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DUE TO THE UNSAFE CONDITIONS THAT EXISTED IN THE D.C. AREA DURING OUR TRAVELS, OUR APPOINTMENT WITH CARL ANDERSON AT WJZW WAS POSTPONED. HOWEVER, CARL ANSWERED THE QUESTIONS BELOW VIA EMAIL. SJ.COM: The format is over a dozen years old... Is "Smooth Jazz" still doing it for you after all these years? Are you still feeling the passion for the music? C.A.: Sure, what other adult targeted format is as diverse and exciting as Smooth Jazz? We're also seeing the dividends across the country from radio stations pulling some serious shares in their markets. Smooth Jazz has matured well and it will only get better. SJ.COM: In your opinion, what's the deal with new music? Are you happy with the direction that the format is heading and what would you personally like to hear more of from the new stuff? C.A.: New music is vital to our format, but it has to be spoon fed to our listeners. We're dealing with adults that usually don't run to the record store once a week or even once a month to buy a CD. They're usually spending their music money on their kids. Playing more new music won't change those habits, it'll just make them think that they now can't connect with what used to be their favorite radio station. We, as programmers, always have to try to force the new music issue, but it takes time to build familiarity. They usually don't listen as fast as we want to program. SJ.COM: What artist(s) do you think will be the next core artist(s) (the next Rick Braun, Boney James, or Sade)? C.A.: Boney is probably as big as it gets before the artist then leaves us for the mainstream world. Norah Jones is a perfect example of an artist that was first embraced commercially by Smooth Jazz and has since blossomed into a near superstar. Norah, however, is the exception to the rule. It usually takes consistent hit production over the years that will put an artist in that category. Artists like Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Steve Cole, Norman Brown and now, Euge Groove all seem to have the tools necessary to be future Smooth Jazz stars. SJ.COM: If you could cross over any sound or artist into the format without concern of risking ratings, who or what would you introduce to Smooth Jazz? Why? C.A.: It's already happening some of the terrific artists that I grew up listening to are crossing into Smooth Jazz. It's great to hear Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs and look out for some Hall and Oates stuff that's really tasty. SJ.COM: What are you doing in your market that you feel is unique to the format? C.A.: We've taken our very successful Trip-a-day promotion and have taken it to the next level. We're giving away a trip-an-hour every Thursday in October. We've also implemented a successful street marketing team that is used in mostly younger targeted formats. SJ.COM: How do you utilize Internet presence to further your radio station's image and your programming? C.A.: It's simply a consistent extension of what is being produced over the air. The Website should look like the sound of the radio station. We offer our loyal listeners special perks, prizes and opportunities to find out about what their favorite station is doing around D.C. SJ.COM: What was the last live show you caught? C.A.: I saw Chieli Minucci & Special EFX play at our 8th anniversary concert. SJ.COM: What's in your CD player (home or car)? C.A.: Remy Shand SJ.COM: Outside of radio, are you an enthusiast for anything else (wine, golf, movies, etc.)? C.A.: I like following baseball, playing golf, racquetball & basketball.. |
