...premiered last night and boasted an excellent cast directed by the legendary Dirk Maggs who is THE shining light of radio drama. Without Dirk the radio drama industry would be dead in the water. I can only hope that other producers listen to his work and do one of two things: quit, immediately, or up their game. Why is Dirk the only producer to insert atmosphere into his work? While on this occassion there was a little too much going on in each scene (more to do with the writing than production) it leaves any other recent drama in the dark.
Listen again HERE.
Thursday 4 October 2007
The Jo Whiley "Fix" saga
Now, I don't want to avoid commenting on this because this is a blunder of epic proportions. People expect this of TV, but as the RAB will tell you, a prime motivator for listeners of radio is trust. With this new revelation, could radio be going the way of TV? I think so - it's not too much of a stretch to consider that there is much fraud occurring withing radio. Afterall, it is arguably easier to fake a radio show than it is a TV show.
What stinks about this whole Whiley saga, however, is the "minions" getting the blame while executives try to hopelessley convince us that Whiley knew nothing of the ploy. Why should the star name be exonerated when it is meant to be "her show"?
How did she not recognise the voice of her own Producer? Hmmm.
What stinks about this whole Whiley saga, however, is the "minions" getting the blame while executives try to hopelessley convince us that Whiley knew nothing of the ploy. Why should the star name be exonerated when it is meant to be "her show"?
How did she not recognise the voice of her own Producer? Hmmm.
Aerial Awards September 2007!
A nice winner this month from Shell Like / Saatchi & Saatchi for Carlsberg.
You can listen to the ad HERE.
And, rather unsurprisingly, Campaign decided not to mention it! Shocker...
You can listen to the ad HERE.
And, rather unsurprisingly, Campaign decided not to mention it! Shocker...
Thursday 20 September 2007
Capital Radio...
A day listening to Capital FM has confirmed the reason why it is now no longer Number 1 in London - it's rubbish.
As many of you know, Capital only play two commercials in a row - and seemingly not very often, either.
I am in the minority in as much as I love listening to radio commercials. Many find them unbearable (content wise, a lot of them are - but it's my bread & butter so I am listening from a creative & professional point of view) but after listening to much of the programming, I was gasping for a 4 minute ad break.
I know people may think I am always slagging radio off, but, and I want to reiterate this point, it's out of love for what should and can be an amazing medium. I'm always disappointed to hear bland, homogonised content because it can easily be so much better.
London is an amazing city - with a diverse population. Capital, instead of trying to cater for everyone with cultural and diverse programming, have taken the "inclusive" route of putting on shows and music that no one loves but that no one complains about. Unfortunately, this seems to be the rule of thumb for stations across the country.
As many of you know, Capital only play two commercials in a row - and seemingly not very often, either.
I am in the minority in as much as I love listening to radio commercials. Many find them unbearable (content wise, a lot of them are - but it's my bread & butter so I am listening from a creative & professional point of view) but after listening to much of the programming, I was gasping for a 4 minute ad break.
I know people may think I am always slagging radio off, but, and I want to reiterate this point, it's out of love for what should and can be an amazing medium. I'm always disappointed to hear bland, homogonised content because it can easily be so much better.
London is an amazing city - with a diverse population. Capital, instead of trying to cater for everyone with cultural and diverse programming, have taken the "inclusive" route of putting on shows and music that no one loves but that no one complains about. Unfortunately, this seems to be the rule of thumb for stations across the country.
The Sex Lives Of Us, BBC R4
Well done Radio 4 for taking a step in the right direction. The Sex Lives Of Us was insightful, but all too brief. Although, listening to the teens did somehow manage to put the RWB off sex!
Captain Corelli's Mandolin
The Afternoon Play all this week is Captain Corelli's Mandolin, and my word, what a disappointment it has been so far. And with one episode remaining, I can't imagine it suddenly improving.
Despite initial scepticism upon seeing this in the schedule (is there no original content waiting to be put on air, or even an alternative novel?) I none the less tuned with hopes of being 'taken' to Kefalonia with soulful acting, beautfiul soundscapes and fluid production. Instead, I was greeted with a typically drab BBC Radio 4 production - Radio 4 script, Radio 4 acting, Radio 4 sound. Even the technically superb Mandolin player failed to evoke emotion and dreams of the Greek Isles.
