Out of Place

Being a communication arts student, I’ve just encountered our fifth major course—Scriptwriting for Radio and TV. Our block have just learned how to pitch ideas and put them into writing. We were also made familiar with different video techniques and audio cues, so we briefly viewed episodes of TV series or even scenes from movies to figure out such technical things. I’ve observed my classmates being so interested in TV series and/or movies that it is usually the way by which we discuss the topics we had in Scriptwriting. 

Even when it’s not Scriptwriting class, I would hear them talk about a series they were following and marathon-ing, or a movie they have just watched, and much more on the celebrities that act on those series or movies. Be it How To Get Away with Murder, or Pretty Little Liars, or Game of Thrones, or Star Wars, or Civil War, and a lot more that I’m not familiar with...And I just feel overwhelmed, alienated.

Even within the family. I think Ma and I are the odd ones out in terms of film, although we do like and prefer quality films. The rest are so into movies. Even Pa has a regular “Night at The Movies”, like what American stations have done decades ago on primetime. 

And here I am, a communication arts student who—among others who have film, or television, or advertising in their specialty—has a peculiar interest in what seems an abandoned media and will most likely work for that field someday. I am just so different, and I can’t but find myself out of place—OP.

But I surely don’t disdain everything TV and film. In fact, I have watched films and have followed TV series. I was even fascinated with a few of them.

(Clockwise) Images from the films: Dead Poets Society, Chariots of Fire,
The Pursuit of Happyness, and John Q

Feature presentations and matinees

During my summer vacation periods in high school I would watch films—not on DVD or even from a torrent file, but on HBO and Cinemax (sometimes from Star Movies too). I even subscribed to a weekly newsletter from HBO and Cinemax sent via e-mail. 

Later on, I would visit the website of both channels and browse through the movies they would broadcast. As soon as I chose a movie I would like to see (after reading the synopsis), I would take note of the schedule, and I would likely catch most of those movies. 

As long as it was vacation, movies were a part of my activities. Thanks to cable I watched movies such as Dead Poets Society, Chariots on Fire, Tron (both old and new versions), John Q, Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs, Sucker Punch, and even Beastly and The Pursuit of Happyness. Thanks also to the movies Misery and Christine, I got more interested in reading Stephen King’s works. 

But usually I would look for vintage movies, and I would always expect them every afternoon on Cinemax. They call that segment Movie Matinee, if I’m not mistaken. On that slot I viewed various crime/spy, adventure and (mostly) science fiction films, though sometimes I found them hard to understand (especially the crime films). I was so fascinated with the science fiction flicks I saw on that timeslot—The Incredible Shrinking Man, Five Million Miles To Earth, The Blob, Earth vs. Flying Saucers, and Journey to The Far Side of the Sun. 

But for me the most memorable film I was delighted to watch on cable (because I’ve been wanting to) was 2001: A Space Odyssey. My father found the movie weird (mostly for the sound effects and silent scenes), though he recognized how antique it was. But I did like it at that time I picked it as my favorite movie when I was asked about it in my sophomore year.

Later in my fourth year, when the cable was converted into a digital box, I chanced upon films from My Movie Channel when it was still on air. I really liked that channel for the quality films they feature. Too bad it went off air last year, probably for lack of audience and profit. There I viewed For The Boys, The Five Heartbeats, A Christmas Carol (from the 80’s), and S1m0ne. 

(Clockwise) Images from the films: For The Boys, The Five Heartbeats,
S1m0ne, and A Christmas Carol (starring George Scott)

Series and sitcoms

I also got into some TV series on some cable channels. There used to be 80’s shows on 2nd Avenue when I was in my 2nd year high school which I used to follow. I would watch Small Wonder in afternoons, featuring the girl robot living with a small family. Early in the morning, there was also the stories of riding the roller-coaster ride of growing up from The Wonder Years and the young Neil Patrick Harris working as a physician in (incredibly) his teenage years in Doogie Howser, M.D. 

