10 X 140 is Alternative Contraband’s interview series via Twitter. We put the questions to Alternative radio and records taste makers to give you a better insight over how they and their brands tick. This week we visit Boston and WBOS Program Director Ken West. Dig in.
@altcontraband Q1.WBOS is not a typical radio station that follows formula or convention. Tell us about your unique value propositions?
@djchatter2112 We serve Boston’s passionate music fans. More music, fewer commercials, and more “money can’t buy” experiences with artists.
@altcontraband Q2. U r quintessential Boston, fortunate to have always worked Boston radio. What is the best competitive story u can share?
@djchatter2112 Lucky to be here 20 years! Audience bails on brands that don’t deliver what audience expects and embraces strong ones.
@altcontraband Q3. What’s ur funniest story of competitors and dirty tactics?
@altcontraband I recall WAAF registering the url http://bostonconcerts.com and running spots on ‘BCN. The site went to ht/waaf.com
@djchatter2112 BCN was the gold standard. Each Fall, they ran a promo “explaining” the other stations in the mkt to new college kids.
@altcontraband That is funny! Q4. Tell us about your team?
@djchatter2112 On air/web/street musicologists/hosts:@JasonDRossi & Amy Brooks @abrooks411 Mx Dir: Paul Jarvis @discjoker. We all love mx.
@altcontraband Q5. Now that WFNX has gone to the radio graveyard, have you seen some ratings increases? What are the latest #’s?
@djchatter2112 No disrespect, but FNX wasn’t a ratings factor. Very influential on street & mx scene, though. Our #’s lead rock stations.
@altcontraband Q6. What are @Radio929 major events? Include your charity events as well.
@djchatter2112 @radio929 Earthfest is biggest, 5/18. Our X-mas show gets bigger & better every year. Calling All Crows is charity partner.
@altcontraband Q7. With a station that is “jockless”, tell us about the writing process that gives WBOS its life and voice?
@djchatter2112 U say “Jockless” I say “blahblahblahless.” We talk about mx, concerts, not about nonsense audience doesn’t care about.
@altcontraband A nice clean sound! Q8. What is ur blend of current/rec. 2 gold? Have u shifted it recently with the success of new music?
@djchatter2112 We’re more gold based, but the recent cycle of quality new mx allows us to be more confident exposing it more. 80/20-ish
@altcontraband Q9. How is the 90′s library holding up in regards to burn? Still quite relevant?
@djchatter2112 Holds up pretty well. Always have to keep asking audience to make sure. Like all gold mx, it brings back memories.
@altcontraband Q10. What are your 5 fave new tunes these days?
@djchatter2112 Below My Feet by @LikeMumfordSons. Panic Station/Muse. Phoenix/Entertainment. Paramore/Now Passion Pit/Carried Away
@altcontraband Excellent. Thanks for the Twitter-chat. Keep up the great work and enjoy the weekend!!
@djchatter2112 Thanks Phil! It was fun! My @Radio929 training made it easy to stay within 140 characters. Sometimes.
