No.
It doesn't.
Stations broadcast psa's about "youth suicide" and follow it up
with the Police's "King Of Pain" (and whilst not specifically about
youth, it ain't a good choice to follow with).
Or maybe they don't put thought into it, meaning yes they have
a conscience about what's right and wrong, but no they are just
so goddamned hassled that any old song will do after any old
break.
Or, maybe they just couldn't give a rats arse.
Or, maybe, they ain't that bright, and 2+2 equals (where's the
calculator) what the MD, PD, GPD or (hush now), consultant,
wants it to equal.
Liam Lynch i.m.o. sums up the current generation of teens, 20 and
30 somethings in charge of the myriad programming and perception
departments around the country with his phrase "whatever" (which
btw I noted as a hit about 5 months ago, when mtv started airing it,
but let's not have a pissing contest now). Yes, I am over 40 (very
astute of you).
This is a bit more serious.
Tonight on the (7 - Sydney) news there was a story about how Kraft
plans to do its bit toward lowering it's contribution toward obesity
rates http://www.kraft.com/newsroom/07012003.html and whilst
it's applauded, it's done so with a nod and wink to the a HR and
OH&S division, scared shitless and cowering in the corner no doubt,
wondering if they are next to be hit with the blame for making
somebody (who doesn't have a brain and cannot think for themself,
but probably more to the point, hasn't got the balls to think for
themself, and take responsibility for their actions, and better still!
sees an easy scapegoat) FAT.
Personal responsibilty. Kiss it goodbye friends an' neighbours.
It ain't an issue anymore.
MMM Sydney told me so.
Denton used to say regularly, "soceity is to blame" on his show,
hence, by that decree, I could use that as my basis for a law suit.
-I- wouldn't do that (whatever the circumstances) but I betcha
someone will, someday.
Back to obesity. Given this is something I have absolutely no idea
about (quiet in the peanut gallery) but given it does appear to be
a current love child of the globe, let me pose this.
Currently, at #2 http://www.nme.com/charts/uk/singles.htm
on the NME charts is a song (available no doubt for dl via those
regular conduits for dl'ing, if -you- choose to break the law and do
that) called "Fast Food Song" by the "Fast Food Rockers".
Essentially it's a hit pop song, along the lines of the "Ketchup Song"
and the "Macarena". History shows what those songs achieved on
the charts here. Just a hit, pop song.
Or is it?
Is it a 3 minute commercial instead?
And not only that, is it a case of corporate brainwashing, inciting
those that are incitable, to gobble down more Pizza Hut, Macca's
and KFC?
Re-enforcing to those that haven't been educated about how to
think for themselves, that, hey .. this is cool?
This is the way it is.
This is what you have to do.
Simple. We'll tell you what you have to do, and eat. If you
aren't with us, you must be losers!!
If you object to us, you are a radical; an outcast; a threat.
Um..no..I'm just a parent of 14 and 11 y/o's.
Unfortunately, there are too many out there that -are- susceptible
to this type of brainwashing, especially those aged 0-15, many
of whom do their homework listening to the radio, well..maybe
not listening, but certainly, hearing.
The point.
Which is going to be the first Australian station to follow blindly
the decree of some (hushed tones) consultant, record co. rep.
or (damn..hushed tones again..) guru, and play this piece of pap?
To those who do, I say, good luck.
Because, if ever, in the future somebody is lookin' for somebody
-else- to blame for actually -encouraging- them to eat fattening, and
potentially, life damaging food, by crikey, they might just have a
target to aim at.
Will the target be the station/network that aired it, or the rep. that
urged it, or, the consultant that deemed it?
So much choice. So much potential money.
Hope the pockets are deep.
arfur
ps - Maybe the question should really be...
"Is commercial radio expected to have a conscience, or is it just
expected to be a means of entertainment?"
pps - www.amt.com.au - this thread (and all tangents from it) is
copyrighted to me.
On Wed, 2 Jul 2003 22:20:11 +1000, arfur wrote:
> Liam Lynch i.m.o. sums up the current generation of teens, 20 and
> 30 somethings in charge of the myriad programming and perception
> departments around the country with his phrase "whatever" (which
> btw I noted as a hit about 5 months ago, when mtv started airing it,
> but let's not have a pissing contest now). Yes, I am over 40 (very
> astute of you).
