Predictions are tricky things. For example, in the early 1970s, media outlets predicted the advent of a new Global Cooling period, which we all know didn’t age well.
Last week, we covered the roots of Adult Contemporary and the powerhouse it became. This was followed by a brief history of the dismantling of those most powerful brands.
This week, we called to enlist the opinions—and predictions—of two thought leaders who have collectively been in and around Adult Contemporary for nearly three quarters of a century: Randi West and Chuck Knight.
Randi West is not only a thought leader in Adult formats—she’s been an active, successful performer for decades. When you build a race car AND successfully drive it, you’re leading by example.
Chuck Knight is a highly sought-after programmer who has built blue-chip brands for major radio companies throughout America. He is a multi-format winner everywhere he builds teams.
We asked the following questions of both Randi and Chuck, untethered from a company flag or corporate filter.
First up – Randi West:
What is the state of Adult Contemporary?
Adult Contemporary always stands the test of time. The music cycle is improving, as the last few years’ music product has not been as strong. It is certainly looking better in the contemporary space. The format has always been a lifestyle-driven format with a strong focus on community and personalities, and that remains consistently strong.
Where do you see AC in the next five years?
The challenge is not just for AC but for ALL brands: overconsumption and distractions. Strong personalities and content cut through, but with so much available at everyone’s fingertips, it’s a real challenge for AC brands to remain front and center in every platform and space.
AC has always dominated in an “At Work” space as well, and the distractions of online meetings, hybrid work, and now the return to office mandates for in-person collaboration mean less time to spend with our products. I do believe AC will be strong in five years because it will stand the test of time, but how we execute and connect will evolve.
How do we get there?
Detailed, focused attention to CONTENT creation, and that is on air and online. Training and innovation in the space to be as community-minded as we can will make the difference. When we say “community,” we mean our local community and our online communities of fans.
Create special groups and events focusing on your “communities” that don’t create obstacles for them to participate or listen, but a willingness to be a part of a life group just like them. Find and retain talent that has a commitment to that ethos that entertains them and cuts through.
Randi West is a 30-year+ programming veteran and talent with a demonstrated history of success as a programmer, on-air talent, and content creator. Randi currently does shows in three markets: Chicago, West Palm Beach, and Lexington, KY. She hosts the Sandals Resorts “Palmcast” and is a voice-over talent. West offers consulting work through Randi West Media and can be found at www.randiwestmedia.com
Now – Chuck Knight:
What is the state of Adult Contemporary?
Is there any format left in radio that isn’t struggling? The answer is yes. It’s Adult Contemporary. Here’s why. Even though the state of the industry has changed, the role of the Adult Contemporary format hasn’t changed much in our audience’s lives and expectations.
It’s a dependable, trusted, friendly companion playing familiar music from the ‘80s through today. The music is upbeat. Ironically, for many years, the AC format has delivered more tempo than the CHR format. The textures and genres are varied.
Mornings are the standout personality daypart. Music is the focus of the other day parts, with contemporary, localized talent complementing it. The imaging is playful and localized. Topical contesting can help change a station’s otherwise consistent audio landscape.
The Adult Contemporary format continues to be driven by its massive 6 am-7 pm weekday Cume and Average Quarter Hours. In the latest Edison Research Q1 2025 Share of Ear report, AM/FM Broadcast + Streaming At-Work listening has rebounded an awesome ten points in the past year to 63%.
It’s the sweet spot where AC stations deliver. Look no further than the AC stations dominating at the top of the March PPM 6+ rating releases. The demo successes are broad-based, with many ranking highly, even with 18-34s, which speaks to their at-work usage.
Where do you see AC in the next five years?
As my research friend Bill Moyes always said, “Don’t mess it up”. It seems like we’re always trying to fix something that isn’t broken in our business. I see Adult Contemporary stations confidently and successfully staying on our basic course. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the format can be put in autonomous driving mode. See below. At some point, we’ll probably have to whittle away at the early ‘80s.
How do we get there?
In the NFL, a team can have the greatest game plan in the locker room, but if it isn’t executed on the field, it will not win many games or the Super Bowl. The same is true in radio. The toughest part of any radio station’s success is also execution—daily team execution. We need to be focused on every element of our product.
Music. Talent. Imaging. Promotion. Distribution. How do we get there? Have a great game plan. As my programming friend Steve Goldstein said, “Be brilliant at the basics”. Do the right things. Don’t be sloppy. Be consistent and dependable. Collaborate. Learn. Teach. Give confidence. Pay attention to detail. Work hard. Do it every day. Celebrate successes. Have fun. Great execution or sloppy execution? It’s the difference between you and your station winning or losing.
Chuck Knight has successfully programmed heritage AC radio stations, including WBEB Philadelphia, WSNY Columbus, OH, KQXT San Antonio, and WINK Fort Myers, FL. He has programmed multiple formats for iHeart, Emmis and Saga. He is the President of Chuck Knight Media.
Predicting the future on the sidelines is tough.
Getting your hands dirty building the future is a much better bet.
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Kevin Robinson is a passionate award-winning programmer, consultant and coach – with multi-formats success all over the country. He has advised numerous companies including Audacy (formerly Entercom Communications), Beasley Broadcast Group, Westwood One, Midwest Communications, Townsquare Media, Midwest Family Broadcasting Group, EG Media Group, Federated Media, Kensington Media, mediaBrew Communications, Starved Rock Media, and more. He specializes in strategic radio cluster alignment, building lean-forward tactics and talent coaching – legacy and entry-level – personalities.
Known largely as a trusted talent coach, Kevin is the only personality mentor who’s coached three different morning shows on three different brands in the same major market to the #1 position. His efforts have been recognized by The World Wide Radio Summit, Radio & Records, NAB’s Marconi, and he has coached CMA, ACM and Marconi Award-winning talent. He is also in The Zionsville High School Hall of Fame as part of the 2008 inaugural class. Kevin is an Indiana native – living near Zionsville with his wife of 39 years, Monica and can be reached at kevin@robinsonmedia.fm.
