(Before we begin this week’s post, we want to welcome you to Planet Pootwaddle. We’re a different kind of streaming radio station. So please laugh at our jokes.)
A common lament for listeners of typical corporate radio stations is: “They all play the same songs over and over and over.” However, if you ask the opinion of all of these station’s program directors and music directors, you’ll hear them say that their listeners want to hear familiar songs repeatedly. Do you mean that some people say one thing but actually wish for something else? Unheard of! If people want more variety and choice for their music, they don’t have too far to look.
Stations are called “corporate” simply because their focus is to raise money and play a fairly narrow range of music. Some stations that try to be “alternative” might call a station “corporate” to try to be edgy or clever. However, both of the stations are broadcasting ads from the local car dealerships and bail bondsmen, so they really are in the same boat.
These stations are in the business of making money—not for the “love of the music!” And there’s nothing wrong with that. People need jobs, and products need to be sold. For better or worse, the world revolves around money. Station owners and record companies pour a lot of money into the distribution and marketing of songs, and they expect some return on their investment. Taking a chance with some offbeat creative music does not often make business sense!
But, in the last decade, radio on the Internet has posed a real threat to terrestrial radio (The term begs the question about whether the Internet is connected to the ground). Streaming stations give listeners instant access to just the kind of music they want to hear at any given moment.
So terrestrial compared to Internet radio: What’s the difference?
- Massive reach! Using Al Gore’s greatest invention, the “interwebs,” online stations can reach anyone who has access to an Internet connection. This makes niche stations possible. Eager station operators can now build a station just for Croatian left-handed SKA fans!
- Internet stations are much cheaper to operate than traditional studios. Less studio space, cheaper equipment and no ad director add up to substantial savings.
- The rise of smartphones and tablets broke the chain to the desktop, which was simply a replacement for a stationary radio. With a mobile transmitter, Internet radio can break free from constraints.
So what’s so hot about Internet stations? Do they only play obscure music you don’t want to hear? Ah contraire! Internet radio provides you, the listener, with these great perks:
- Very minimal ads to break the flow of greats set of music. Fewer ads, of course, may mean less station-branded t-shirts and no “you won’t be poor at four” type promotions. But the average listener will understand.
- Internet streaming stations can let loose with content. Ads and internal ad managers can place shackles on creativity for fear of offending or driving away listeners.
- Lack of regulation means stations can fully indulge in potty humor without fear of terrible fines or sanctions. Let the 7th grader humor out!
- You have the opportunity to show your support for the station of your choice by tuning in and even chipping in a few bucks if the mood strikes. We recommend you give to Planet Pooty if you’re inclined to give at all. And if you can’t give today, don’t worry about it. Tune in and give if and when you want. We’ll do our part to keep the content coming.
Planet Pootwaddle is an online streaming radio station that defies description. But we’re incessantly stubborn, so let’s describe it anyway. We play music and funny skits because we love to entertain. Our musical tastes range all over the place, we simply like to play good tunes. What we don’t have in annoying ads, we make up for it with flatulence jokes and clever puns!
Planet Pootwaddle is the brainchild of Michael Sheehy, a LA radio and voiceover legend who wanted to bring back creativity and fun to radio. Did he succeed? You be the judge, and visit www.planetpootwaddle.com.