When AXN Beyond reformatted to beTV (which later on became Sony Channel), they aired the 90’s sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. One time I stumbled upon it, and I liked it. I knew the schedule, and I would switch the TV to that channel at specific times (usually 5:00) and have a regular laugh from the dysfunctional family of a humorous sportswriter Ray Barone. 

When I was in third year, I also saw The Newsroom at its start. I was of course fascinated at a series about a team of anchors, journalists, and producers working for a news channel. If you ever saw an FB video of a man angrily responding to the question “Is the US still the best country in the world?” (that he said it used to be), it was from that TV drama. Later on I missed The Newsroom, and somehow I drifted away from watching TV series.

(Clockwise) Images from the sitcoms:
 Small Wonder, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Cosby Show, and Taxi

When I was yet to become a college student, I would regularly catch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. I would always wait for the segments, especially “Thank You Notes” and “Screengrabs”, then I either eat lunch during the interview segments or switch the TV to another channel. But often I finished the show.

The Big Bang Theory also came as another source of laughs. In the lives of four scientists with different ways and manners in their professions and their relationships, I would find myself laughing (with siblings and parents, thankfully). Even in these college years I would find it on Warner TV or Jack TV and set aside the work for a while. In such an often stressful life I’ve been living, I need a laugh. 

There’s also another good channel I’ve found from the box—Hits. It’s the place for old TV shows, and I am in for things vintage. I found doses of laughs from The Cosby Show, Different Strokes, Taxi, Married...with Children, and even Mad About You and The Golden Girls. I also viewed some episodes from Moonlighting and The X-Files. Oh, I hope I would have the time to catch The X-Files, but it appears I won’t have time for any marathon/catching-up while I was busy in the city, in the campus.

So far, aside from Big Bang, the program I catch when I have the chance, is 60 Minutes, the long-running magazine program comprised of 3 stories and the ticking of an Aristo stopwatch. 

And currently, I got hooked on Ang Probinsyano, the missions of a policeman turned CIDG officer against various criminals, especially against a drug syndicate, which makes the major plot of the story.

One favorite remains

I have shared to you my viewing list and favorite picks on television and film. Yet, this patronage fluctuates in time. But at the present, I’m less hooked on TV series or motion pictures as much as others are. 

While many I know are into today’s hero films or novel adaptations, which have just been viewed on movie theaters and probably have been released on Kick-A-- Torrent, I’m not into that. Many wait for the next episode of famous TV series on cable or online, but I’m just not interested in any of them. 

The particular reason I have felt negative about this is: I feel I won’t be able to bring anything else interesting to talk about, finding it difficult to talk at all. I feel and surmise that’s the easy link that could bring a conversation with someone, although I consider that he/she/they could give an ear on or express about other topics. And I can’t use the TV/movie link always. Or maybe I could try. Aside from that, I find it somehow ironic that I’m in a communications course, but I have less affinity to some of the trending media (except social media, of course). 

But wait, read: communication arts. The entire program involves a lot of fields (not mass media/broadcasting alone), it has a wide range of areas covered. And I just turned out to be liking the areas of radio and (a bit of) research. That’s the way it is. 

Of course, I find it helpful to view more series and films as I go through my major subjects this upcoming 2nd half of college. But I would less likely follow more than one series, or set my eyes on a lot of films. This happens to be the case because: 1) again, I like radio more, and 2) I’m a bit cautious and conservative with what I view, that’s why I grew less inclined to view films and series.

I should therefore stop being negative on feeling out of place. I have to embrace it. And maybe celebrate it. It’s nothing to be sad about. At least there’s someone who’s concerned with keeping the airwaves alive. Radio will remain my favorite. 

In fact, these past weeks and days I’ve been listening to radio dramas, book readings, and documentaries (yes, documentaries on radio) from United Kingdom’s BBC Radio 4. Maybe you would like to try them, for a change. Let me give you some links:

• The 2nd part of a 2-part dramatization of John Wyndham’s The Kraken Waves
• A 15-minute sci-fi drama entitled "Inertia" (the story's so sad)
• A 5-episode reading of a biography of war poet Edward Thomas 
• A documentary about video game music (yes, there is!)

