Introducing Viewpoint Radio

This month, I'm going to take the opportunity to toot my own horn, so to speak. After several frustrating years of contemplating how to expand Country Music Viewpoint into Internet broadcasting, I've finally found the right solution. I'll tell you about Viewpoint Radio and it's underlying technology. And if you're a fan of Western Swing, I've got a site for you.

I've often thought about Internet broadcasting to try to fill the gap left by radio in today's pop-oriented, "New Country" style of music. The problem is that traditional Country artists can't get played on today's radio because they're "too Country" or there are new artists who can't break through onto ever shrinking playlists. There have been many different types of Internet broadcasts, and I've reviewed several over the past years. Many of them reflect the current industry with all the "problems" already mentioned; some have multiple channels that reflect different styles of Country Music, but typically are limited to all Classic Country and the fringe alt.Country.

The other problem with Internet broadcasting is the performance rights issue. It's something that can't be ignored, because the major performace rights organizations, BMI and ASCAP, have been diligent in policing sites that offer music to ensure that artists rights are protected. In looking into the requirements for paying for the right to broadcast, I found that the fee structures, although better than they've been in the past, are still convoluted enough to discourage small broadcasters from even trying. However, I believe I've found a hosting site that takes care of this problem (at least I'm trusting that they do - so don't come after me!).

Viewpoint Radio is now online, offering the fan of traditional Country Music a unique blend of toady's hits with a smattering of yesterday's classics with a taste of today's Western tunes to boot. Granted, I'm still playing with the mix to get it just right, but so far I think the sound is interesting and certainly not boring. This is not just a "hick" station. I'll be featuring some of today's top artists such as Alan Jackson and George Strait, whose recent duet, "Murder On Music Row" has certainly caused a stir within the industry. It will be interesting to see if Country Radio dares to play it or chooses to purposely ignore it and whether any of this year's award shows will allow it to be performed on stage! I'll also be playing top artists like Terri Clark, Lee Ann Womack and the Dixie Chicks, just to name a few. And there will be newcomers as well, including Mandy Barnett, Chalee Tennison and Allison Moorer. We'll be mixing in a selection of Country Classics and Western tunes. The latter includes artists such as Joni Harms, Wylie & The Wild West and Ranger Doug Green. This is certainly not something you'll hear on today's radio, but it won't be so overwhelming in the mix that you can't still enjoy the broadcast.

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