Radio and Its Personal Nature

Radio has always been about the music to me. I don't care, really, about the morning personalities, the give-aways, the contests, the jokes, the "office gossip"... I just want to listen to Queen (or Journey, or Bon Jovi, or Callie Callait, or Regina Spektor, or Boston...) OK?

However, I can totally see why radio is seen as the most personal of media. My friend's mother HAD to listen to the morning personalities, Kevin and Callie, on my local radio station (K97)every moring between 8 and 10, or her day just wasn't the same. These DJs were personable, funny, and made it seem that they were talking directly to YOU. Radio stations personalize the music, of course, to their audiences, but less obvious is that they personalize the TALK that goes on. Family stations will mention the harried mess of getting kids off to school while more edgy stations would NEVER mention children.

Radio stations are familiar, comforting, local and personal. Though our excuses vary (it keeps me awake, it makes it fun, it keeps me from hearing the noises the CAR is making), car rides almost require this constant talk or music. It keeps us company. Radio is a friendly presence-- it does not intrude, we can turn it on or off, and when ads come on, it's very simple to find a new frequency.

Music is all-important because it shows us new things, connects us as audiences, and is so personal. I often hear a new song on the radio (well, "new" for me is still from the 70's... but it's new to me) and if I like it enough, I'll go buy it online. When I hear a familiar favorite, it connects me to the radio station--as if they had played it just for me!

Talk radio is popular for several reasons, but I'll focus on the reason my Dad does not go to work (even on his bike...) without listening to NPR. Talk radio is a companion on the commute and a way to keep up on the news, economy, or humor without requiring full attention like television, newspapers or the Internet. It has great personalities that people get VERY attached to, creative programming and unique takes on the everyday news. My favorite program on NPR is "Fresh Air", and I like it enough that I will often look it up online and listen there.