Last class we had a huge discussion on NPR, and how most people feel it doesn't reach our demographic and is hurting big time because of that. We talked about all sorts of solutions and then were given the task for this week's blog, to explore NPR's website, and examine a program we didn't previously know about and analyze it. The show I chose to examine was All Songs Considered. This show has been running since 2000 in mostly a web based format, and plays nearly every variety of music. It focuses however on more underground music that usually doesn't get a large amount of airplay. I think this is a great idea by NPR to try and reach a younger generation. There is no question, an indy crowd who would enjoy listening to this kind of format and hearing these songs on the radio, as I personally don't know of any commercial station that has a show like this. This is a good thing for NPR. On the other hand though in terms of music formats, I think NPR needs to revamp it's music programming. For example, while I see a hip-hop tab at the top of the site, I see no hip-hop program. It's 2011, hip-hop is a big deal and especially amongst the younger demographic is widely listened too. Why not add a hip-hop show? I also saw only one or two rock shows, why not put a focus on that? Not to sound mean, but a lot of the older formats are losing their listeners soon so why have a focus on that. NPR needs to find a way to go young and by focusing on the music of young audiences, it's a good way to that.
Source: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121621455
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