Editorial

9/24/93

The phones at The Network Forty have literally been ringing off the hook the past few weeks. A lot of people in the radio and record community are expressing their opinion about various subjects and I, of course, have a few of my own.

A month ago, in a letter to the industry, publisher Bob Wilson of R&R hinted of an end to the parallel system that has created controversy since its inception. Most in both radio and records applauded the move. The only opposition seemed to come from independent promoters. R&R then ignored the consensus and decided to continue the old, easily manipulated parallel system. Why?

Three weeks ago, Joel Denver and R&R decided that radio would begin reporting “forecasts” of Plays Per Week. Joel was quick to tell anyone who would take his call that everyone in radio wanted this “new” innovation. He even claimed that he had discussed this idea in advance with many programmers. Who? What Joel actually discussed was the R&R on-line vaporware. Most in radio are anxious to see this heralded system. (Wouldn’t anyone love to witness a miracle?) Hell, we’ve been waiting for three years. But in the excitement of his hype (Joel really has his Edsel pitch down pat), he evidently forgot to mention his minor projection edit. There seems to be an R&R recession. Radio isn’t buying.

When it became evident that radio wasn’t going to bend to R&R’s latest dictate, Joel began calling programmers to say that record companies loved the “forecasts” of Plays Per Week idea. Not so. In a survey of 24 Sr. VPs, VPs and Promotion Directors, The Network Forty found 24 who did not support “forecasts” of Plays Per Week.

Who in the record community is Joel talking with?

What radio programmers are supporting “forecasts” of Plays Per Week?

The Network Forty differs from R&R in several ways, but one is most important. We are dedicated to reflecting radio’s ideas. R&R dictates decisions to their reporters. If “forecasts” of future plays were what radio wanted, we would do it…just like Plays Per Week, Overnight Requests, Promotions, Promo Planner, Stations Spotlight and Play It Say It. These features came from radio to The Network Forty, not the other way around.

Joel called those programmers who openly opposed R&R’s “forecasts” (in last issue’s Conference Call) and questioned their opposition. One suggested a 900 number so radio could vote on the issue. Joel told him it didn’t matter: R&R was going to do it anyhow.

We think it does matter. To make sure we continue to accurately reflect the opinion of those in the radio and record industries, we’ll give you the opportunity to “Voice Your Choice.” Between 6 pm Monday, September 27 and 9 am Tuesday, September 28 (PDT), you’re encouraged to participate in The Network Forty poll on “forecasts” of Plays Per Week. Those in favor vote yes, those opposed or who won’t participate vote no. The call is toll-free at 1-800443-4001. We’ll publish the results in next week’s issue. (Since all 800 calls identify the number calling, we’ll be able to disqualify those from R&R’s offices!)

Wasn’t R&R’s heralded vaporware (by the way, I would love to take credit for that term, but it, too, came from a radio programmer) promised to be in place Septermber 15? It still isn’t available, but hey, I for one, believe its coming. Maybe October 15? Novermber 15? Christmas?

And what about the monitoring system that was promised by Joel at the Conclave? It was supposed to be up and running in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago by September. Rumor has it that R&R tested the system last week in LA and it was almost totally inaccurate. Whatever, it’s almost October and the monitoring system isn’t available as promised. (Is anyone surprised?) Should we expect it in October? November? Christmas? This century?

Why does R&R make their reporting stations call in their playlists, costing time and money when other trades take information by fax? Because it’s easier for R&R?

Why doesn’t R&R open their universe and let all stations participate in the process? Why does a secret “editorial board” decide what radio stations are worthy of status? Is it because their antiquated computers system only allows them to gather information from a limited number of participants?

Why can’t R&R let radio stations determine their own identity? Who are they to tell a radio station what format parameter it falls into?

If their on-line system ever goes on-line, will radio stations be able to access the modem through a free 800 number or will stations have to pay long distance charges?

Why has R&R been for sale for months without an offer?

If Joel was listening to radio, he would know the answers to many of these questions.

R&R needs to understand that their autonomy is over. Those in the radio and record communities nationally want to be a part of decisions that affect the way they do business. What’s good for R&R is no longer good for our industry. The only ones who believe the opposite are those who work for R&R.

Can I say this one more time? It’s reality, stupid. Reflect it and I’ll shut up. And so will the industry.

Not all of my questions and comments centered on R&R. Just to show that I’m an equal opportunity basher, may I take some other, less serious shots?

I would like to thank those in the radio and record community for making The Network Forty the most copied magazine in the universe. First, R&R ripped of our Plays Per Week. Now, Billboard follows suit. They call their new Dance section “On The Tip,” a heading we’ve been using to indicate programmers’ favorite records since the inception of The Network Forty. Thanks for the flattery, Michael. We gave Plays Per Week to every other magazine (except Hitmakers…it’s a personal thing). We may not give up “On The Tip.” You should think about another title.

And Hits last week announced their new Rap Editor who, they said, came from The Network Forty. Better check that resume, guys. She never worked here. We know you can’t read your magazine, but if you get someone to read The Network Forty to you, you’ll also know we don’t have a Rap Section. Yet.

See, just to keep them honest, we read all trade magazines (except Hitmakers…it’s a personal thing.)