An experiment in radio broadcasting is drawing a lot of attention in the bay area.
Local alternative station 97x announced Jan. 18 that it would be switching to a completely listener-controlled platform at 5 p.m. Under the new system, the playlist is determined through an app for smart phones.
The change was met with instant excitement and outrage. 97x is only the second station in the country to completely turn over control to users.
97x’s Facebook page was flooded with complaints. Some compared it to an “iPod with commercials.” Others were experiencing technical issues with the app. The most perturbed of all were those fans who regularly listened to the “The Morning X”, the station’s daily a.m. talk show. A majority of comments said they would be fine with the change if the talk show stayed. Only one original radio personality, Danielle, will remain on-air. Several others will transfer to sister station 102.5 The Bone.
The new format also presents issues of musical taste. Some voiced disappointment that local bands were not among the song options. Classic rock and ’80s songs were included—“for variety” according to the staff—but many complained these additions made the station something other than alternative.
The system currently has around 1,800 songs for people to choose from, so it is not a complete free-for-all. Users can vote “up” or “down” songs on the list. There is an option to submit suggestions for songs not included in the library, and new songs are being added on the hour.
Users can also leave 10 second messages with their votes, as well as earn badges for voting experience on the app. Those without smartphones are currently out of luck.
Staff members at the station are taking all of the negativity in stride. They have said via Facebook that the transition is a work in progress, and changes will follow based on the feedback they receive. They answer every inquiry made on Facebook, and seem willing to consider any constructive criticism.