10 Possible Careers as a Communication Arts Student (3/3)

Image credit: David Brent Johnson via Twitter

8. Producer/presenter of a jazz program in DZFE or Crossover

I’m so inspired by the American jazz-oriented program Nightlights that I would like to work for a jazz program or to simply play jazz music. I find it fulfilling to educate the musical taste of the Filipino and encourage him to listen to various genres, including jazz.


9. Work for a talk-oriented radio program

I’ve heard from a lot of those who discuss matters and share their opinions on both FM and AM. Among these radio personalities, I often listen to Ben Tulfo (example) and Joel Reyes Zobel. I find myself smiling when I listen to Sir Ben's program, but I also get understandable opinions.

I’m also inspired by Larry King, who, before having a program in CNN, became an overnight (graveyard shift!) talk show host on America’s Mutual Radio. On Larry's show, he interviewed a particular person; then  opens the line for his listeners to ask questions to the guest; then talk with his callers on just about anything.

Image credit: mitchalbom.com

Best-selling author Mitch Albom, in fact, also has his own talk show which airs in the afternoon in Detroit, Michgan, USA. I haven’t taken a listen his show yet, but I heard his past interview with Stephen King at his website (4th on his top 10 interviews).

There’s also the late Bob Grant who says his “unrehearsed” program in New York opens an exchange of ideas, and he gains much calls from his listeners.

Knowing things such as these, I’m fascinated by talk on radio. You get to hear ideas and opinions, you get the privilege to know what others think you have to know, and you also get to balance opposing views. In fact, the essential act of listening is being exercised, and the process of thinking is being valued.

I find it worthwhile just to work on those things.

Image credit: www.achievement.org

10. Broadcast journalist

To be honest, I do want to learn journalism, aside from communication. I’ve been into writing, why not be a journalist? But for now, considering that I have passed in CA rather than in journ. when I took my entrance exam, I’ll go on with CA. Besides, broadcast journalism is included in the course.

With regards to the topics, however, I’m more inclined to work under, or even be a correspondent on topics which are not much attended to in major newscasts both here and abroad. Such topics can be regularly found, again, from another program in the West—CBS Sunday Morning. It’s a weekend daytime program that covers topics not much covered by major news programs, such as theater, classical music, and literature—simply put, the arts.



If I were a print journalist, I would also like to write more about the arts; but in both broadcast and print, I’ll appreciate it too to write in the field of religion, transportation, education (academics, school life, etc.), and media.

10 Possible Careers as a Communication Arts Student (2/3)

 5. Simply put, a DJ

Image from: www.straitstimes.com

 Now here’s a primary prospect. I’ve been interested in radio, and I still am.

Mostly, among different formats, either it’s working for the jazz station (if ever, Crossover, more classical jazz please…); or for the classical station (I appreciate classical a lot, but it would take a long time for me to cultivate the flair); or the oldies or the alternative.

Either it’s at daytime (“Goooood Morning, Vietnam!”), or afternoon, or graveyard. In fact, graveyard shift is that which stuck on my mind for a long time, especially when I refused to sleep to get schoolwork done. I got used to being an owl since high school, that graveyard shift might be fit for me.

Don’t many start there? Don’t few occupy it? Why don’t I?


6. Speaking of graveyard, an anchor in the graveyard shift.

This reminds me of both NBC News Overnight in US and ITN Morning News in UK in the 80's.

The earlier’s concept has gained my high regards and great admiration. It’s a newscast that is radical and distinct in the 80s among other newscasts. It is one that is more conversational and more story-centered. It is deemed as the “most intelligent news program ever” by the awards jury of the duPont Columbia Awards at that time. More about this on my past blog post.

The later, meanwhile, is a result of the extended operations of ITV into the wee hours.