That single was a hit in the UK 7 months ago; I have a feeling it was part
of MTV's UK pop music/chart shows which is where you saw it. At that time
the single wasn't even out in Australia or planned for release for another
5 months. Obviously then, radio in Australia wouldn't have been able to
pick it up when it charted in the UK. FWIW, at least we got it before the
US!
> Currently, at #2 http://www.nme.com/charts/uk/singles.htm
> on the NME charts is a song (available no doubt for dl via those
> regular conduits for dl'ing, if -you- choose to break the law and do
> that) called "Fast Food Song" by the "Fast Food Rockers".
It's #2 on the official UK charts, BTW (which is the source of top 40
section in NME's top 100, IIRC).
> Essentially it's a hit pop song, along the lines of the "Ketchup Song"
> and the "Macarena". History shows what those songs achieved on
> the charts here. Just a hit, pop song.
>
> Or is it?
>
> Is it a 3 minute commercial instead?
I have to confess that I really do like this song. I like the DJ Chucky
song as well. Don't flame me, please. <g>
But to your (rhetorical) questions, I wouldn't worry too much about it
being an advertisement. The single gets bugger all airplay in the UK and
the BBC don't play it in anything other than chart countdown shows. I think
we can blame The Box for makings songs like these chart in the UK; they're
usually the culprits. The single is doing well at the moment because 1) it
doesn't get airplay so people will buy it to hear it and 2) it's a catchy,
albeit very cheesy, pop song.
> Which is going to be the first Australian station to follow blindly
> the decree of some (hushed tones) consultant, record co. rep.
> or (damn..hushed tones again..) guru, and play this piece of pap?
The same stations that playlisted DJ Otzi and the Cheeky Girls, of course!
Sarch
arfur wrote:
> ps - Maybe the question should really be...
>
> "Is commercial radio expected to have a conscience, or is it just
> expected to be a means of entertainment?"
If you choose to pose this as the question, then the answer is that
commercial radio is based on one thing - profit. Being nice and taking
responsibility for yourself doesn't sell ad space, whereas selling a
song that has a line of clothes, a fragrance and two video games to go
with it is going to help raise profits. (there's no examples as extreme
as that that I can think of, the closest would be Hi-5; who appeared
with a CD, a line of kids' clothes and the TV show to launch it all).
Stuart
Sarch <sarch_usenet@no-spam> wrote in message
news:1j1cxzaugz96i$.i2z47zjlsk88$.dlg@no-spam
> On Wed, 2 Jul 2003 22:20:11 +1000, arfur wrote:
>
> > Liam Lynch i.m.o. sums up the current generation of teens, 20 and
> > 30 somethings in charge of the myriad programming and perception
> > departments around the country with his phrase "whatever" (which
> > btw I noted as a hit about 5 months ago, when mtv started airing it,
> > but let's not have a pissing contest now). Yes, I am over 40 (very
> > astute of you).
>
> That single was a hit in the UK 7 months ago; I have a feeling it was part
> of MTV's UK pop music/chart shows which is where you saw it.
damn..foiled again! You're too good for me Sarch.
> At that time
> the single wasn't even out in Australia or planned for release for another
> 5 months. Obviously then, radio in Australia wouldn't have been able to
> pick it up when it charted in the UK. FWIW, at least we got it before the
> US!
>
> > Currently, at #2 http://www.nme.com/charts/uk/singles.htm
> > on the NME charts is a song (available no doubt for dl via those
> > regular conduits for dl'ing, if -you- choose to break the law and do
> > that) called "Fast Food Song" by the "Fast Food Rockers".
>
> It's #2 on the official UK charts, BTW (which is the source of top 40
> section in NME's top 100, IIRC).
6 of 1, half a dozen of the other...
>
> > Essentially it's a hit pop song, along the lines of the "Ketchup Song"
> > and the "Macarena". History shows what those songs achieved on
> > the charts here. Just a hit, pop song.
> >
> > Or is it?
> >
> > Is it a 3 minute commercial instead?
>
> I have to confess that I really do like this song. I like the DJ Chucky
> song as well. Don't flame me, please. <g>
>
> But to your (rhetorical) questions, I wouldn't worry too much about it
> being an advertisement. The single gets bugger all airplay in the UK and
> the BBC don't play it in anything other than chart countdown shows. I
think
> we can blame The Box for makings songs like these chart in the UK; they're
> usually the culprits. The single is doing well at the moment because 1) it
> doesn't get airplay so people will buy it to hear it and 2) it's a catchy,
> albeit very cheesy, pop song.
