The photo is a stopper.
“The Cosby Show” was once as big as anything on TV. Its reruns successfully lived on many different cable channels and networks long after the show was officially put to bed. But these days, you’re hard-pressed to find the Huxtables anywhere (Amazon still runs the series). But since Bounce TV finally dropped the show last year, Cosby is missing in action on the tube despite its iconic status in TV history.
Old sitcoms are worth their weight in gold to TV executives. We blogged about Netflix renewing “Friends” late last year for the low, low cost of $100 million – for just one year. From “MAS*H” to “The Big Bang Theory,” the big money in television is often made years after these hit shows were being produced.
But not “The Cosby Show.” The reasons, of course, have nothing to do with ratings or popularity. They have everything to do with the shocking behavior of its namesake. After Bill Cosby was convicted last year of felony aggravated indecent assault, his eponymous show did a disappearing act from TV at high speed.
And that brings us to what’s been quietly happening in radio circles, as it becomes clearer that some artists may have been misbehaving – in some cases, for years. Programmers have not really engaged in public conversations about the various artists and groups that have been accused of misdeeds. But many are thinking about it.
A couple weeks back, Triple A darling Ryan Adams started feeling the effects of an airplay backlash and an angry audience. In another #MeToo mess, the artist was accused of emotional and psychological abuse by various women (including his ex-wife, Mandy Moore). Despite his denials, the radio exposure of Adams’ music is disintegrating – fast. And over the weekend, his tour of Ireland and the UK was cancelled, while the release of a new album, “Big Colors,” has been put on hold.
It’s probably been slow going for R. Kelly when it comes to radio airplay these past few weeks as old accusations have now turned into new formal charges – again, leaving programmers with tough calls to make about whether to play – or pass. It was a 5-part series on Lifetime – “Surviving R. Kelly” – that was the catalyst for the artist’s new slew of legal problems.
In his great blog, “A Journal of Musical Things,” music historian Alan Cross grappled with this gnarly issue last week, spurred by the debut of an HBO documentary about Michael Jackson, “Leaving Neverland.”
I urge you to read Alan’s piece – it deftly lays out how this doc (which debuted last night) could be the catalyst for powerful repercussions. As he notes, many Michael Jackson fans are up in arms, going after the producers of “Leaving Neverland.” Others aren’t so sure about the complicated relationship between the man and his art.
Alan asks this pointed question:
“If Michael Jackson ends up in this bucket of repulsion, what happens to his music then?”
I’m writing this before I’ve had the chance to watch “Leaving Neverland,” so I only know shards of the issues and controversies it covers.
But I do know this – here in the States, Michael Jackson continues to be a very core artist on many successful radio stations. A look at “spins” year-to-date on Mediabase’s Classic Hits panel reveals the King of Pop is the #2 most-played artists since the start of the new year. Will that be the case 90 days from now?
We’re still in Q1 of 2019, and Michael Jackson songs have already earned more than 31,000 spins. His music – at least up until now – tests well and is very much in-demand.
A shoe dropped over the weekend when NME’s Charlotte Krol wrote that BBC Radio 2 – the most popular station in the UK – quietly dropped all its Michael Jackson solo songs as of February 23. And while the BBC’s statement equivocates – “We consider each piece of music on its merits and decisions on what we play on different networks are always made with relevant audiences and context in mind” – the reality is that at least for now, “Beat It,” “Rock With You,” and the scores of other Michael Jackson hits are “on hold.”
What will be the reaction here in the U.S., especially as more and more people watch “Leaving Neverland?” It remains to be seen, of course, but 
clearly the audience will more than likely have a say here.
And while wise old programmers will remind us that listeners won’t miss what stations don’t play, it’s just not that simple. Especially when you’re dealing with an artist like Jackson with a high profile and a deep repertoire.
Of course, this isn’t the first time that controversy and music have caused programmers to wring their hands.
Sometimes, it’s about politics. That was the case with the Dixie Chicks when their music systematically disappeared from Country playlists after their attacks on then-President George W. Bush.
On the other side of the spectrum, Ted Nugent has come under fire during his numerous attacks of President Obama. And Kid Rock hasn’t been far behind.
But don’t think for a moment this is exclusively a modern-day problem. A year or so ago, I was witness to a very lively back and forth between a couple of public radio Classical programmers. The source of this controversy?
Composer Richard Wagner died 135 years ago – and he’s still stirring it up among Classical radio audiences. Why?
Wagner harbored very public feelings of anti-Semitism and later racism. He embraced these themes, and they are part of the controversy that swirl around him and his music today.
As I listened to these PDs debate the pros and cons of playing/dropping Wagner’s music, it had similar echoes to the maelstrom of confusion surrounding Michael Jackson and other artists that have behaved badly. Whether it’s on the football field or on the radio, listeners will make their feelings known.
