Soundcheck
What's Wrong with Rock Radio (and How to Fix it)
Friday, May 09, 2008
In just 15 years, one company dramatically reshaped how we experience entertainment, including rock radio and live concerts. Today, author Alec Foege explains how Clear Channel Communications became one of the most polarizing corporations in the media business. Also: Aruna Sairam is one of the most sought-after vocalists of Karnatic music of south India. She joins us to talk about Hinduism, poetry, and to perform live in studio. Plus: a dictator's role in Europe's most famous song contest.
Poll: How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.
When the Airwaves Encounter Static
Rock radio is in tough shape. Once a playground for local programmers, stations are now virtually indistinguishable from one market to the next. Blame for the situation is often laid at the feet of media conglomerate Clear Channel. Alec Foege, author of a book about the company, Right of the Dial, explains how Clear Channel kept a vise grip on the format – with the help of some willing partners.
Our blog: John Schaefer on Clear Channel
Alec Foege's Right of the Dial
Franco's Win at Eurovision
Eurovision, otherwise known as Europe's "American Idol," is no stranger to political gamesmanship. But a new documentary claims that British singer Sir Cliff Richard was robbed of victory in the 1968 Eurovision Song Contest after Spanish dictator General Francisco Franco fixed the vote. Time Out New York editor Elizabeth Vincentelli takes us inside a 40-year-old controversy.
Eurovision Song Contest Web site
Video: Massiel, "La La La" (1968 ESC)
Video: Cliff Richard, "Congratulations" (1968 ESC)
Aruna Sairam Live
Singer Aruna Sairam is one of the most prominent exponents of Carnatic music of India today. Carnatic music is a style rooted in the devotional songs and music from the temples of South India. She joins us with a selection of songs from her new CD, "Divine Inspiration."
Aruna Sairam's web site
Aruna Sairam, live at the Fez Festival in 2000
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Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts! We'll share the results on May 22. Click for details.
John Schaefer goes to North Korea; Soundcheck goes to Austin and to Berlin.
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- The Brian Lehrer Show: Out of the Shadows (May 12, 2008)
- The Brian Lehrer Show: Meet Johnny Bunko (May 06, 2008)
- The Leonard Lopate Show: John Turturro and Max Casella in “Endgame” (May 09, 2008)