I ain't worried in the least. My kids got the song for me
(somehow :>) and I just thought it was a con.
Nothin' more, nothin' less.
They heard it for as much too, which gave me warm feelings
towards my undoubted brilliant upbringing of them, and also
restored a wee bit o' faith towards the public education they
are alledged to be receiving.
> > Which is going to be the first Australian station to follow blindly
> > the decree of some (hushed tones) consultant, record co. rep.
> > or (damn..hushed tones again..) guru, and play this piece of pap?
>
> The same stations that playlisted DJ Otzi and the Cheeky Girls, of course!
>
> Sarch
Thanks for your thoughtful observations Sarch (actually being sincere
here..but don't tell nobody..)
Stuart <cheesequake@no-spam> wrote in message
news:CmAMa.644$gw4.9590@no-spam
> arfur wrote:
>
> > ps - Maybe the question should really be...
> >
> > "Is commercial radio expected to have a conscience, or is it just
> > expected to be a means of entertainment?"
>
> If you choose to pose this as the question, then the answer is that
> commercial radio is based on one thing - profit.
Without doubt. But nevertheless, because of same (and the fact
you are making your profit off the public), is there not a moral
obligation to at least be seen to be do the -right- thing?
If not, why not?
> Being nice and taking
> responsibility for yourself doesn't sell ad space, whereas selling a
> song that has a line of clothes, a fragrance and two video games to go
> with it is going to help raise profits. (there's no examples as extreme
> as that that I can think of, the closest would be Hi-5; who appeared
> with a CD, a line of kids' clothes and the TV show to launch it all).
>
see above.
> Stuart
.... and while we're on the topic, let's take a good hard look at those
Fairy Tales we grew up with. How about Jack & The Beanstalk? That prick
Jack climbed up the top, swiped a goose and a harp from some giant who was
living his life the best he knew how and was most likely uninsured, then
pissed off and lived a life of luxury! What sort of message is that sending
our kiddies? That it's okay to nick a neighbour's VCR if they are a bit
different? Feel free to break and enter if the home's occupant is over
6'6"???
And how about the messages in some of those Nursery Rhymes we used to sing?
'Ring Around The Rosey" for example. How socially irresponsible is it to
sing a song about the Black Plague which wiped out thousands upon thousands
of Europeans! Why don't we make up another Nursery Rhyme about AIDS or
Hepatitis B and get Hi-5 to release it on their next CD?
And Shakespeare! What a nutter! Going around telling all and sundry who
would watch his plays that it's okay to kill yourself if you're really in
love or depressed over your Dad's death, that it's okay to dress up as the
opposite sex and swan around falling in love, that it's fair enough to
murder your boss so long as you're really sorry about it afterwards? I
think Bill the Bard has a lot to answer for!
And lastly, there's The Bible! In there it says homosexuals are an
abomination, that it's okay to sell your daughter into slavery (Exodus 27),
that if you work on a Sunday that you deserve to be put to death (Exodus
35.2), and that people who are into New Age remedies are a great target for
stoning!!!
Not saying that Radio is socially responsible or has a high moral
conscience - just saying that if you look hard enough nearly every facet of
life is just as bad if not worse.
Don't take everything so seriously! Try and enjoy life and live it the best
you can!
James
arfur <arfurchubby@no-spam> wrote in message
news:3f02cccf_1@no-spam
> No.
>
> It doesn't.
>
> Stations broadcast psa's about "youth suicide" and follow it up
> with the Police's "King Of Pain" (and whilst not specifically about
> youth, it ain't a good choice to follow with).
>
> Or maybe they don't put thought into it, meaning yes they have
> a conscience about what's right and wrong, but no they are just
> so goddamned hassled that any old song will do after any old
> break.
>
> Or, maybe they just couldn't give a rats arse.
>
> Or, maybe, they ain't that bright, and 2+2 equals (where's the
> calculator) what the MD, PD, GPD or (hush now), consultant,
> wants it to equal.
>
> Liam Lynch i.m.o. sums up the current generation of teens, 20 and
> 30 somethings in charge of the myriad programming and perception
> departments around the country with his phrase "whatever" (which
> btw I noted as a hit about 5 months ago, when mtv started airing it,
> but let's not have a pissing contest now). Yes, I am over 40 (very
> astute of you).
