8/13/1993
In today’s world, it is easy to be cruel, easy to be hard, it’s easy to say no. Heaven knows, The Network Forty and even I, yes, I have on occasion stopped to criticize.
From time to time, some of our readers have questioned our motives and have been concerned with the tone of selected editorials and (of course) the occasional nudity on Page 6. For those who believe we have been overly critical or mean-spirited, this editorial (and the entire magazine) is dedicated to you.
Throughout this issue of The Network Forty, you will find words, pictures and ideas that will serve as a calming influence for the hectic world in which we live. From the cover and the picture on Page 6 to the “mood page†and pie charts, we will attempt to uplift your spirits and soothe your frayed nerves. Since California is a state of mind, I would first ask that we all join in a cosmic hand-holding for 30 seconds, followed by the required group hug. (Editor’s note: If you’re reading this in Hollywood, you can end with an “air†kiss.) Now that we’ve set the mood, let me begin.
First, I would like to compliment R&R. You may pause for a few minutes here to regain your composure. For more than 20 years, this publication has been “the industry’s newspaper.†We should be grateful because our industry really needs a newspaper. What other trade publication can be used for packing plates and glasses or for wrapping the fish we catch on those spiritual retreats to our favorite lake? We love R&R. We particularly like the black print that rubs off on our hands, because when we see it, we are reminded that ll people should work together as one, without regard to race, creed or color. Although some are critical of the size of R&R’s sample of reporting stations, we should look at this as a positive. Those in the record industry can concentrate their efforts rather than call every station across the country. And the radio stations that aren’t in the sample are given a goal to shoot for. And what other publication would establish vague, yet complicated guidelines for reporting status? R&R, in its Zen-like methodology, keeps us forever praying, meditating, guessing and wondering.
When can you be a reporting station, Grasshopper? When you take the pebble from Joel’s hand.
And what about Joel? He’s such a nice guy…a genuine person who’s quick to share his beliefs with anyone who asks…even if few do. And he’s so sanitary. To insure no loose hairs ever drop into a companion’s plate of food, he wears his in a ponytail. It’s proof positive that Joel cares more about the environment than fashion.
I want this on the record: Even if I’m one, lone voice crying out in the wilderness, I believe R&R’s monitor system will be up and running in three major markets in September.
Hitmakers certainly lives up to their name. Bob Greenberg is a prince among princes and I, for one, could sit at the bare feet of Barry Fiedel and listen to him pontificate for hours.
And what can I say about Gavin that hasn’t already been said? Organized by the man who coined the phrase, “Be nice to the people who are paid to be nice to you,†the tradition continues. Two names say it all: Dave Sholin and Ben Fong-Torres. They’re linked interchangeably and will walk hand-in-hand into the Music Hall of Fame.
Billboard and BDS have formed a combination that is without parallel (no pun intended). Michael Ellis is to charts what Michelangelo is to modern art. BDS is without doubt the most accurate monitoring service this side of NASA. Their technology has indeed changed the face of our industry and unlike others who have gone before, they are quick to address any problems that have arisen.
Arbitron. I will adhere to the old expression, “If you can’t say something good, don’t say anything at all.â€
In is my sincere hope that you get half as much joy out of reading this editorial as I got in composing it. Can’t we all be friends? Can’t we come together and do good? Is it possible, in today’s day and age, to work together for a positive universe?
If we try, we can do it.
This next week, smile. Help your brother or sister when they are down. Give food or shelter to the homeless. Pledge your help to the flood victims. Spare some change.
Peace…love…happiness.
Groovy.
God bless us, everyone.
(Editor’s Note: Gerry Cagle wrote this editorial under a doctor’s care while visiting an Oregon ashram. He was also, we assume, under heavy medication. He is schedule for release later this week and expected to be his vociferous self by next week’s edition.)