Have you ever wondered how certain songs make their way onto radio? Or why sometimes the worst tracks take precedence over others? Often radio playlists are compiled through a process of intense planning, research and selection, writes Genevieve Vieira.
Should you grew up in the early '70s and '80s you're more likely to remember the days when radio was available to playing a variety of music. Actually, each DJ would have his/her particular preference and often become known for playing music of specific genres. Barney Simon's Night Zoo on 5FM inside late '90s is a great example of this.
However, this process of radio formatting presented a big problem in the way of maintaining its listeners; for the reason that music varied to this kind of extent throughout the day it was impossible to hold the listeners' attention.
These days, radio works slightly differently. The heavy rock and alternative music that Simon was known for playing in those days is not likely to get heard on commercial radio anymore. Of course there are countless community radio stations each making use of their own niche market, but mainstream radio is usually geared towards playing music for that masses and this is compiled through a series of factors.
Playlisting music
Music compiler for 5FM, Sotiris Moldovanos, describes the whole process of adding new songs like a filtering system. "Music is first and foremost sent to the music department. It is then filtered to some shortlist which is played out weekly to a music committee who then selects which songs will likely be added."
The committee can often be made up of a group of undisclosed professionals in the music industry, "an equal mix of guys and girls who are part of the 5FM team and also have a good knowledge of music along with the club scene in South Africa", Moldovanos explains.
Zane Derbyshire, music compiler for 94.7 Highveld Stereo, describes in the article by Samantha Cook that often what goes on is determined by what goes off, because only a certain number of songs are run in their new music categories. Music selection can be dependant on the time of day along with the sound of each particular show.
Specialty shows
Moldovanos explains the 5FM music department, which is often understood as 'the playlist', controls the music activity you hear during the day. This may vary in circumstances its keep is a specific music feature for the show like 'Cheese of the Day' and 'Old School' that's then sourced by the presenter or producer of the show.
Specialty shows including the Power Nites of Hip Hop, Pop, Dance and Rock (10pm-midnight, Monday to Thursday) and weekend dance shows (like My home, The Shakedown, (Live) 5 as well as the Saturday Night Fix) are driven and sourced by the relevant specialty DJs. Similar to past versions of formatting but listeners will still know precisely what to expect and in these cases the objective audience may vary slightly.
As easy as it may seem, Moldovanos points out that he receives approximately 70 to 100 tracks in one week. These are singles alone that should be listened to and filtered through ahead of the committee meeting. With only around seven new tracks added every week, this becomes a challenging task.
Research along with the public
If we consider that music is being played for the masses, it is sensible to enquire how the air determine what the people want to be listening too. This could be done through a process of research.
Moldovanos explains 5FM's approach. "The procedure would be to outsource the music to a company which does each of the research for them. The methodology used is very intense as to make sure the right individuals are being tested and that we receive findings which might be as accurate as possible. 5FM receives an in-depth report weekly."
Hanlie Nell, radio compiler for Jacaranda 94.2, notes that sometimes they phone a directory of listeners and play them a specific verse in the song. From this, they can determine the person's knowledge of each particular track and establish a degree of approval.
International versus local
The mandate for commercial radio in South African states how the stations must deliver at least 25% of local music. Moldovanos says that 5FM exceeds this in some months by approximately as much as 35%.
"All music is evaluated equally and selected based on criteria with 5FM's music policy at heart. We actually play more local music that we're necessary to as part of our license agreement."
The issue of payola
Of course in every industry you'll find occurrences of illegal activity. In radio this could be understood as payola and involves a secret or private payment in substitution for adding one's song onto radio.
Radio plugger (individual who samples music to radio for the record company), *Raymond Sithole recalls numerous times when they have been faced with payola - situations where radio compilers are found to be asking for large sums of monies to try out a particular track.
Moldovanos however responds by saying that he does not know what the policies of other the air are, but 5FM and SABC tend not to condone payola and would in no way entertain the thought.
Author Resource:
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