Isn't it freedom of speech to be able to challenge a viewpoint you disagree with though? Doesn't seem very fair if people can make viewpoints but not be challenged?

Maybe there's a better way to challenge these views then we've seen on this thread in the last few days though? And that could be said for posters on both side of the argument - whether it be people calling other's views rubbish or accusing others of arrogance just because they disagree with their views.

Equally there have been people who are clearly saying things to get a reaction - come on you can do better for your argument than that!

Yes, of course freedom of speech 'should' work both ways, however, some of the people challenging on here are quite ignorant to assume that people with certain views are either not 'normal' listeners or have to be a disgruntled ex-employee of Global's or something. Could it just be that there are perfectly 'normal' listeners who just happen to like something different to the offerings of stations like Smooth and others. I don't suppose there will ever be a 'debate' on here.

I don't think any of us on here are normal listeners to be honest. Most people I know who listen to radio don't care about the detail we do. They only care about whether it is catering for their needs or at least their need at that moment.

There's a lot of posters on the con side of the argument who seem to be think they are talking for everyone just because its their viewpoint - they aren't. Just as posters on the pro side aren't talking for everyone as well.

That doesn't make anybody's views worthless but some posters need to step out of their viewpoint and look objectively.

Like everything some people will like Smooth, some people won't. Most people in the latter category won't bother with the station - life is too short to listen to something you hate and certainly to comment on it all the time on forums!

I think it's a straight disagreement between opinion and facts. The people who don't like Smooth give out the opinion that it's dumbed down repetitive lowest common denominator garbage (paraphrasing). The people who don't necessarily like it but understand the rationale point out it's rather striking success - which however inconvenient is true. None of the defenders have attempted to stifle the opinion, just challenge it.

Two things, 1. Global through networking and automation have got rid of close to a hundred daytime jocks over the last few years. I think it's reasonable to suggest one or two of them have found a natural home in the anti camp.
2. I've said before that the acid test for Smooths programmers will be when the audience gains slow down and possibly go into reverse. Then we'll see how nimble they can be with the music and presentation.

I have to admit, I thought this WOULD be the case, but I don't think it is......

Ever since "he who must be obeyed at all times" foolishly said there were not enough quality daytime presenters, I think a lot of people found employment in other areas away from radio, and became resigned to the changes made.


You can tell from some of the posts the "anti camp" as you put it, are just music lovers in the main, who long for a quality service, and are not impressed with the dross they get now!

[and are not impressed with the dross they get now![/quote]

See if you could just avoid that kind of wording the pro side (or is it the anti anti side?) would be less likely to rise to the bait.

Outside London;

Smooth = Stereo
Magic = Mono

Big advantage for in car listening.

I disagree having tried both stations on a DAB car radio you cant really spot any real difference in sound quality. I really don't think its such an issue as many on here would have you believe.

See if you could just avoid that kind of wording the pro side (or is it the anti anti side?) would be less likely to rise to the bait.[/quote]p

That sums up Smooths dire playlist quite nicely.

Rubbish I was listening to RU Mine by Arctic Monkeys this morning which uses a lot of stereo affects with the guitar solos moving between L and R. You listen to it on Absolute and it just sounds flat.

Whilst I understand for single speaker kitchen radios it makes no difference, in car radio listening is huge and the music sounds noticeably better on Radio 1, 2, Capital, Smooth, XFM compared to Absolute and Magic.

Most normal listeners really aren't bothered.

p

That sums up Smooths dire playlist quite nicely.[/quote]

Ok seeing as you want to reduce this to a coulis of trite buzz words, Smooths playlist is melodic, familiar, comforting, restrained, refined and appealing - to a large and growing fan base. They don't seem to see it as dire or dross.

Ok seeing as you want to reduce this to a coulis of trite buzz words, Smooths playlist is melodic, familiar, comforting, restrained, refined and appealing - to a large and growing fan base. They don't seem to see it as dire or dross.[/quote]

That is a matter of opinion. I would tend to disagree as to my ears its just send you to sleep background music. Boring tedious and dire

Boring tedious and dire[/quote]

Uplifting, inspiring and entertaining - for hundreds of thousands of people

Uplifting, inspiring and entertaining - for hundreds of thousands of people[/quote]

Uplifting? How is Smooth output uplifting? Suicidal would be more appropriate.

Well there must hundreds of thousands of very sad people in London oops sorry the uk. I dont agree with Rajar to be honest as it seems to be every time global takes on a station the listening figures go dramaticly up. Is that due to boring repetitive radio. What a sad country we live in.

Speak for yourself! In my book you can still be a normal listener and post views on a forum now and then, I'm not concerned with detail by the way. Perhaps it's just in the radio world that it's deemed a little odd or out of the ordinary by some to make comments or have an opinion about something.

You're right, life is too short to overly concern yourself about some things, however sometimes it can be a bit cathartic to express an opinion about something that you feel quite passionately about, (music, for me, in this case).

I see what you're saying about being more objective, however it's possibly easier to stand back and take an objective stance if you don't necessarily have a strong view one way or another.

I see Kate isn't on Smooth this week, but on Good Morning Britain. She must have a good deal with Global as some will think she's on holiday when clearly not.

Goodness knows what Global see in her she's far better on TV.

Uplifting? How is Smooth output uplifting? Suicidal would be more appropriate.[/quote]

Wind beneath my wings...hotel California ... Remember me ... Sweet Caroline ... Let it be ... Can't get enough of your love babe ... Young hearts run free... And almost no unnecessary yada yada.

Maybe you want to kill yourself to that, many many others are 'stayin' alive' to it quite happily

I'm glad GMB kept her as well as John Stapleton

Wind beneath my wings...hotel California ... Remember me ... Sweet Caroline ... Let it be ... Can't get enough of your love babe ... Young hearts run free... And almost no unnecessary yada yada.

Maybe you want to kill yourself to that, many many others are 'stayin' alive' to it quite happily[/quote]

Try listening at around 6.30 to 7am its normally its dreary best at that time of day. I am sure it does play uptempo stuff at times but you have to hang around to hear them. In the main to me its just dross.

It can be a bit dozy at breakfast I agree.

What is going on with Smooth's music policy lately?

It seems to be slowly morphing from an easy, soulful station into Heart circa 2008-9 with dross like Daniel Beddingfield and just heard Eurythmics' Here Comes The Rain Again.

A few months ago, it was a nice alternative to Heart but now it just seems like it's trying to pick up the baton from Heart as that brand is forced to move onwards into a more 90s esque station.

How much does Smooth actually save by dispensing with DJs five nights a week from 10pm to 4am five nights a week and between 10pm and 2am on the other two nights.

Surely it must be less than peanuts to an operation the size of Global's.