THE EVOLUTION OF SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO

Well, just as I imagined some time ago when stations in Baltimore, Denver, Jacksonville, New York, Houston, and Washington D.C. began dropping the Smooth Jazz format – now comes word that ‘Smooth AC" has been approved to replace "Smooth Jazz" as the format descriptor. It’s been reported that Arbitron has approved the addition of "Smooth AC" as a new format descriptor, effective immediately. The new format will appear on Station Information Packets (SIPs) for the Fall, 2008 survey and is supported by major groups such as Clear Channel, CBS Radio and Greater Media.

CBS Radio and KTWV-FM/Los Angeles GM Dan Weiner stated, "Our format is an AC hybrid with many contemporary vocals and instrumental covers. Over twenty years ago 'New AC' was launched and the audience began describing the music as 'Smooth Jazz.' Today the listeners still identify positively with that description but in agencies we feel that 'Smooth AC' is a better way to describe the format."

WLVE-FM/LOVE 94 and CC/Miami President Market Manager George Toulas added, "This announcement from Arbitron is a recognition that many advertisers and agency buyers already know...that the Smooth AC descriptor more clearly identifies the format and that the stations are in demographic sync with fellow AC formats".

Greater Media/Philadelphia WJJZ Station Manager Jim Brown commented, "The Smooth AC descriptor really hits the mark. It more accurately describes our format today for the industry. These days our station is more mainstream and mass appeal than it was years ago. When you attend WJJZ sponsored concerts and talk to our successful advertisers they tell us that this is the 'money demo'... adults with disposable income. This music is all that jazz and more, and the new descriptor captures that feeling better."

For those of you who may be hard-core Smooth Jazz radio enthusiasts - this is the beginning of the end of Smooth Jazz radio as we know it. Allowing the stations to use the Smooth AC banner will essentially open the door to more non-Smooth Jazz music to the playlist. Here’s a prime example of what I am talking about: http://www.groovefm.ca/.