A big story came out of the music world last weekend, reported by The Verge. It seems that rapper Drake’s new project, More Life, broke all sorts of streaming records, thanks in part to an exclusive deal with Apple Music.
But the part of the story that caught my attention wasn’t the 300 million streams on Apple Music, but this claim by Apple Music’s content chief, Larry Jackson:
“(Beats 1) is the biggest radio station in the world.”
He went on to say “There’s no way you’re going to find another station that has as many concurrent listeners and audience-wise as Beats 1 – period.”
So that’s the assertion. And we’re not talking about WTOP or Z100 or some big station in China we’ve never heard of. Apple Music is saying the numero uno station on all the planet is Beats 1. Of course, Apple didn’t supply any listening numbers for Beats 1’s performance, so we’ll have to take them at their word.
But many people in broadcast radio – or “proper radio” as my UK friend Michael Hill calls it – will dispute whether Beats 1 is even a bona fide radio station after all. That’s been the case since the early days of Pandora, where radio luminaries like Bob Pittman and many others have rejected similar claims made on the premise that these streaming stations are not “radio.”
But there are mitigating factors at work here. Unlike streaming services that are simply music collections, algorithms, or a collection of playlists, Beats 1 has an entire staff of DJs, headed up by Zane Lowe (pictured below), a guy who is very much connected to the music he plays.
But addressing the technical argument about what is “radio, there are many different ideas about its definition. In an effort to clear the air, along with the staff at Jacobs Media, I’ve come up with a 10-question quiz that will determine – once and for all – whether Beats 1 is, in fact, a real radio station.
If its programming team can answer a definite “yes” to at least 7 of the 10 questions below, I’m letting them into the Radio Club. For those of you who working at undisputed radio stations, this will be a breeze.
So sharpen your #2 pencils, and here goes:
1. Does Beats 1 have a prize closet with at least several hundred copies of last year’s commemorative calendar collecting dust?
2. Does all unlabeled food disappear in the Beats 1 kitchen in nanoseconds? Does food with legible labels get consumed in under a day?
3. Do the same five people seem to keep winning every Beats 1 giveaway?
4. Are there Beats 1 live remotes over the weekend at a Jiffy Lube or a Verizon store?
5. Is there a weird, unidentifiable odor coming from the Beats 1 van?
6. Does the GM’s spouse have strong opinions about Beats 1’s music mix?
7. Is there currently a dispute at Beats 1 between programming and sales over minutes versus units?
8. Does anyone on the Beats 1 airstaff know the actual price of a concert ticket?
9. Has Beats 1 ever given away coupons good for 50¢ off a burrito?
10. Does Beats 1 pay a consultant who flies into town with crazy ideas and flies right back out without ever actually executing them?
Bonus question: Has Art Vuolo ever shot video in the Beats 1 studio?
So, 7 simple “yes” responses, and Beats 1 receives all the privileges and perks that come with membership in the Radio Universe. Of course, you might have some better “litmus test” questions, and you’re welcome to contribute them in the “Comments” area below.
As opposed to getting into one of those circular philosophical arguments about streaming vs. broadcast, I’m hoping this little quiz will settle the score.
Then we can all get back to what’s really important in radio.
Like figuring out what we’re going to do about all those 1-877-Kars4Kids spots?
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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You had me laughing all the way down the list…Was expecting a serious post but this is perfect. And Does beats1 have a prize wheel that says “spin again”? Radio is whatever the listeners say it is.
PS- as far as Kars for kids goes: whatever you think they’re spending, double it!
Phil
Phil, glad it worked for you. Always fun to write to get away from the serious topics of the day and have a little fun. Thanks for the thumbs-up and the reminder about Kars4Kids spending. I’m sure you’re right.
Does Beats1 have a clipboard for Jox to copy the same transmitter plate voltage and tower light readings from the first person on the page?
When Beats1 looks for talent, does it require “3d Phone & Tight Board?”
Perfect (and good pipes!). Good to hear from you, Fig.
Hi Fred, loved the article! It’s important not to get confused about what you call a spade.
Francois, true that. Appreciate the comment, the kind words, and you reading our blog.
Here’s my “litmus test” for Beats 1’s claim – do they believe they can do a LIVE remote at my local Chevy dealer this Saturday and fill the showroom with prospects? If they can, they’re a “real” competitor – if not, they’re just noise.
Touché, Charlie. I’d say that’s a good test. Thanks for commenting.
Well, based on this litmus test, 91.3 WYEP would fail. I could only answer yes to two or three questions. Yet it is undeniable that 91.3 WYEP is in fact a real radio station. Maybe I should stop paying the transmitter rent bill and see what happens. Here are a couple more: Does your engineer have the number for the local power company programming into his/her cell phone? When you pop off the air, does your studio line start ringing with calls from people telling you you’re off the air?
I think I want to work at WYEP! Thanks, Abby.
Don’t get me wrong, Fred. Our fridge is disgusting and people would steal a turd if it isn’t locked up. We don’t have a van, we don’t do sales remotes, we don’t give away a bunch of crap and we don’t have a consultant. So, yeah, maybe you SHOULD work here. 🙂
I have pretty good pipes and run a tight board!
Nodding in agreement as I stream Pittsburgh’s WYEP in my Chicago office, which I’ve done since moving here ten years ago. Makes me think there should be a quiz question that addresses the listener loyalty that is enjoyed by the best of broadcast radio.
Erin, my lame quiz doesn’t resonate well with public radio – period, which Abby figured out in 30 seconds. Be my guest on designing a quiz that’s more public radio friendly.
Does Beats 1 have a basketball team to play high school charity events?
Yes!
Brilliant…and true! Love it! One more, did the Beats 1 PD every have to rush to the station to cover a weekend shift because a Part Timer was no call, no show!
Good one!
He might be connected to the music, but does Zane Lowe come to work wearing Beats 1 swag, at least four days per week?
Love it.
Great piece! As we continue to sculpt the image of what “radio” is morphing into, the best answer to Apple and Pandora remains localism. Nothing can beat that element, especially when local hits home emotionally with the listener. That’s why we have created such a strong bond with our radio audiences over the years. Unfortunately, some of the larger players have lost sight of localism to some degree. And that is to the advantage of the Apples and Pandoras of the world. I say let’s not make the playing field level for them.
Right there with you, Mike. Clearly, it’s radio’s local orientation that is a separator – and then there’s all those phone store remotes. Thanks for commenting.
Does Beats 1 have an All Access mouse pad that is at least one year out of date in the air studio?
Fun post Fred.
Somewhere, Joel Denver is grinning. Good one, Keith.
Of course Beats 1 is a”real” radio station – a shared experience with a human connection. It’s as real a radio station as Pandora isn’t.
But is it the biggest in the world? https://media.info/radio/opinion/is-beats-1-really-the-biggest-radio-station-in-the-world – I looked into it. No. Not really.
Funny stuff ….
Thanks, Frank.
Does the beats one studio have a random roll of toilet paper?
Hmmm….
Do the Beats 1 jocks claim they read the email but still screw up the execution anyway? lol, great article.
Many thanks, Troy.
Fred — Regarding #10. There’s an old saying: “An expert is always from ‘out-of-town’.”
Thanks for reminding me it’s one of my favorite sayings. 🙂