A few years ago, I had a conversation with a well-known consultant. I suggested that the shine was finally off the all-Christmas music format for music radio stations.
Agreeing with me, though not 100 percent, he indicated his belief that certain stations had a heritage with Christmas music and that stopping it now would violate expectations.
When I was programming, the year one of my stations had the greatest success in the all-Christmas format was the year we played just 43 Christmas songs—the biggest of all time—and we played them over and over.
I love Billy Squier’s “Christmas Is A Time To Say I Love You.” However, if you are the all-Christmas station, it has no business on your playlist. You need Burl Ives, Andy Williams, and Bing Crosby, and you need them repeatedly.
That takes a lot of programming discipline, not listening to your on Airstaff (if you still have one) complaining ad nauseam, and having brilliant imaging.
Earlier this week, I wrote about the strength of Classic Rock and Classic Hits in the fall PPMs (BMM 12/4). I theorized that the performance was due not only to it being some of the best music ever recorded but also to its comfort. It is comfortable because it takes people back to a time when they had fewer worries, the country was less divided, and the world was a simpler place.
After a highly contested election, if you lived in a battleground state like I do, all you saw were political mudslinging ads and car dealers willing to pay the bump rate. Christmas music is a breath of fresh air—a refreshing alternative.
All Christmas stations should do very well this season.
Community Connections:
Audacy Portland’s 99.5 The Wolf (KWJJ) has once again alleviated the financial burden of medical bills for numerous listeners. The recent initiative, Nick and Kristen’s Medical Debt Payoff, successfully raised $4.6 million to eliminate medical debt for 3,345 individuals across the Pacific Northwest.
This year’s campaign, which took place from November 18 to 22, was spearheaded by morning hosts Nick and Kristen in collaboration with the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. With encouragement for listeners and local businesses to contribute, the campaign significantly surpassed the previous year’s total of $2.5 million.
KAFE 104.1 in Bellingham, WA, launched its first-ever Airwaves for Animals radiothon in collaboration with the Whatcom Humane Society, aiming to gather support and funds for animals in need.
The goal was set at $50,000, but thanks to the community’s generosity, the radiothon exceeded expectations, raising an impressive $50,640 over just two days. These funds will go towards vital programs, including the organization’s animal food bank, adoption services, and care for domestic, wild, and farm animals throughout Whatcom County.
Cox Media Group Atlanta’s radio stations aligned with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to combat food insecurity in the lead-up to Thanksgiving. Through their efforts, the partnership successfully collected 8,782 pounds of food, translating to 12,272 meals for individuals facing food insecurity throughout Georgia.
Industry Happenings:
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation is calling on content creators to submit their work for the 50th Annual Gracie Awards. This prestigious event celebrates five decades of media excellence. Creators who apply by the December 12, 2024, Early Bird Deadline can take advantage of discounted entry fees.
Add Ons:
Rowdy Yates, syndicated host of “The Ride Home with Rowdy Yates,” again offers two holiday special programs free of charge this year. “A Really Rowdy Christmas” is a five-hour holiday music program, blending classic yuletide standards, country Christmas hits, and playful seasonal songs to create the perfect soundtrack for the festive season.
In a celebration of Texas culture, Yates presents “A Lone Star Christmas,” a special one-hour program showcasing renowned Texas artists. Featured performers include George Strait, Clint Black, Clay Walker, Johnny Mathis, and fan favorites Pat Green and Kevin Fowler.
Bit Of The Week:
In future weeks, The Pulse will include the “Bit Of The Week.” If you want to be featured, please send me an mp3 of your best, most recent bit to jeff@barrettmedia.com.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Jeff Lynn serves as Editor of Barrett Media’s Music Radio coverage. Prior to joining Barrett Media, Jeff spent time programming in Milwaukee, Omaha, Cleveland, Des Moines, and Madison for multiple radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, NRG Media, and Entercom (now Audacy). He also worked as a Country Format Editor for All Access until the outlet shut down in August 2023.
To get in touch with Jeff by email, reach him at Jeff@BarrettMedia.com.
