Earlier this week, veteran programming guru, Buzz Knight, wrote a provocative blog post for Radio Ink that caught my eye. “Why Is Radio Afraid Of The Word Radio?” was Buzz’s opening line.
It’s been a theme in this blog, too. Buzz pointed out how many radio organizations and companies have intentionally moved away from the “R-word” on its websites and even company names.
Clearly, their intention is to reinforce the point their brand is more than just radio, utilizing digital platforms for content and sales marketing. Buzz submits this trend has led to an “internal neurosis” about how the term “radio” is being distanced by so many core radio organizations.
And he points out that no matter what you call it, it’s still radio in the collective mindset of the audience. Whether it emanates from a mobile phone, a smart speaker, a laptop, or a car touchscreen, it’s still “radio.”
And the odd corollary is that radio outsiders often try to capture its magic with their brands. Many of broadcasting’s key competitors – Amazon, Apple, Spotify, Pandora, and SiriusXM – all have melded the “R-word” into some or all of their products.
If the term had negative connotations, their “radio” branding attempts would simply not happen. They realize there’s juice in the “R-word.”
But beyond the “word salad” jousting that brands engage in, the idea of radio isn’t just appealing – it’s compelling, romantic, and has mystique. Especially when the sun goes down.
I recently blogged about how virtually every broadcast radio company has forfeited their nighttime hours, despite the aura they have with many listeners.
An isolated radio station occupied with a single host on the air talking one-t0-one with callers – there’s a lot of charm and even some occasional drama there. And when that lone DJ is the only one in the building….
…well, anything can happen.
Including sheer terror, exemplified by Clint Eastwood’s memorable film, “Play Misty For Me” released in 1972. I wrote a post about this truly terrifying radio-centric movie a few years ago. Any DJ or host who
has seen it has reassessed their private phone conversations with listeners as a result of “Misty.”
Despite the bloodshed and shock that knows no bounds, the movie served to romanticize nighttime radio for generations of would-be hosts. It likely inspired some to even pursue radio as a career (despite the part about being stalked by a knife-wielding psycho fan). You get the feeling Eastwood romanticized the independent DJ working the late night hours in a cool Jazz station set in a picturesque beach town.
Earlier this month, another nighttime radio media product was released in the form of a video game called “Killer Frequency.” The action is nostalgically set back in 1987 at a small market radio station at night. And yes, there are “Misty” vibes to this game where once again, the DJ plays the role of the unlikely victim, as well as the hero of our story.
The game is simple and sinister. You become the night jock at the station in a single play game – it’s you against the killer. Forrest Nash was once a major market jock whose career implodes. He ends up working nights on KFAM (also called The Scream) licensed to a town called Gallows Creek.
The game is steeped in radio images as Nash (you) tries to save his callers from becoming prey to “The Whistler,” the game’s serial killer. Here’s the trailer:
Created by British game developer, Team 17 Digital, the game’s rating makes it appropriate for 13 year-olds. On the website Steam, “Killer Frequency’s” reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Referred to as “the graveyard shift of a lifetime,” the game is clearly targeted for young people – Gen Z, in particular.
And isn’t that ironic. We continue to hear radio’s critics explain that teens “don’t even know what a radio is” and yet, here’s a game that glorifies the mystery, magic, and romance of hanging out at a radio station at night.
Who knows how many editions of “Killer Frequency” will be sold – thousands, tens of thousands, or more?
And we know for kids, games are the gateway to creating a cultural fabric that can last decades or beyond.
Remember “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” that debuted around 2005? They were wildly successful, exposing young kids to mainstream rock – Heart, Blue Oyster Cult, Joan Jett, Boston, ZZ Top,
Deep Purple, and others were included in the first edition of “Guitar Hero.”
I have often wondered whether some of the success Classic Rock radio has enjoyed these past couple of decades, especially among those under 40 wasn’t influenced by these popular games.
And in thinking about a new game like “Killer Frequency,” could it help give radio that “cool factor” that has been so elusive for so long? The game’s creator clearly wasn’t put off by the fact many teens don’t listen to broadcast radio. For all we know, we may be looking at a former radio talent who dreamt up “Killer Frequency.” More likely, it’s someone who always wanted to be on the air, but perhaps never got that chance.
Critics will point to the fact this game is set in a radio station more than 30 years ago – not a modern-day one.