The script itself, half monologue, half drama, was seemingly lazy. If you're going to 'do' Captain Corelli's Mandolin, then really make it stand out, make it your own. This was far too safe.
Where's the life? The emotion? The spirit? The IMAGINATION?
With the television programming going through a constant revolution since the 60s, how on earth has radio drama been allowed to stay the same? With drivel like this, it seems there is no hope of it changing.
Despite initial scepticism upon seeing this in the schedule (is there no original content waiting to be put on air, or even an alternative novel?) I none the less tuned with hopes of being 'taken' to Kefalonia with soulful acting, beautfiul soundscapes and fluid production. Instead, I was greeted with a typically drab BBC Radio 4 production - Radio 4 script, Radio 4 acting, Radio 4 sound. Even the technically superb Mandolin player failed to evoke emotion and dreams of the Greek Isles.
The script itself, half monologue, half drama, was seemingly lazy. If you're going to 'do' Captain Corelli's Mandolin, then really make it stand out, make it your own. This was far too safe.
Where's the life? The emotion? The spirit? The IMAGINATION?
With the television programming going through a constant revolution since the 60s, how on earth has radio drama been allowed to stay the same? With drivel like this, it seems there is no hope of it changing.
We're back!
Well, after an enforced exile, we are back and posting. Of course, since the last post, there have been a lot of changes in the industry, some good, most bad. As usual. But with the recent RAJAR results, here's to a bright future in the world of radio!
Thursday 7 June 2007
"Current Puns"
The rather excellent "Current Puns" with Stephen Fry was broadcast on Radio 4 this morning.
Listen again HERE.
Listen again HERE.
Ken Loach to make Radio 3 Doc
Great news - Ken Loach is putting his talent to radio with a documentary on the seaside town of Blackpool.
It's always great to see highly repected figures such as Ken put their work on the wireless, and long may it continue.
Read the full story HERE (you may have to sign up if not already registered).
It's always great to see highly repected figures such as Ken put their work on the wireless, and long may it continue.
Read the full story HERE (you may have to sign up if not already registered).
On the Radio This Week!
Check out the following programmes on BBC Radio 4 this week (Thurs-Sat):
Thursday:
In Our Time - 9.45am (A profile of poet Siegfried Sassoon)
Current Puns - 11.30 (Steven Fry investigates the English prediliction for puns)
That Mitchell And Webb Sound - 6.30pm
Friday:
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - 3.30pm (The finals installment of this great series)
Thursday:
In Our Time - 9.45am (A profile of poet Siegfried Sassoon)
Current Puns - 11.30 (Steven Fry investigates the English prediliction for puns)
That Mitchell And Webb Sound - 6.30pm
Friday:
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - 3.30pm (The finals installment of this great series)
In this week' Campaign...
...we counted a grand total of two mentions of radio - both centred around Gcap, and more specifically Capital Radio.
The first refers to complaints by media agencies that they can't buy the airtime they want on Capital due to the "no more than two ads in a row rule" (way to go, Gcap. It's tough to get people to use radio in the first place, but then to top it off you cut them out of a potential audience of 7m!).
The second relates to the current performance of Gcap and, getting right to the dirty cynical core of the issue, whether it's making enough money (profits down from £22.2m to £14.4). What many people can see that the business geniuses at Gcap can't is that the flow chart to making money goes something like this:
1. Produce innovative, immaginative, top quality radio. This leads to
2. People listening, which in turn leads to
3. Better RAJAR figures, which leads to
4. More people wanting to advertise on your station(s), which, unsurprisingly, leads to
5. MORE MONEY.
Now, we can see that. You can see that. But taking the "risk" (if TV can do it, why can't radio?) of producing the required kind of programming, making that initial invesment of money and talent, is beyond the acceptable level that the suits are willing to take. Until that changes, the sad decline of the wireless industry, both broadcast and advertising, will continue.
(And no amount of spend on Bam Bam will change that)
As for Campaign itself, why not try to inspire people to use radio instead of heading straight to the grossly unattractive issue of money. People need to know more about the benefits of radio and the startling success that can be had through its use. We're not saying anything as stupid as not to report on the business side of radio, but how about a good look at the endless possibilities that it can afford you! One radio special per year just isn't enough!
Okay, so it's your job to report, not to promote - but you seem to manage it pretty well with every other medium! Give radio a chance...
