1/20/1995
Since the inception of our Country section some months ago, I’ve talked with hundreds of professionals in the radio and record industries about our plans. I’ve shared our ideas and solicited their advice. I’ve also answered lots of questions and it occurred to me that many others, who haven’t had the opportunity to ask, might like some answers.
How many stations will be in the panel? It’s ultimately up to the industry, because Network 40 built its reputation on being the only radio-friendly trade magazine, we don’t want to exclude any radio station from sharing our information and participating in our publication. However, we recognize that the record industry needs a barometer that reflects sales. Network 40 will identify the stations that are programmed aggressively, stimulate record sales and affect other stations. These will be included in our PPW research regardless of market size. Unreliable Arbitron ratings or bogus weighting will not play a part in the final equation.
Since call-out research is becoming a big part of Country programming, how will you reflect its impact? Network 40 has commissioned one of the largest call-out research projects in the country. The results will be printed weekly. Network 40 will be the only publication providing call-out research. We recognize that call-out research is a big part of Country programming. We want to provide it as a tool to those who can’t afford to do their own and as a comparison to those who have a system already in place.
What’s the big deal about “actual†Plays Per Week as opposed to projections? Reality. Projected plays are just guesses. The industry isn’t interested in guesses; the industry is interested in reality. It’s not how many times you think you’ll play it, but how many times you actually played a record that is important. For years, radio stations provided playlists that were loose guesses about the popularity of records programmed…or in some cases, not programmed. The industry recognized the dishonesty (sometimes inadvertent, sometimes planned) in the system and demanded change. PPWs and BDS made that playlist obsolete and provided the industry with an honest representation of how many times a record was played.
What’s the difference between PPWs and BDS? In a perfect world, there would be little difference in the final tally. However, the world isn’t perfect. Without Network 40’s PPWs, many important stations would not be represented because BDS doesn’t monitor all stations. When technical problems arise, Network 40’s PPWs are critical in determining the exact number of plays records are getting in specific markets. Programmers won’t have to provide station logs to “prove†they’re playing certain records. Reporting actual PPWs to Network 40 provides the perfect balance to BDS. Projections can’t make the same claim.
What’s the difference between Network 40, R&R and Billboard? The biggest difference is that Network 40 is staffed by former programmers who strive to make our publication radio-friendly. Network 40 provides much more than charts. Our publication is full of programming information and news that, hopefully, will make it easier for you to do your job. With exclusive features like “Promotions,†“Programmers Conference Call,†“Station Spotlight†and the interviews (among others), Network 40 is full of helpful, important information found nowhere else. Our editorial content is the sharpest in the business. We integrate articles to help the radio and record industries understand each other better and work together more effectively.
Why do we need another chart? You don’t. The industry needs an accurate chart, provided by radio that is representative of actual plays on radio. That’s Network 40’s PPW chart.
Why did Network 40 decide to do a Country section? For a couple of reasons. First, I love Country music. Second, The Network Magazine Group recognizes the importance of the Country music industry and we believe we are the right entity to represent it. Besides, Network 40, we also publish Album Network, Urban Network and Virtually Alternative. The Country Network is our next, logical step.
Why do you pick on R&R so much? My dissatisfaction with R&R began when I was programming, long before I came to Network 40. I objected to a publication that dictated what I could and couldn’t do. R&R was never a “friend†to the radio or record industries. R&R used both to further its own needs. I objected then and I object now, to the self-proclaimed rules governing reporting status and the make-up of charts. Before Network 40, people criticized R&R quietly because to do so loudly could have disastrous results. Times have changed. The criticisms of R&R on these pages are not mine alone…they are the thoughts of programmers and record executives with whom I speak daily. I don’t purport to be the “conscience†of the industry; I only reflect the opinions of those who share their opinions with me. Besides, if Network 40 doesn’t do it, who will? R&R, with little regard for the interests of either the radio or record industries, has dictated policies and practices for years without fear of retribution. Network 40, with the help and influence of both the radio and record industries, is changing that.
Last but not least, why do you print naked pictures on Page 6? Because people send them to us. However, as more of our readers find them offensive, you won’t see many more. I would say you won’t see any more, but I’ve been promised a shot of a “buck nekid†Nick Hunter. I’m sure you’ll agree that if it arrives, it has to run!