I listened to 91.5 the Beat for an hour today. It is a new hit music Canadian station for Kitchener, Ontario and the Tri-Cities area. It primarily plays the hottest new rhythmic/contemporary radio hits. It plays approximately 70% American radio hits. According to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission all Canadian radio stations must play 30% of its music produced by Canadian artists or the lyrics must be written entirely by a Canadian. Why do Canadians do this? Through a protectionism approach we fear that without a regulatory system, independent Canadian popular culture would be swallowed up by that of the neighboring United States.
The above radio stations target audience is primarily young people who enjoy listening to hip hop and pop music. I primarily listen to that radio station because I enjoy listening to rhythmic/contemporary music while I am driving. It is also nice to be able to listen to new and upcoming Canadian singers who are trying to make it big in the mainstream culture. These Canadian artists eventually do make it big all around North American (ex. Nelly Furtado, Baranaked Ladies, Bryan Adams, etc. ).
The music played is pretty much the exact same music you would hear on a Detroit hit radio station, however, with an added bonus of hearing more Canadian artists. The ads on 9.15 the Beat is also very similar to Detroit radio stations. Moving closer to the weekend I often hear ads about happening club events and concerts. One huge difference I have found between the different countries are the DJ’s commentary. The DJ’s on some radio stations in Detroit are much more open in mentioning vulgar things in comparison to Canada.
4 comments:
I listen to 89X and they do the same thing. I think its really cool that you Canadians do that - it gives Canadian artists a chance..sort of like afirmative action for the radio. There are some AWESOME canadians artist in addition to the ones you mentioned; Tegan and Sara (LOVE them!) and Sarah McLaughlan (still can't spell her name)...there's so many!
I didn't know Nelly Furtado was from Canada. Since they are required to play a certain amount of Canadian music, do you think they'd even play it at all if it wasn't for the requirement?
The reason I like reading these blogs is that I learn something new everyday. That's cool that Canadians have a chance to be heard. There are some really good artists.
Mehtab, I wasn't aware that Canadian stations are required to play at least 30% Canadian music, either. However, that doesn't surprise me at all. You mentioned that the "DJ’s on some radio stations in Detroit are much more open in mentioning vulgar things in comparison to Canada." Why might this be the case? Does Canada have stronger decency standards, or are they informally creating a difference between themselves and American DJs? Or might there still be other options?
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