@johnco online

the internet home of John Collins

June 7, 2021
by johnco
Comments Off on How a TV sitcom broke music radio

How a TV sitcom broke music radio

There’s a presenter in New York called “Broadway” Bill Lee. He hosts afternoon drive on WCBS-FM and he’s revered around the world as a one-of-a-kind who delivers his tunes with unmatched energy and precision. I’ve been a fan for years … Continue reading

May 7, 2021
by johnco
Comments Off on Live & Local v Jolly & Generic

Live & Local v Jolly & Generic

I was listening to a station that prides itself in being “live and local” yesterday. I was lucky enough to hear the last hour of one show and the first hour of the next. It sounded neither live nor local. … Continue reading

April 24, 2021
by johnco
Comments Off on There’s no ‘stop’ button!

There’s no ‘stop’ button!

The nominations for the Aria awards were announced earlier this week. They’re the industry awards that radio folk in the UK hand out to each other celebrating excellence in our industry. There’s an impressive list of the great and the … Continue reading

April 12, 2021
by johnco
Comments Off on Keep Calm and Start Booming

Keep Calm and Start Booming

The talk of the radio industry recently has been the launch of Boom Radio. It’s a station for Baby Boomers aged around 60-plus: a demographic underserved by music radio generally. The music and the on-air team both reflect this market … Continue reading

April 5, 2021
by johnco
Comments Off on Embracing the Fear

Embracing the Fear

I strongly believe that many of us who are involved in the media have a heavy dose of ‘impostor syndrome’ – I certainly do. It extends into my other life as a radio lecturer at City of Glasgow College. It’s … Continue reading

March 26, 2021
by johnco
Comments Off on What a Time To Be Alive!

What a Time To Be Alive!

The last year has been a stellar one for commercial and community radio in the UK. The level of innovation has shot through the roof and broadcasters unseated by changes at heritage stations have decided to spend less time being … Continue reading

March 16, 2021
by johnco
Comments Off on Being Yourself

Being Yourself

I have a guilty pleasure. Actually, I have quite a few, but this is the one I’m owning up to. I really, really like Jane McDonald’s cruising programmes on Channel 5. It’s not just the boats and the destinations. It’s … Continue reading

March 9, 2021
by johnco
Comments Off on Ofcom needs to Change

Ofcom needs to Change

From time to time we read that major radio operators have asked for changes in the formats of their individual stations. Often this has been with a view to turning stations they operate from individual local services and moving towards … Continue reading