After all, there wouldn’t be an actual night jock in the majority of today’s stations.
Game over? Or just beginning?
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.
- Old Man, Take A Look At My Ratings - December 20, 2024
- In The World Of On-Demand Audio, How Do We Define Success? - December 19, 2024
- Scenes From The Classic Rock Highway – 2024 Edition - December 18, 2024
I want to give some away. On my way to the store now.
Great prize, right?
I’m sure we’ll all play a few rounds of the game and try to spot inaccuracies or “continuity errors” – Long ago, I submitted one from “Play Misty For Me” to IMDB and they accepted it:
In addition to being first time director, Clint plays Dave Garver of KRML/Carmel. In the scene where he’s meeting with an exec to try to land a job in San Francisco, as he slides his audition tape across the table (on a 5 inch REEL), the return address on the box is KMRL.
D’oh! Ope! Whoops!
Hah! And what’s worse, in a shameless attempt to ingratiate himself with KRML’s corporate owner, did you also notice Clint changed his last name to Westwood??
Good one!
The unforgivable mistake – getting your call letters wrong.
There’s a new song storming up the Top 40 & Hot AC charts by Dominic Fike. It’s from the soundtrack of the new Spiderman movie. The chorus of “Mona Lisa” is “You can’t turn the radio down.” Imagine that. In 2023 a huge hit with the “R” word on repeat!
I did not know this, Cheri. Thanks for the heads-up. Wonderful all those Gen Z & Alphas will get a jolt of R.A.D.I.O.
I had a friend who’s parents just hated when we used the word “Kleenex” to ask for a tissue. Or going to the “Fridge” to get a “Coke”. I still dont use the word Kleenex because of them. And no one knows what a tissue.
Could that be happening with radio?
I’ve thought that, Jerry, especially when there’s a DJ and the music’s curated. But this is all the more reason why broadcast radio needs to embrace its history and the roots.
“it’s all about that lone nighttime jock tasked with not only entertaining a town – but saving it.”
It’s what I thought we were always doing all along… saving the town, one pair of ears at a time.
And if you can’t get enough of the hailing of radio in pop music… here’s an hour’s worth celebration. Save it or play it on NATIONAL RADIO DAY August 20:
https://exchange.prx.org/pieces/381919-10-000-good-songs-228-radio
PLAYLIST
FM – Steely Dan
You Turn Me On, I’m The Radio – Joni Mitchell
Turn On Your Radio – Harry Nillson
Radio – David Crosby
Radio Nowhere – Bruce Springsteen
FM Radio – Dar Williams
Radio Song – R.E.M. with KRS One
Radio Radio – Elvis Costello
:30 Instrumental Break
The Last DJ – Tom Petty
Around the Dial – The Kinks
Satellite Radio – Steve Earle
Heard it on the X – ZZ Top
WOLD – Harry Chapin
Radio Operator – Rosanne Cash
Mohammed’s Radio – Warren Zevon
Can I add two “alternates,” Paul? (I love this list BTW.) First, the Detroit guy in me is thinking about the Rockets’ “Turn Up The Radio” (no, NOT the Autograph song). And in the spirit of the Elvis Costello, how ’bout “The Last DJ” by Tom Petty? Maybe we can extend this another hour with reader suggestions. Thanks, Paul.
Here are my suggestions…
Left of the Dial (The Replacements)
Mexican Radio (Wall of Voodoo)
Do You Remember Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio? (The Ramones)
Rock & Roll (The Velvet Underground)
Good ones, Eric. I say we go for a third hour.
Thanks Fred.. LAST DJ is already in there.
Wouldn’t miss it. There are certainly others. This list just fits snugly into 59:00.
I like it so much we should play it twice, Paul. 🙂 Interesting submissions from other readers, don’t you think?
Add: Raised on the Radio – The Ravyns
Hour 4
Young people like the concept of “radio”. They still sing about it.
From ’22 – ’23:
“Radio Silence” by James Blake
“Radiowaves” by Gryffin ft. Tom Odell
“Lost in the Radio” by P!nk
“Radio Silence” by R3HAB ft. ZAYN
“Radio Waves” by Major Lazer ft. Sia
“The Radio Song” by The Struts
“Radio 1” by Dotan
I like these modern odes to the medium, Jeff. We may have a fourth hour at the rate we’re going.