It’s like being an anchor on ANC from around 12-3am. 9TV can do with that as well, being a 24 hour news service.


7. Graphics designer/artist

These are what they call 'holding slides', ever present in British TV presentation. Image credits: tv-ark.org.uk

Television presentation involves graphics and visuals ever since. That’s what I have observed when I got to look into television history of UK, and even here in the Philippines. If you will look closely at the visual art made for programs and schedules (click the collages, if you may), you might possibly see how they were intricately made.

Local slides/cards around 70's-80's. Image credits: videos from some flagwavercharacter's YT videos and jadxx0223.deviantart.com

News graphics before computers did the job. Taken from YT videos from flagwavercharacter and sandiessss

Even in news programs, before computers took the role, artists creatively produced images and illustrations that would go along the news items. They are simple, but such simplicity is just fit for the news. Too much graphics, for me, usually looks like too much light.

If there were still anything like these that would necessitate a graphic artist, I would appreciate to learn about making them. And I like to revive nostalgia, even by means of new technology.

(To be concluded)

10 Possible Careers as a Communication Arts Student (1/3)

I haven’t written for this blog for a very long time. I was busy during the first semester of my first year in college, and finally I’m done with it. I’m currently taking up Communication Arts (CA), and for the past 4 months I’ve been learning a lot about this course. Despite times when my mind plays with doubts of belonging to this course, I’ve been appreciating what I’ve learned about communication, as well as mass media—it's forms, history, and growth.

Often, moments come when I think of what career I will have upon finishing CA. Many ideas come to my mind, both usual and odd. There are those that I caught from what I’ve learned from media history out of watching television archives and listening to foreign stations and old airchecks—all of them through the World Wide Web.

Here are those possible careers that come to my mind, and some of them are conceived and perceived as dreams

1. Continuity presenter on television

This is more than a voice-over. It is something more spontaneous, more creative, and more interesting (at least for me).

I got this idea from discovering how television broadcasting appeared in United Kingdom, especially around 60’s to early 90’s, thanks to the vast library of TV Ark. 

In UK, only three channels used to dominate the airwaves: BBC1 and BBC2, the public broadcasters, and Independent Television (ITV), the private/commercial broadcaster. In both channels, there is someone who serves as a “companion” or a “host” that guides viewers throughout the station’s broadcast until (before they started to operate 24 hours around the ‘80s) they close down, or sign-off.

On BBC, broadcasts are presided by live announcers. On every station of ITV for each region in the country, however, the presenter takes this role. Here are examples of what I mean:

What’s interesting here is that the presenter is not just heard, but also seen. He introduces the programs, as well as says the next airing of those programs. He says the schedule for the day, as well as birthday greetings. He greets you “Good Morning”, and he wishes you “Good Night”, and even reminds you to switch-off your TV set before you sleep (when the TV’s all black, before the signal finally goes out).

Since discovering this, I’ve been so amazed at how Brits broadcast on-air. For me, it looks cool. However, this style of broadcasting has gone away. Later on in the 90’s, the stations no longer have in-vision continuity, but voices remain doing the job.

2. Continuity announcer on TV

If ITV had presenters, BBC has announcers. They do the same thing ITV used to do, without the faces.

Here in my country, there are announcers too, but they exist in recorded plugs, brought-to-you-by’s, and broadcast notices.

Knowing that BBC take these jobs live fascinates me a lot. In fact, announcers don’t end the broadcast with any station notice (“This is…A commercial television station…”), but simply with tomorrow’s weather report, a bit of reminders, a bid of “Good Night”, and finally “God Save The Queen” (on BBC 1). What a friendly way of dealing with audiences…and telling them to sleep!

It also interested me that I spotted public broadcasters in US that did this as well in the 80’s, although only limited to plugs and station IDs. I’m not so sure whether they announce on-air or pre-taped, though.

