On the poll, I selected “I have listened to streams of terrestrial radio stations in the past week.” Why? On PBRTV.com, I read that locally-owned radio station Cool 101.7, WMVL Linesville-Meadville, in nearby Crawford county has a new website. The station plays classic hits from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. There is a “Listen Live” link, enabling listeners that are not in the immediate coverage area to hear the station. With live and local personalities, good time rock ‘n roll music, and a different theory of how to run a radio station, the station is a refreshing change after listening to the tired format of radio practiced by Citadel and Connoisseur on their radio stations here in Erie. Sure there are similarities between the locally-owned and corporate-owned radio stations, but Cool’s different approach makes itself a pleasant alternative. Check it out online at http://www.cool1017online.com

Recently, the local radio stations have been seeming very dull and lackluster to me. They are no giving me a compelling reason to listen. I enjoy listening to the latest music, but I listen to another terrestrial radio station online. Star 104 doesn’t do much for me, and the on-air personalities fail to amuse or entertain me. It doesn’t help that the popular, high-powered station does not have a nighttime DJ. Instead, I tune into WDJQ out of Alliance-Canton, Ohio from the Akron area. Listening online at http://www.q92radio.com, Q92 plays today’s hit music with a very entertaining DJ at night. Callers are frequently part of the show and add some fun to the music thanks to the DJ and his own style. The show, airing from 7 to midnight, tops my list and demonstrates how radio should connect to its listeners and serve its intended audience.

On a different note…
Yesterday, on Easter, I wanted to listen to a couple of songs, so I went to http://www.playlist.com, searched for the song, and hit play. It was simple: I didn’t have to register for an account or buy any music. I tend to use this site, although Pandora and a similar, but quite different, website called Jango allow people to listen to music that fits their own personal taste. However, these websites don’t add any entertainment or information that can be of additional value to its listeners.

And a news item that I read on PBRTV.com today…
Newsman Dave Benson, formerly of WXKC Classy 100’s Breakfast Club, will be on WYNE 1530 for a one-day return to radio. Catch him this Saturday, April 18th, from noon to 5 with Captain Dan. You can listen to the broadcast on your radio at 1530 kHz or online at wyne.mercyhurst.edu (Commentary: It would be great if the folks at WYNE hired him as an on-air personality for the radio staion. Between him and Captain Dan, they could to attract their loyal group of listeners to the station.)

That’s enough radio talk from me for today. What is on everyone else’s mind?