What a big surprise to hear from Clay Aiken on Sunday.  His blog about radio airplay was interesting and made me excited for the future.

I have been a Clay fan since his appearance on American Idol.  In all that time, I do not remember Clay ever asking for help in getting spins.  This tells me a lot.  To me, it means that Clay and his team have been doing their homework and see that things might have changed and there is a possibility for a bit of radio play.

It has been fun reading the responses from Clay’s fans.  The majority of the fans are ready and willing to do what they can to support Clay and his music.  I mean, isn’t that what fans are supposed to do?

I have also found myself shaking my head at a few responses.  Someone posted that it was a sorry state that Clay had to do his own PR.  Where was Decca??  Well, I bet Decca is right there, studying the responses and info that major record companies receive each week.  No way would Clay go off on his own…come on!!

So many fans still feel the burn of requesting but getting nothing but negative responses.  However, if you look at the big picture we realize that it is a different time, a different record label, and to some extent, a new Clay.  Times have changed and each one of us needs to take a few minutes and help Clay.  I have a few minutes to help Clay.  Do you??  It might even work!!

Clay mentioned in his blog that:

“we’re gonna throw ourselves into Adult Contemporary formats throughout the country.”

You all may be more informed about the radio than I, but I felt the necessity to find out more about radio formats and  “Adult Contemporary Formats.”

At Radio Station World, I learned that:

A radio format, or programming format, or programming genre refers to the overall content broadcasting over a radio station. Some stations broadcast multiple genres on set schedule. Over the years, formats have evolved and new ones have been introduced. In today’s age of radio, many radio formats are designed to reach a specifically defined segment or niche of the listening population based on such demographic criteria as age, ethnicity, background, etc.

OK…that makes sense!

According to the Encyclopedia of Radio, Vol 2, radio formats developed in response to the competitive threat posed by television and the growing number of competing radio stations. For years and years, radio stations had been a mass medium. Each outlet was trying to be all things to all people. But as television grew in popularity and as more television and radio stations went on the air, audience fragmentation occurred.  This prompted radio programmers to seek ways to differentiate their programming and attract audiences.

But, what is Adult Contemporary?  Sometimes referred as “AC”, Adult Contemporary music station are aimed at people 30 years and older.  These stations primarily play popular and rock music released during the past fifteen or twenty years.  It is designed for listeners who are not interested in hearing current releases.  Don’t go to Adult Contemporary if you want to hear “Rap”.

Knowing very little legitimate information about radio formats and radio play, I looked up Radio – Locator. This great site had some interesting information on radio stations.

Well, this certainly looks like a good place to start!    I also found out that the following stations are leaders in Adult Contemporary:

KOIT 96.5 FM    San Francisco, CA Holiday (Adult Contemporary)

KOST 103.5 FM   Los Angeles, CA Holiday (Adult Contemporary)

WYXB 105.7 FM   Indianapolis, IN Holiday (Adult Contemporary)

WLTW 106.7 FM   New York City        Holiday (Adult Contemporary)

KVIL 103.7 FM      Dallas, TX              Adult Contemporary

It is only a start.  I wonder how many stations need to be contacted?  Next, I need to do some research on Clear Channel, Delilah, etc. I have read chatter about these entities, but I would be the first to admit that what I know at this time is rumor, not fact.  I better get to work!!

Meantime, each one of us needs to step up and help.  No excuses…. it doesn’t cost anything but a few minutes and I can’t think of any legitimate reason why a Clay Aiken fan would not stand up and be counted in this project.  According to Clay:

Feel free to request wherever you like, whenever you like. The worst they can do is not play it. (Which is exactly what they will do if we don’t go for it) But this album and that song are definitely worthy of and right up the alley of AC stations.