Credit: bbc.co.uk

3. Continuity announcer on radio

I got this idea when I started listening to WDCB, a public radio station in the Chicago area playing jazz and blues. The continuity announcer’s job there, as I’ve observed, are mentioning the schedule of programs (“…Monday nights at 8”, for example) and telling the donors/supporters of the station (“Support for WDCB comes from…”).

This work is much more evident when you listen to UK's BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra. The announcer does the same thing as those on BBC1 or BBC2 do. Wow, this tradition continues on BBC, both on TV and radio.

4. Newsreader in an FM station

Only few do newsreading live and local on FM, nowadays. One of them is government-operated DWBR 104.3, where the news is simply delivered on top-of-the-hour, without any almost-distracting sound effects or background music. Like this one:

I also got inspired, again, from listening to public radio and old airchecks (here's an example) I’ve heard from YouTube. 

Here is this dream to read the news either on the classical music station (that would’ve been an achievement!), or the alternative music station. Or I’ll perhaps settle on the oldies station’s news every 55 minutes past the hour (although not always like that) or on DWBR’s top-of-the-hours.

Is it still costly to have a segment like this on FM?, I wonder.

(To be continued)

Into Classical and Jazz (2 Recommended Stations)

When before I've been into 80's music and present alternative music, now I've included 2 different genres. Thanks to 2 different radio stations I've been listening to recently.


98.7 DZFE : The Master's Touch
dzfe.febc.ph

Last year, I started frequently listening to 98.7 DZFE, making it my background music while doing schoolwork, especially when I stayed wide-awake until dawn and when I took a week-long semestral break.

Before, I didn't listen much to classical. But with 98.7, I listen more and more. Before, I thought I wouldn't get to listen to this station, though I know it already as a child. Now, I got myself to listen. DZFE helped me to further appreciate this kind of music, as well as jazz (initially) and church music (e.g.: "A Mighty Fortress").

The difficult thing, I guess, is knowing the titles. Unlike modern music, you may listen and take note of the lyrics, then search it on the Net. In classical, you have to pay attention whenever an announcer speaks.

Not only do I hear classical music on DZFE, but also programs and segments that make it "The station that cares to uplift the inner man". DZFE, as a Bible precept station as well, delivers engaging Christian programming. Some of those that I've been listening to often are Listen To The Bible, A Different Perspective, Just Thinking with Ravi Zacharias, and Pure Sex Radio.

It's good to know such a service still exists in a mass-market-dominated frequency modulation (FM). Not only does Far East Broadcasting Company(FEBC), the broadcaster of DZFE, serves us with this so-called "music of the mind", but also "food for the soul".


ABC Jazz
abcjazz.net.au

From the local airwaves, we go to Australia's digital vibrations.

It's so interesting that I found a station like ABC Jazz, one of the many broadcast services made possible by the government (again: the government).

By the way, aside from United Kingdom's BBC, Australian Broadcasting Company is another pioneer in radio. They broadcast various material, including classical and modern music; even a station presenting their local music in a large scale, "unearthing" local talent and then sharing them 24/7. Now that's something innovative and great!

ABC Jazz presents jazz further and deeper than the jazz I'm hearing at 105.1 Crossover. Because of the station, my interest in jazz flicked and flamed brighter.

An interesting feature in ABC Jazz is when you listen online, you get to know the song actually playing on air. They have a window for the stream of the station, sharing what was just played, what is currently playing, and what plays next.


I recommend these stations not only for those who like these types of sounds, but also those who like to dwell into new music, though not necessarily new.

I salute these 2 services for keeping their music, and radio, alive. First, the FEBC here in the Philippines, for being the only Philippine station bringing classical music since the 50's, as well as staying committed to bring "Christ to the world by radio". And then the Australian government: good thing your funds go to appreciative use.

—

Picture credit: Google Images

The Radio Broadcasting I Know and Love

Last year, I won 3rd place in field reporting in the radio broadcasting competition of the District School Press Conference, and the school our whole team were representing won 3rd place in the competition proper. I did the script of a 5-minute (at the least) newscast, and played a role on one of the 4 field reporters.

