The Global changes will not be reflected until the next RAJAR.

These are exactly the kind of gems that Ken Bruce would play but you're not going to hear them on Smooth as they're not safe enough for their playlist.

Radio 2's listeners have more imagination than to listen to the same old tracks day in, day out.

As I posted in the rajar thread.
The figures for most of the stations show a slight increase, but many of the previous long term listeners might have left due to the slight changes, the next rajar will show the impact of the recent changes to Smooth, but detailed analysis will be needed to see if the demographic target audience, ie 35 to 50 year old professional women who don't mind music repetition and less talk, but valuable to advertisers has changed?

I can see changes and listeners mood will change with Smooth going up at the next Rajar. It shouldn't drop as the regulars are still there with a couple well knowns been taken abroad.

Not sure this is an accurate representation, as someone from the demographic 'target' audience; professional woman between the lower quartile and median age range, I disagree with the perception that this group 'don't mind' a repetitive playlist and less talk. I've been listening to Smooth for a number of years because of the broad and varied playlist, which included a blend of current music and also the banter/chat. I'm now pretty fed up with the repetitive playlist that we currently have to endure and the distinct lack of anything current.

That said, I think some of the changes are positive, like the introduction of new presenters to the weekend schedule, and I don't mean Tina Hobley!

I disagree with the perception that this group 'don't mind' a repetitive playlist and less talk.


Looking at the recent trajectories of Heart and Magic, they not only don't mind repetitious playlists and waffle...they positively like it

Thanks for your thoughts as it shows there is no stereotype.
Smooth's aim under GMG was to take on R2 and the Ambassador campaign the audience grew from 2m to 3m.
http://radioandmarketing.wordpress.c...-smooth-radio/
But operating costs where high, recession started, and did not generate the expected profits. Also the Ambassador TV campaign did not run in London where the ad agancies are based.
Otherwise Smooth might still be being run as it was by GMG. As Borsant says it's Global and the ad agencies from experience of Magic and Heart in London who have this profile of potential new listeners who use radio as background radio, so using "safe old easy gold hit" music where repetition is not important, pushing changes at Smooth.
In next rajar in 3 months, as Amara said, we will see if the changes have worked, especially in London to reduce Magic's listening figures, and heading to 4m nationally? What the Rajar figures will not easily show if those who enjoy a "less safe and predictable" choice of easy music, which includes potentially unfamiliar current new music (with the maybe fear by Global's programmers some listeners will not like it and switch off), and more chat and features have gone to r2?

Really enjoy Smooth. Things are starting to come together. It does take time so I'm pleased everyone understands.

Has Smooth ever played those tracks?

Makes sense and I completely understand the commercial argument for the changes being made under Global, after all Smooth, being run under GMG was not profitable and no longer a viable option, so changes had to be made regardless of ownership.

What's interesting however is listeners like me, choose not to listen to Heart and Magic for the reasons you have stated below. When the presenters on Heart do speak; they usually prattle on about nothing worth listening to, so gagging them is wise and works well. It's just a different breed and class of presenters on Smooth that made it more enjoyable listening. But as you rightly point out, there are no stereotypes and it's about personal choice. Cloning the format of the more profitable stations like Heart/Magic, will no doubt yield the desired commercial results for Global, but not all listeners will like it!

Yes I fully understand that's why unfortunately I am now an ex-listener.

I still try to catch Simon Bates (a true pro) in the morning, and then turn it over. But this morning I heard Lyn Parsons until 10.30 or so. She said sod all. It was just the usual 'Hotel California' and 'The Boxer' I was hoping for 'Heartache Tonight' and 'Homeward Bound' ... You know - something a little risky! .

Sister Golden Hair was played on Ken Bruce's show by Michael Ball earlier this week. If you want variety you need to make the switch.

Yes, I know Sister Golden Hair is played regularly on Radio 2. That's why I used it as the example for an alternative to the constantly played two chords A Horse with No Name. The song is hardly obscure (U.S. No. 1) and is a great radio track, as Radio 2's frequent use of it clearly illustrates. I have no idea why 'variety' (playing more than just the one America record) is seen to be such a risk-laden, without profits, dirty word on Smooth.

It's not just America's back-catalogue. Lack of choice also extends to the small list of major artists' tracks they play. If it's the Carpenters, it's Goodbye to Love. If it's Elton John, it's Candle in the (bleedin') Wind. If it's Hot Chocolate - do they even play Hot Chocolate? No Doubt About It, it's So You Win Again, if they do.

I am not asking for Bordeaux Rose by Fairfield Parlour, the original recording of Yesterday Has Gone by Cupid's Inspiration, or Tarot by Andy Bown. It would just be nice to hear New Kid in Town instead of Hotel California or 25 or 6 to 4 instead of If You Leave Me Now, once in a very rare while. That's hardly abuse of the word variety, is it?

Dave Brown played New Kid In Town on Smooth's overnight show today, Little Anthony And The Imperials originally recorded Yesterday Has Gone not Cupids Inspiration

There are lots of dodgy re-recordings of the Cupid's Inspiration version. That's what I meant by 'original'.

Listening to Smooth over the last few days I think the playlist is beginning to widen with some good new tracks being added. My issues are:

1. Artists - the station plays loads of George Michael - every time I tune I'm guaranteed to hear Faith or Careless Whisper. I hear very little Elton John yet some of his tracks like 'I Guess that's why that call it the blues' would fit perfectly. More variety from core artists is needed.

2. Adverts - ad breaks are far too long and a great temptation to switch stations.

3. Presenters - The calibre of presenters is good (Lynn Parsons is questionable) so please let them speak and be relatable with the audience. Links consisting of 'that was this is' and 'text the station' are VERY tiresome. Currently the presenters don't really say anything of interest and only the music keeps my interest.

I've been listening to David Prever this morning, and he's plugging some of the new shows not just Tina Hobley's; the Movie show this evening and the Soul & Motown show on Sundays, both presented by Paul Hollins. Shame he doesn't mention Paul by name though as listeners like to know that stuff.

So maybe they do read the comments on DS after all.

As I say " It's building back up gradually" I don't think people understand that the presenters need to find their feet first in a new situation then start to incorporate new ideas.

Shame they aren't allowed/able to record local promos any more. The past two Saturdays Daryl Denham mentioned that David Prever was up next at 10am. Except in Glasgow its a different presenter. In the past he was able to make sure he plugged the local programme. Why can't this be done any more? Is it linked to the fact they don't have local weather before the news any more as well?

I don't think you understand that professional radio presenters are expected to 'find their feet' straight away and should have been trained to a high standard on the new equipment and be ready to perform.

Just did a random check and here we go again Movie Show seems to be same as last week and the week before but in a different order. Global really now how to bring us imaginative programming.

Tuned out again now you can only take so much.

Yes, as a loyal but somewhat disgruntled listener I think that the playlist has widened slightly which for me is a good thing.

Heard some of Carlos this afternoon.

Careless Whisper played once again but it was nice to hear Missing You by John Waite.

Got me thinking about Global's stations and the music they are now playing.

60's & 70's - Gold
70's & 80's - Smooth
80's, 90's and today - Heart
00's to present pop and dance - Capital
00's to present urban - Capital Xtra

Global are mixing the news team between LBC and Smooth. Peter Ferris recorded the 7pm News for Smooth and Live on LBC.