Wagner is considered a “core artist” on Classical radio, having penned 10 operas, and creating music that has clearly stood the test of time. To drop his music because of his political and social views is an issue that many in the format have discussed, not just for weeks, but for years.
And like the conversations that are coming about a musical artist who’s hit-making musical prowess has always been overshadowed by his lifestyle, it looks like there will be a lot to talk about.
Where do the lines get drawn? Is it politics, crime, song lyrics, or other variables that are the determining factors that lead to societal acceptance or rejection? Is it when an artist projects one view to the public, while living a very different life behind closed doors? Is it our growing obsession with true crime stories – from TV to podcasts – that fuels are need to know the truth about the artists we love.
Those I’ve worked with for many years know that my programming foundation is rooted in audience research. The longer I do this, the clearer it becomes the public always has their say. And then programmers have some decisions to make.
So, what are you thinking?
Thanks, Alan Cross and Don Anthony.
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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Let your conscience guide you. That will reveal what kind of person you truly are and what moral compass is instilled in your being.
For PDs (and everyone else), always good advice.
Fred, a brilliant and thought-provoking piece as usual. One thought comes to mind. Fortunately for him, Wagner didn’t live in the era of digital, mobile and social media that ignites quickly and burns brilliantly. MJ is kept alive after his death even more by our digital connectivity. Perhaps one programming solution is to rest his music while public opinion burns red hot. But in the end, if we removed everyone who was flawed in big ways and small from the airwaves (dis aside, of course), we’d be down to playing “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” by Fred Rogers — over and over again. One more thing. Consult your listeners. They, too, are conflicted so it is right for us to feel the same.
Jerry, thanks for these thoughtful comements. Your point about where to draw the line is a salient one. Who makes the call about what constitutes abuse? And wouldn’t our playlists end up being even smaller. 🙂
This was a great read. I work for a company that made the decision for us, and we pulled the music. As for me, I have a hard time justifying R. Kelly and Michael Jackson being played on the radio. They get paid for it with BMI and ASCAP. However, after talking with a colleague yesterday, it’s impossible to stop the flow of money as both of these guys are prolific songwriters. If we pulled everything they had anything to do with, it would leave us with EVEN SMALLER playlists. On the other hand, we have to stop rewarding and excusing bad behavior. They get away with it because of who they are. LOOK HOW LONG this has gone on! We do have to decide how a person’s conduct affects their ability to make money, even if they are insanely talented.
Tammie, thanks for giving us some insight about the process at the station level. It’s a tough call. Appreciate you sharing the story.
I’m curious if you’ve seen the documentary yet? Before I watched it, I was always willing to give MJ the benefit of the doubt, but after watching it, I am grateful that I work on a rock station that doesn’t play his music to begin with. It is extremely disturbing and I can not see myself ever listening to his music the same, even though I love it so much.
As production director, we did receive a PO last week to promote an upcoming (already planned) MJ tribute for a non-profit, and I was not personally comfortable cutting the spot. We’ve put events and promotions on hold before when a particular artist involved is in the public hot-seat for political reasons, in those cases the backlash does tend to chill and people forget.
This, however, is different. And I’ve found the opinions of those who believe in keeping the music going versus those who disagree, is the difference in those who have seen then documentary and those who have only heard about its allegations. (which we already knew the later)
Great article.
Appreciate it, Michelle. I have NOT watched it. Every time I sit down to check it out, I end up watching another episode of “Billions,” “Ozark,” or a basketball game instead. As far as stations go, I firmly believe these are very individual decisions. There is no one-size-fits-all “best practice” for what to do here. This is where programmers have decisions to make.
I remember not playing “Beat It” at WRIF (nothing to do with the current controversy, of course). There was a TON of pressure for rock stations to add it, especially with the Eddie Van Halen lead guitar solo. But I felt – strongly – our audience simply did not want to hear the record or from MJ as an artist. Again, a touch call. And all these years later, I’m satisfied with my decision. These are the momments that define PDs. And we’re certainly in one right now.
I saw the Leaving Neverland documentary on HBO and don’t think I can ever listen to Michael Jackson’s music again, although I’ve always enjoyed his music (especially Off the Wall). It is interesting that you bring up Richard Wagner’s music because when I was in rabbinical school we were taught to never officiate a Jewish wedding that has his music playing during the ceremony. In fact, when a couple asks me what music they should play as the bride walks down the aisle, my response is always “anything but Wagner.”
Interesting “take” on this from someone who gets to officiate at his share of simchas. Maybe we should be thankful for Bobby McFerrin, Sister Sledge, & Pharrell Williams. Thanks, RJ.