Radio wasn't always the way it is today, with the same songs being played over and over in every market in the country. Commercial radio today has become homogenized and corporate, mainly because of the rules that allow one company to own several stations in one market.
Richard Neer has written an outstanding book chronicling his personal history in the radio industry, along with that of the format known as "free form" radio. He was a pioneer of that genre, a rock based format that allowed each DJ to play whatever music they wanted. Its heyday was in the late 60s and early 70s when FM radio was just beginning.
Neer got his start in radio in college, and eventually worked his way up to WNEW-FM in New York, where he worked for over 25 years doing every shift from mornings to overnights. Along the way he worked with some very interesting people and was friend with many rock stars.
FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio is filled with interesting anecdotes about Neer's peers in the radio business, like Scott Muni, Jonathan Schwartz, and Bill "Rosko" Mercer. There are also some great stories about musicians such as John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, and George Harrison. The book is of interest to radio buffs, especially those who grew up in New York, but also appeals to music fans in general and to anyone that wants a behind-the-scenes look at a radio station. It's an entertaining and educational read, and my only complaint is that there aren't any pictures.
Here's a conversation with the book's author, Richard Neer:
Chad Bowar: Will free form radio ever return in any form? If so, how?
Richard Neer: I'm not optimistic on the return of free form anywhere unless satellite radio opens up programmers' eyes with its success. Or if some station tries it out of desperation and it works, others may follow.
Was radio better back in the 60's and 70's than it is today, or just different?
Radio was definitely better then, more creative, interesting, more engaging. Today's music radio is remote controlled.
Who were the most talented announcers you worked with?
Best voices- Rosko, Alison Steele, Scott Muni. Most creative- Vin Scelsa, Dave Herman.
You've been in sports radio since the late 80s. If you could come back and program a music station today, who would be your "dream lineup" of announcers (still working today), and what type of music would you program (ratings and revenues don't matter.)?
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