Last week, one of the more interesting announcements about new TV programs flew under the radar. (Maybe the Oscars had a little something to do with that.)
Vh1 announced a new reality show, “This Is Hot97.” You read it right – a show that takes place inside a radio station. We’ve come a long way from “WKRP.”
At a time when radio is often thought to be out of style, passé, and just plain open to criticism of all sorts, a major cable TV network is putting down some serious chips on broadcast radio.
Now Hot97 isn’t your run-of-the-mill station, but what’s behind this decision, how did it come about, and what is Vh1 thinking. To find out, I interviewed the President of Vh1, Tom Calderone, a familiar name to many in radio.
Here’s the story behind “This is Hot97.”
FJ: “Why build a show around a radio station?”
TC: “It was not our mission to do a show at a radio station. We always look for bigger than life characters for our show, which the staff at that business delivers. It just happens to be at a radio station.”
FJ: “What do you hope to be able to show while being inside a station that you think will be entertaining to Vh1 viewers?”
TC: “There are so many series that focus on morning shows, but they are all seen in a TV setting. This one will have true radio studio settings, as well as the behind the scene locations.”
FJ: “At a time when the music emphasis is often on satellite, pure-plays, and playlists, radio has DJs and drama. What are you hoping to see inside the walls at Hot 97?”
TC: “It is all about the big personalities that not only play as a team for the greater good of the brand, but they also want to win for themselves. Whether it is getting the best guests, or getting the first chance to play a new track from a huge artist. Plus, the added element that these jocks are funny.”
FJ: “Many radio broadcasters don’t take their listeners “backstage” at their stations, into the studio, in the jock lounge. Are they making a mistake?”
TC: “In most cases, yes. Sports and talk stations seem like a natural place to do a TV show, but there are many rock and pop stations that could get away with it, too. Especially if they are big personalities that have great guests (that are not on the phone).”
FJ: “How does your radio background play into this? Tell us, Tom – was ‘This Is Hot97’ your baby?”
TC: “I wish I would have thought of it! It actually comes from our great partner Mona Scott-Young and Eastern Productions, working hand in hand with our Vh1 development team.”
FJ: “Would you recommend that stations use webcams more a la Imus on MSNBC and “This Is Hot97?”
TC: YES!!! Having a face for radio is OK nowadays. I missed my calling…..”
We wish Vh1 and Hot97 good luck with the show. So often, we talk about how radio doesn’t get the credit or the spotlight it deserves. This will be a fascinating test to see if viewers still care about DJs and the celebrities that come in and out of stations like Hot97. I’m betting they will. “This is Hot97” debuts on March 31st.
As readers of this blog know, the addition of visuals to the mix is so important in today’s media and entertainment world. Tom Calderone spent his formative years in radio stations and as a consultant for us back in the ‘90s. His world view of television is always worth studying and we can all learn from Tom’s knack for picking hits and spotting trends.
Lights, cameras, radio!
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.
- Radio + Thanksgiving = Gratitude - November 27, 2024
- Is It Quittin’ Time For SiriusXM? - November 26, 2024
- Radio, It Oughta Be A Crime - November 25, 2024
Fred:
Although it may not seem so, I rarely comment on things I see on the Internet. However, regarding this notice that VH1 has come up with a “new” concept that your heading terms: “Radio On TV” set in the ’90s. the idea has merit.
No offense to VH1, but the thought has merit. But the format for it has likttle chance of success.
In the 90s,I actually wrote and produced three one hour pilot specials in cooepration with CBS=TV that ran only in Detroit (CBS-Ch-62). Ratings were through the roof. The Title ? “RADIO ON TELEVISION”.
I tried for a number of years to get Radio to consider the series. If produced it would boost radio everywhere it runs….
In other words, the most powerful version of the concept you mention has already been done.
It’s still sitting there ready to be produced.
Would you like to see am actiual clip and the format idea behind it?
Kindest Regards – Lee Alan
Would love to see it, Lee. Thanks for taking the time to comment. People are fascinated by going into the “sausage factory” and go behind-the-scenes. I’m told that “This is Hot97” will be more about that station’s personalities and the music superstars who regularly drop by. We shall see. Thanks again.