I was urged by my English teacher and some fellow seniors to join the team for the competition. I decided to go since it sounded interesting. At first, it was sort of uncomfortable for me to do, but as I went on knowing the basics and practicing and preparing for the contest, I began learning a lot and enjoying the experience with my teammates.

Picture from: http://charlieagatep.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/lights-camera-how-philippine-tv-began/

Signing-on

Ever since as a child I gained interest in media, from television to print; yet what seems to be not much appreciated by teenagers is still my unfading interest. As an elementary student, I would turn that circular part of the radio around, especially when the radio is on the AM band, and find out what station I am hearing. Furthermore, my parents are constant listeners—from RJ 100 to DZSR 918 to 702 DZAS. When Internet became accessible to us at home, I learned further the stations and each of their histories.

As an adolescent, I grew a constant listening ear for Crossover, Magic 89.9 (for Friday Madness), BBC Radio channels in United Kingdom (via the Internet); then Jam 88.3, 98.7 DZFE, Retro 105.9, and even DWBR 104.3. These are my choices everytime I turn the radio on.

During the recent school years, I usually tuned in to Jam, and DZFE later on, especially when I worked overnight and refused to sleep as a sacrifice. Whenever the radio's on Jam, I began not only to like current music more, but also radio work on FM. As I heard the DJs mixing the music and talking to their listeners, I heard something nice to do in the future. I heard a possible career.

Picture from: http://web.krtu.org/x4026.xml

Switchover

Before that, there was still an interest to be in the field of news, whether on radio or TV, maybe print; but aside from my springing interest in writing, my pursuit shifted from journalism to communication. I may mimic Gus Abelgas or Ben Tulfo (don't think of asking me to do so!), but I now desire more to be like the voices I'm hearing on sensible radio: Mike (not Enriquez), Lambert, Russ Davis, Rudolph Rivera, Jimmy Jam, The Triggerman, Bon Vibar, and a lot more.

I want to be a DJ on Jam; or present the concertos and sonatas and compositions on DZFE; or maybe go Retro with old school music; or report the top-of-the-hour news on DWBR and maybe have a show like Mitch Albom's there; or hopefully manage or direct a radio station, even a government-operated one.

Moreover, I want to talk about things on air. I want some discourse on air, be someone for listeners to hang out with while they discover new music, drive, work, or relax. I might talk on a news/talk radio; that can be on DZRJ 810 AM. But, I want to combine talk and music, maybe like Jessica Zafra before.

I now see radio broadcasting as Jam, or other non-mass-market music stations do it. Befriending your listeners, playing them alternative or various music, responding to song requests, and even raising topics and speaking out your opinions or stories.

It's not anymore the usual reporting and news delivery I've done at the radio broadcasting competition. It's being a disc jockey for a maximum of 3 or 4 hours and being a friend on the airwaves (but I still find it good to say the news in the manner 104.3 does it). That's what I like to do in the future, aside from writing prose and poetry and, hopefully, making music.

Those are the ways I like and hope to be as a broadcaster.

Retro in the Metro

After my graduation, at around 11 pm, before going to sleep, I turned the radio on and tuned in to 105.9, which in the previous days aired teasers about a new format on the station: "Prepare to go Retro". I expected to still hear jazzy tunes from the soon-to-go-out Radio High, when I found out that the music finally changed to classic sounds of the past, ranging from around 70s to 80s. Then, as I wrote on a notebook, I heard a jingle, which sounded like the ones from RJ 100 and 99.5 RT (before it became Play FM), something created by Jam Creative (famous makers of radio jingles). The station has gone retro.

I was sure earthings! blog will keep track on this, and so the next day I confirmed to myself that 105.9 is now Retro 105.9 DCG-FM, and as of this writing (last Friday), I still don't know what DCG means. I thought, Why not WLA-FM? That sounds better...Nonetheless, 105.9 and FM radio as a whole now sounds better, despite of the popularity of Hot AC/"masa" stations.