The first refers to complaints by media agencies that they can't buy the airtime they want on Capital due to the "no more than two ads in a row rule" (way to go, Gcap. It's tough to get people to use radio in the first place, but then to top it off you cut them out of a potential audience of 7m!).
The second relates to the current performance of Gcap and, getting right to the dirty cynical core of the issue, whether it's making enough money (profits down from £22.2m to £14.4). What many people can see that the business geniuses at Gcap can't is that the flow chart to making money goes something like this:
1. Produce innovative, immaginative, top quality radio. This leads to
2. People listening, which in turn leads to
3. Better RAJAR figures, which leads to
4. More people wanting to advertise on your station(s), which, unsurprisingly, leads to
5. MORE MONEY.
Now, we can see that. You can see that. But taking the "risk" (if TV can do it, why can't radio?) of producing the required kind of programming, making that initial invesment of money and talent, is beyond the acceptable level that the suits are willing to take. Until that changes, the sad decline of the wireless industry, both broadcast and advertising, will continue.
(And no amount of spend on Bam Bam will change that)
As for Campaign itself, why not try to inspire people to use radio instead of heading straight to the grossly unattractive issue of money. People need to know more about the benefits of radio and the startling success that can be had through its use. We're not saying anything as stupid as not to report on the business side of radio, but how about a good look at the endless possibilities that it can afford you! One radio special per year just isn't enough!
Okay, so it's your job to report, not to promote - but you seem to manage it pretty well with every other medium! Give radio a chance...
Wednesday 6 June 2007
Digital Radio Show
This weekend sees the Digital Radio Show coming to town at the Olympia. Now, we at the Radio World Blog were hoping to be attending, but unsurprisingly the £599 ticket price put us off a little.
Quite what justifies the near £600 price, Im not sure. And with radio the way it is at the moment, I'm not entirely sure that there will be record figures of attendees (maybe you can't afford not to go?). However, for the technically minded of you out there, it's probably of more interest.
The main points of interest for us would be the talk on New Opportunities Arising with the 2nd Multiplex - a topic that always gets the RWB on its uppers.
All in all, the essence of most radio chatter at the moment basically boil down to "how to get more listeners, thus more money". Radio seems intent that the answer lies in new technology, which I'm sure to an extent it will, but I'm more convinced that brave and creative broadcasting decisions will pave the way.
Quite what justifies the near £600 price, Im not sure. And with radio the way it is at the moment, I'm not entirely sure that there will be record figures of attendees (maybe you can't afford not to go?). However, for the technically minded of you out there, it's probably of more interest.
The main points of interest for us would be the talk on New Opportunities Arising with the 2nd Multiplex - a topic that always gets the RWB on its uppers.
All in all, the essence of most radio chatter at the moment basically boil down to "how to get more listeners, thus more money". Radio seems intent that the answer lies in new technology, which I'm sure to an extent it will, but I'm more convinced that brave and creative broadcasting decisions will pave the way.
Tuesday 5 June 2007
A question to consider...
Do Creatives actually listen to radio? If yes, then what do they listen to?
If they don't, then why the hell not?
If they can't stand (ironically) to be listening to commercial radio, then they may be surprised at how stations such as BBC Radio 3 & 4, and more recently, Channel 4 Radio, can influence them creatively. There is a whole load of techniques and talent on show for them to gather inspiration from, whilst you also gain understanding in to what works and what doesn't work on the medium.
I'm still surprised at the amount of radio scripts coming through that mention and actor "looking away" or "looking shocked" etc!
As advertisers, you need to know your audience. But you also need to know your medium. Radio isn't as obvious as TV, but that's the beauty of it. It takes intelligence and true creativity to make good radio. Listen, learn and ultimately challenge yoursleves and the audience.
If they don't, then why the hell not?
If they can't stand (ironically) to be listening to commercial radio, then they may be surprised at how stations such as BBC Radio 3 & 4, and more recently, Channel 4 Radio, can influence them creatively. There is a whole load of techniques and talent on show for them to gather inspiration from, whilst you also gain understanding in to what works and what doesn't work on the medium.
I'm still surprised at the amount of radio scripts coming through that mention and actor "looking away" or "looking shocked" etc!
As advertisers, you need to know your audience. But you also need to know your medium. Radio isn't as obvious as TV, but that's the beauty of it. It takes intelligence and true creativity to make good radio. Listen, learn and ultimately challenge yoursleves and the audience.
