Michael Erickson, who works for Clear Channel, which dumped smooth jazz KKSF to make it a greatest hits rock station, has written a response to the 6,400 fans who complained about the move and offered places they could still hear the smooth format. "It's business," says Erickson, who I know as one of the nicest and most genuine guys in the medium. You can still hear the format online, at kksf.com. Another place is on weekends on KISS-FM, 98.1. And lastly, for the two of you who have them, on your HD radio at 98.1 HD-2. There will also be smooth jazz concerts, such as Diana Krall at the Mountain Winery Aug. 18 and 19 and India.Arie June 11. (And there will be smooth blues at next year's Santa Cruz Blues Festival, Memorial Day weekend.)
Here is the text of his note:
Thank you for the over 6,400 responses expressing your frustration, anger, disappointment, and passion for Smooth Jazz and KKSF. After reading over 5,000 of them, to use some of your words, it's time for this idiotic, spineless, moron to respond. Your question, Why? I know it's not popular, but the answer is, it's business. As many of you know, there have been numerous Smooth Jazz stations replaced in many cities around the country, the latest being WNUA in Chicago. Here in the Bay Area, we have a population of over 6 million people. Successful radio stations are determined by which get the most people to listen most often. While we all place a high value on being unique, different, and special, those qualities alone do not always equal success. What research and ratings have definitively shown is there are a lot more people in the Bay Area who enjoy the kind of music that you hear on "The Band" compared to Smooth Jazz. Not thousands, not tens of thousands, but hundreds of thousands more. From a business stand point, the decision was obvious. What made it so difficult were you, the loyal, passionate listeners. While we cannot bring back Smooth Jazz to your FM radio at this time, we have created a way where you can listen to Smooth Jazz in your car, at work, or at home. HD radio. Right now, you can hear all the great Smooth Jazz songs you love, plus personalities like Miranda Wilson, Dave Koz, and Maria Lopez on 98.1 HD-2. We do not make one penny off the purchase of HD radios, this is simply a way to get the music and DJs you love on a radio. To find out about HD radios, click here, or go to KKSF.com and enter the keyword: HD. If you aren't familiar, you can also listen to Smooth Jazz on your iPhone or Blackberry by downloading the free iHeartradio app.KKSF.com will continue to stream Smooth Jazz, as well as provide you with updated concert information and Smooth Jazz news. Many of you have asked if there will be a Summer Jazz Fest in Concord this year, and the answer is YES, we've been told by Live Nation there is one scheduled for August 22nd. We will update you with more information just as soon as we get it.One more Program note: beginning this Sunday June 8th, (and every Sunday) from 8am to 10am you can listen to "Smooth Jazz Weekend" on 98.1 KISS FM. (regular FM radio) This two hour show features the same great Smooth Jazz music you are used to listening to, plus interviews with some of your favorite artists (find out more below). No, this is not supposed to be a replacement for KKSF, just a way to keep Smooth Jazz on the airwaves, and to support the music and artists in the Bay Area.
Michael Erickson
KKSF Program Director
Source: www.examiner.com
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