For sure, there will be competition with RJ 100 (which I believe is an 'eternal' station), and also with Magic 89.9's "Friday Madness" (which I like first when it comes to old school—in particular, 80's—music).

So far, the mixed music from different decades, together with the roster of DJs, including Rudolph Rivera (from RJ 100), Jimmy Jam (I now remember his voice on defunct Campus Radio), and The Triggerman (also from Campus, who hosted "The Top 20 @ 12! The Top 20 @ 12!"), creates a new good sound for Metro (and Mega) Manila—especially baby boomers and seekers of different kinds of music, and also moms and dads—to put their ears on.

Retro 105.9 (which is enough for a name, in my opinion, but good with "WLA" or "LA") reminds me, as a radio enthusiast and partly a radio historian, of the radio stations in USA playing 'oldies but goodies' or adult contemporary music: the still-on-air WCBS 101.1, and the defunct stations WABC Musicradio 77 and 66 WNBC, from how the DJs speak to the jingles themselves. I wonder how and where do they create the jingles. Are the same people sing the jingles from time to time? I want to see the process here in the Philippines.

However, I hope to hear more variety in the jingles and plugs (as of this Saturday, I heard some variety). I almost hear the same jingles (but, isn't that the purpose of jingles?). Here's are examples of that variety, where they can be applied on news and weather:

I also wish to see a good official logo, where it almost looks like/inspired by the logos of the mentioned foreign stations ('di naman sa colonial mentality). Actually, I was at a peak of creativity to draw my suggested logos. I hope they'll consider them:

Retro 105.9 is simply a good-sounding station. I hope for its success in the days and years to come. I consider it as one of my choices once I turn the radio on, aside from Jam, The Master's Touch, and Crossover.

And may they let us know what DCG means.

I even have a guess: Decades of Contemporary Greatest hits, which doesn't go well. There's, however, a scoop before I typed this piece: D' Classic Golden Fabulous Music.

Is that the meaning of it?

How about you? What do you think of this new station? Have your say on the comments part once you've clicked the title of this piece(in case you're at the homepage), or on @adrianconoza, or on Google+(Adrian Conoza), or at adrianconoza@gmail.com.

Top 5 Reasons Why You'll Argue With Your Parents On The Radio

This blogger has been interested to give some flair to the blog. This time, here are 5 reasons I thought could be good reasons why you'll possibly argue with your mama or dad on what's tuned in on your radio, unless you listen online or you have a personal one.

1. They just want music. Nothing more. Nothing less.
They just want to listen to songs, and no talk. That's mostly because they get used to RJ 100's "three songs in a row". By the way, the mentioned station is the veteran in playing "oldies but goodies". They may even like Home Radio's easy-listening playlist, though DJs were already added, so it's no more automated until the wee hours. So they just want music that won't be interrupted except by station IDs or commercials

2. They won't relate to talk-oriented programs on FM.
It's not a matter of class. It's just that they won't relate to the talk of the DJs before and after the music. I reasoned out before that it's the job of DJs, but in the end some people won't relate to them. You know, AM and FM are different. They'll complain it's just "talk talk". It still depends, nevertheless, on your parents' preferences.

3. They won't relate to the music playing.
Unless they are open to new music as much as they're open to American Idol.

4. Your speakers are loud, and they don't like rock.

5. Contrary to number 1, they want information..news..Or talk...
If they want talk, they would listen to it. But if they don't want to, they demand music. Moods change.


There's really a difference between old and new. Things change and even evolve, and so music preferences. You're blessed if you're into different scopes of music, if you get used to adult contemporary and you like today's music.You won't have to argue with your parents. You're also blessed if you're alright with AM, because informative discussions could be opened on the table, although it still depends on the program.

But do you really have to argue with them if you are not even turning the radio on? You're blessed if you still value radio.

But you know, just enjoy what's in it. Let your parents listen if they want to. You'll have a chance soon. It would be a blessing if you have your own, or if your parents are okay with what you listen to.

