etc.) tried to go back and make the sequel to Clerks like the original Clerks it would come off somewhat insincere. Then you brought up Green Day saying that they cannot go back to making Dookie because they have evolved. When you mention your Rollins Days, I understand being nostalgic for that era and trying to make a negative into a positive but I hate to break to you, you have evolved, in fact you've grown into a far more talented radio personality than you give yourself credit for, I even liked your show better now (before too much music) than at TKS and that was the only show I liked on that station. My point is, you deserve more than what they are giving you (that goes for Savannah and Silent Rob too..you met your soulmates in radio) , I know you are making the best of it and we find your bravado endearing but I truly hope your managers are taking notice of these comments and realize how they screwed up. It's a matter of time, I may have to suck it up and subscribe to satellite radio . Please go back to telling stories about your life, Xander, pop culture, Beastie Boy interviews (there are two more you need to get to but with the new format, will you ever get a chance?!) Best of luck in the meantime.
Your loving the change but your LISTENERS arent. thats the point here. everyone on a station can play music....but not everyone can entertain and be a great TALK SHOW with such talented people. some change is great BUT not all change is good. your loosing listeners left and right. your station has litterally become just an ordinary radio station. its sad to see this happen. i havent listen to orock in a few weeks now because of this. But hey good luck with it all.
I was reading drews words and all i can think of is its a bunch of crap! you enjoy talk and thats what you have done for years. Talk is what makes you the person you are drew. Anyone can push buttons and play music. Your show was funny, and i loved it from day one. ive been a stern fan since the early 90's i listen to my rasio fo 9 hrs a day since i am i private eye, i sit in my car and listen. The music format your station has now sucks. I dont like half that stuff anyways. I like rock and if i wanted music id listen to my cd's...As i private eye, i enjoyed the news and talk in the mornings it kept me up to date with all things around my community. You guys made me laugh and i liked your guest's on the show. To be honest, the monsters are old, boring and they just suck..the other talk shows i cant even listen to, i want to ram my truck into an oncomming semi they suck so bad...you guys had a mix of things which made it fun. Now its music, boring music. If you guys were not intrested in talk you never should of picked up stern, then followed it up with your show. The managment has made a huge mistake. The morning drive is about information, news and comedy. I could care less if i head pumpkins or any of it again. I want it its in my cd case...well you three should find it in your hearts to know your being screwed with this format...its not you guys..monkeys can hit a switch and play a dumb ass song, artists as yourselfs are what makes a show a show....good luck, and to the managment i say...F*uck off...your station has made a mistake...
Too much music!! I am a teacher, and loved getting in my 20 minutes of the Morning After Show on my way to school. A few times this summer I have been able to turn on the radio in the morning and thought you guys were on vacation! Now I find out this is the new format and I, for one, am not looking forward to that ride to school anymore! I have an I-Pod and CDs...I can get my music there. I'll still listen, just to support you guys, but I think it is talent wasted!
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