Last month, I got Sirius radio. I didn’t really want it, ’cause I’m not very interested in nonstop music. I’d much rather listen to RADIO, with production elements, commercials, contests, promos — all the “stuff” that makes it more than a jukebox. This may make me a bit weird, but I can’t help it…I’m a “radio guy”!
I got Sirius only because I’m a Howard Stern fan…I felt I’d miss him if I didn’t subscribe.
I still miss him.
OK, I know it’s way early to be judging Howard’s new show on Sirius! But three days in, it’s just not working for me. In fact, It’s getting me a little depressed, and I don’t think it’s me (thanks to Prozac…just kidding!). The show sounds flat, and I think I know why…
THE AUDIO SUCKS. Wasn’t satellite supposed to sound better than FM? It doesn’t on the Howard channels…in fact, it sounds muddy. I suspect Sirius doesn’t use the kind of audio processing that makes FM stations “jump” out of the radio. It should.
THE CUPBOARD IS BARE. Infinity retained all of Howard’s old bits, promos, jingles, music beds and drop-ins. They were a big part of the show’s humor, energy and (I think) the “in group” feeling for listeners who “got” all that stuff. This material was amassed over decades of brilliant radio and there’s no way to replace it quickly.
THE MEGA-BREAKS ARE GONE. Yes, we all complained about those 10-minute commercial sets. But maybe Howard and his crew needed those breaks to cut off bits that had run their course and to keep their energy levels up. (Could you talk nonstop for four plus hours?)
THERE’S NO VILLAIN. This is the biggie. Drama depends on conflict. But now, there’s no FCC to fight, no censors pushing the button, no Tom Chiusano to tell him what he can’t do. Howard’s energy and humor often fed off his anger. Who’s to be angry with now?
Yes, it’s too soon to come to conclusions. But I have a gut feeling that his move to Sirius could not only make Howard Stern very rich, but also unhappy, because I believe he genuinely cares about delivering a great show.
He’s got a lot of work to do.