Yet the question remains: do you still listen and value radio?

***

Anything to add or protest? Just comment. Thank you.

Again?

"Hey, Mayor Bloomberg. I heard you took a shot at us in the Post. What's with all the swearin' like a sailor? Fleet Week is over. It's just music." — Howard Cogan of then Jack FM in New York, picking up on Mayor Michael Bloomberg's criticizing about WCBS's sudden change in format.

I haven't thought of another flip in Philippine radio.

They're doing it again.

I turned the radio one day on 99.5 MHz while doing schoolwork, and I was surprised to hear stingers of a new station. The tagline: "This radio station is under construction..."

After undergoing two reformats and going back on the air, 99.5 RT will change. The so-called "Rhythm of The City" will be replaced. Some of the programs were dismissed, including the famous The RT30. Some of the DJs, as my sources said, bid their goodbyes, but you can still hear other DJs on the air.You can still hear the name 99.5 RT, but it's already clear that the station is working on a new identity as the "Station for The New Generation", as the stingers promote.

I don't suppose this would be another masa station(meaning for the mass audience), as said by fellow netizens. And I don't believe they would become a masa station with tedious jokes and corny, green fanfare. Good thing, it was already confirmed it won't be.

Once again, the management decided on a reformat, the station's 4th reformat. This station makes the many reformats in Philippine radio history. Again, I think it's a problem of attracting advertisers, getting revenues(if that's what they call it), and even getting more listeners. But, I think there are many who patronize this station, which started its existence in the 70s, playing the latest hits to its audience ahead from other music stations, and still bringing the "Best Music on The Planet".

"99.5 RT became famous for playing the hits three months ahead of most other music stations because its programming philosophy did not pander to the masses nor cater to the lowest common denominator. It was more concerned with bringing the latest hits to the audience as soon as they were released by the artists."— Article from Wikipedia

It's surprising for me to know this, knowing—as an avid radio listener—that this station went on several changes, from 99.5 Hit FM to Campus 99.5. I thought that after the original was brought back, 99.5 RT would remain as it is, but then, I'll miss it.

RT has been on my ears always, aside from the defunct Campus 97.1 WLS-FM(now a masa station) as a young elementary child.

One time I listened to RT last year, I discovered electronic music band M83 with their song "Midnight City", and I instantly liked them.

Also, RT is my second choice for 80's music, tuning in to it on Saturdays for its 24K Weekend, especially for its New Wave Xtra. I'll miss that show (FYI: I like New Wave, that's why I like 80's music).But we don't know if they'll retain the oldies flavor on the new station.

I don't have a clear view of the new station yet, but what we could expect for now is a new sound on 99.5. I think it would cater to a younger demographic, just as they did on Hit 99.5. I also suppose it would be more of a CHR/Top 40 format, with more music to play and to be heard. But some suggest it could be more of an reiteration of NU 107, since they also played more modern rock and was therefore called as "The Drive". They predict the new station would be named "Play FM".

I then remember upon knowing this reformat a radio station in US that I stumbled upon on Wiki—WCBS 101.1. It plays classic hits, like our own RJ 100. It stayed for a long time, when suddenly it changed in 2005 as Jack FM with a wider playlist, playing what they want, as their slogan went. But their format failed, so they decided to bring back the original WCBS. The rest is history, being a hit station in New York to "people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s."

But it's different for RT. I don't know. I'll just miss how they beat the airwaves as the rhythm of the city, and I'll miss their good, old jingles. RT has been a legendary in radio. After two changes of format they went back, and again they'll leave.What's next? Whatever it would be, I hope it would be a good station to listen to, now that I like today's music more.

I just hope 99.5's cycle of reformat will stop to an ideal identity. But in this industry where tastes of music change, as well as demographics, we can't avoid station changes for the sake of getting various audiences hooked, of getting us awakened to new sounds, and—in turn—getting more profits.

But I won't be surprised if one day they'll bring it back again.