More on the Radio Centre Player...
..can be found HERE.
This throws up a few good points about the player. Firstly, who is it aimed at - general listeners or advertisers / other industry figures?
As it stands, the player is only on the Radio Centre website, so it's certainly not being marketed to the masses at the moment, although in time they may pick up on its existence - but to what extent.
And the most important point - why link to the BBC stations?
This throws up a few good points about the player. Firstly, who is it aimed at - general listeners or advertisers / other industry figures?
As it stands, the player is only on the Radio Centre website, so it's certainly not being marketed to the masses at the moment, although in time they may pick up on its existence - but to what extent.
And the most important point - why link to the BBC stations?
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
A welcome return last night for I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue. Listen again HERE
A letter published in Marketing Magazine states...
...that TV and print ads are the least effective form of marketing. However, it’s author, Simon Harrop from Brand Sense in Oxford, fails to point out the alternatives. Could RADIO possibly be one of these? Why doesn’t anyone seem to like to state what we in the radio industry already know? It’s extremely effective and should therefore be highly attractive. When will people learn?!
Monday 4 June 2007
4Radio
So on having a quick glance over the new 4Radio website, I couldn''t help but notice quite how much it seems to be a platform for cross promotion, or at least a supporting channel for its mainstream TV stations.
For example, programming on offer includes:
Big Brother Radio
Shipwrecked
8 Out of 10 Cats
Chancers
Hollyoaks
Jamie's School Dinners
Shameless
At least we don't see the BBC rolling out Eastenders radio.
Let's do hope this lazy and cheap method of production doesn't continue into its schedules if it wins the new multiplex licence. What a missed opportunity that would be - and a total disaster for radio.
For example, programming on offer includes:
Big Brother Radio
Shipwrecked
8 Out of 10 Cats
Chancers
Hollyoaks
Jamie's School Dinners
Shameless
At least we don't see the BBC rolling out Eastenders radio.
Let's do hope this lazy and cheap method of production doesn't continue into its schedules if it wins the new multiplex licence. What a missed opportunity that would be - and a total disaster for radio.
Radio Centre Player!
The Radio Centre has launched a new tool that allows listeners to listen to any UK station and 10,000 around the world.
The good thing about this is that listeners can now search and select their station from one website.
The bad thing, however, is that listeners can now hear more of the same poor and unimaginative content on hundreds of stations without much effort.
If the groups decide to improve output with variation and imagination, this could be a great thing.
Listen HERE!
The good thing about this is that listeners can now search and select their station from one website.
The bad thing, however, is that listeners can now hear more of the same poor and unimaginative content on hundreds of stations without much effort.
If the groups decide to improve output with variation and imagination, this could be a great thing.
Listen HERE!
Sunday 3 June 2007
Campaign Magazine & Radio
Each week we will be monitoring how many mentions radio gets in Campaign magazine.
Of course, Campaign is a standalone title, and not in any official way there solely for the promotion of any medium. However, it makes its money from advertising and thus has a responsibility to promote all aspects of the industry.
While it was quick to point out the lack of quality at this year's Aerials, it does nothing for the other 11 months of the year. This needs to change.
Let the counting begin...
Of course, Campaign is a standalone title, and not in any official way there solely for the promotion of any medium. However, it makes its money from advertising and thus has a responsibility to promote all aspects of the industry.
While it was quick to point out the lack of quality at this year's Aerials, it does nothing for the other 11 months of the year. This needs to change.
Let the counting begin...
Saturday 2 June 2007
On the Radio This Week!
Check out the following programmes on BBC Radio 4 this week (Sat-Tues):
Saturday:
On The Road - 10.30am
The Windsor Jewels - 2.30pm
Classic Serial - Tom Jones - 9.00pm (How NOT to make radio!)
Sunday:
Puppets Throuh America - 7.45pm
Monday:
The Cabbies From Prague - 11.00am
Clement Doesn't Live Here Anymore - 11.30am
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - 3.30pm (AND ALL THIS WEEK - MUST LISTEN!)
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue - 6.30pm
No Nightingales, No Snakes - 7.45pm (All this week; Maeve Binchy adaptation)
Tuesday:
Afternoon Play - Clean Air Turbulence - 2.15pm
Jon Ronson on... - 11.00
Saturday:
On The Road - 10.30am
The Windsor Jewels - 2.30pm
Classic Serial - Tom Jones - 9.00pm (How NOT to make radio!)
Sunday:
Puppets Throuh America - 7.45pm
Monday:
The Cabbies From Prague - 11.00am
Clement Doesn't Live Here Anymore - 11.30am
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - 3.30pm (AND ALL THIS WEEK - MUST LISTEN!)
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue - 6.30pm
No Nightingales, No Snakes - 7.45pm (All this week; Maeve Binchy adaptation)
Tuesday:
Afternoon Play - Clean Air Turbulence - 2.15pm
Jon Ronson on... - 11.00
Friday 1 June 2007
Get in touch!
Got any news or comments you wish to share?
Do you think this month's Aerial winner was worthy?
Is commercial radio on the up, or is it on its knees?
Let us know what you're thinking...
Email us at theradioblog@googlemail.com
Do you think this month's Aerial winner was worthy?
Is commercial radio on the up, or is it on its knees?
Let us know what you're thinking...
Email us at theradioblog@googlemail.com
Aerial Monthly Winner – May 07
Oh dear. Did THIS really win? Bland read, bland script. Another floater, and another indication of the overall poor quality being dished out at the moment. No wonder everyone's moving away from radio if this is the best on offer.
News from the RAB
Apparently, the commercial UK radio industry looks in good health. At least that is what the RAB suggests in its latest mailout.
Try telling that to advertisers, agencies and production houses then, because it certainly doesn’t look healthy from where we’re sitting.
1. Television is cool. Radio isn't (apparently). And in the meantime digital seems to be the new thing to spend money on, thus taking it away from the radio industry. Of course, digital can incorporate audio, but this increasingly seems like a missed trick.
However, the case remains that radio should be cool - but commercial radio has created lost any element of edginess and verstility in searching for the advertising spend, thus not getting the advertisers they want. It's a vicious circle.
2. Agencies are only interested in radio when it seems they are in with a chance of winning an award (which judging by the rubbish on display at the Aerials this year, shouldn’t be too difficult). By all means, put a junior creative (afterall, they need to learn) on the case, but don’t let your standards drop (even further) and do it for the right reasons.
3. Production houses are stifled by the combination of the two, in addition to the lack of imagination and insight across the board. Take a risk for once, push those research figures to one side and just go with your gut. Things are researched to death nowadays – to such an extent that almost all ads aimed at each particular group end up as an homogenised, indistinctive, bland and useless pieces of advertising. GET SOME BALLS.
The bottom line – no one cares about radio at the moment, and that needs to change. From the stations to the agencies to the advertisers, everyone has a part to play. The RAB needs to step up to the challenge (and that doesn’t mean just sticking a 3.0 in the hope of jumping on the new digital bandwagon). Digital is taking money away from radio - and it needs to be brought back.
Roll on the new 4Radio Digital multiplex.
Try telling that to advertisers, agencies and production houses then, because it certainly doesn’t look healthy from where we’re sitting.
1. Television is cool. Radio isn't (apparently). And in the meantime digital seems to be the new thing to spend money on, thus taking it away from the radio industry. Of course, digital can incorporate audio, but this increasingly seems like a missed trick.
However, the case remains that radio should be cool - but commercial radio has created lost any element of edginess and verstility in searching for the advertising spend, thus not getting the advertisers they want. It's a vicious circle.
2. Agencies are only interested in radio when it seems they are in with a chance of winning an award (which judging by the rubbish on display at the Aerials this year, shouldn’t be too difficult). By all means, put a junior creative (afterall, they need to learn) on the case, but don’t let your standards drop (even further) and do it for the right reasons.
3. Production houses are stifled by the combination of the two, in addition to the lack of imagination and insight across the board. Take a risk for once, push those research figures to one side and just go with your gut. Things are researched to death nowadays – to such an extent that almost all ads aimed at each particular group end up as an homogenised, indistinctive, bland and useless pieces of advertising. GET SOME BALLS.
The bottom line – no one cares about radio at the moment, and that needs to change. From the stations to the agencies to the advertisers, everyone has a part to play. The RAB needs to step up to the challenge (and that doesn’t mean just sticking a 3.0 in the hope of jumping on the new digital bandwagon). Digital is taking money away from radio - and it needs to be brought back.
Roll on the new 4Radio Digital multiplex.
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