>
> This is a bit more serious.
>
> Tonight on the (7 - Sydney) news there was a story about how Kraft
> plans to do its bit toward lowering it's contribution toward obesity
> rates http://www.kraft.com/newsroom/07012003.html and whilst
> it's applauded, it's done so with a nod and wink to the a HR and
> OH&S division, scared shitless and cowering in the corner no doubt,
> wondering if they are next to be hit with the blame for making
> somebody (who doesn't have a brain and cannot think for themself,
> but probably more to the point, hasn't got the balls to think for
> themself, and take responsibility for their actions, and better still!
> sees an easy scapegoat) FAT.
>
> Personal responsibilty. Kiss it goodbye friends an' neighbours.
> It ain't an issue anymore.
>
> MMM Sydney told me so.
>
> Denton used to say regularly, "soceity is to blame" on his show,
> hence, by that decree, I could use that as my basis for a law suit.
> -I- wouldn't do that (whatever the circumstances) but I betcha
> someone will, someday.
>
> Back to obesity. Given this is something I have absolutely no idea
> about (quiet in the peanut gallery) but given it does appear to be
> a current love child of the globe, let me pose this.
>
> Currently, at #2 http://www.nme.com/charts/uk/singles.htm
> on the NME charts is a song (available no doubt for dl via those
> regular conduits for dl'ing, if -you- choose to break the law and do
> that) called "Fast Food Song" by the "Fast Food Rockers".
>
> Essentially it's a hit pop song, along the lines of the "Ketchup Song"
> and the "Macarena". History shows what those songs achieved on
> the charts here. Just a hit, pop song.
>
> Or is it?
>
> Is it a 3 minute commercial instead?
>
> And not only that, is it a case of corporate brainwashing, inciting
> those that are incitable, to gobble down more Pizza Hut, Macca's
> and KFC?
>
> Re-enforcing to those that haven't been educated about how to
> think for themselves, that, hey .. this is cool?
>
> This is the way it is.
>
> This is what you have to do.
>
> Simple. We'll tell you what you have to do, and eat. If you
> aren't with us, you must be losers!!
>
> If you object to us, you are a radical; an outcast; a threat.
>
> Um..no..I'm just a parent of 14 and 11 y/o's.
>
> Unfortunately, there are too many out there that -are- susceptible
> to this type of brainwashing, especially those aged 0-15, many
> of whom do their homework listening to the radio, well..maybe
> not listening, but certainly, hearing.
>
> The point.
>
> Which is going to be the first Australian station to follow blindly
> the decree of some (hushed tones) consultant, record co. rep.
> or (damn..hushed tones again..) guru, and play this piece of pap?
>
> To those who do, I say, good luck.
>
> Because, if ever, in the future somebody is lookin' for somebody
> -else- to blame for actually -encouraging- them to eat fattening, and
> potentially, life damaging food, by crikey, they might just have a
> target to aim at.
>
> Will the target be the station/network that aired it, or the rep. that
> urged it, or, the consultant that deemed it?
>
> So much choice. So much potential money.
>
> Hope the pockets are deep.
>
> arfur
>
>
> ps - Maybe the question should really be...
>
> "Is commercial radio expected to have a conscience, or is it just
> expected to be a means of entertainment?"
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> pps - www.amt.com.au - this thread (and all tangents from it) is
> copyrighted to me.
>
>
In article <3f02da6e_1@no-spam>, "arfur" <arfurchubby@no-spam>
wrote:
> Stuart <cheesequake@no-spam> wrote in message
> news:CmAMa.644$gw4.9590@no-spam
> > arfur wrote:
> >
> > > ps - Maybe the question should really be...
> > >
> > > "Is commercial radio expected to have a conscience, or is it just
> > > expected to be a means of entertainment?"
> >
> > If you choose to pose this as the question, then the answer is that
> > commercial radio is based on one thing - profit.
>
>
> Without doubt. But nevertheless, because of same (and the fact
> you are making your profit off the public), is there not a moral
> obligation to at least be seen to be do the -right- thing?
Well, yeah, except remember just who they make that "profit" from - its _not_
the public, its the advertisers. The radio stations have an obligation (I'll
draw the line at calling it a "moral" one) to "do the right thing" where "the
right thing" is defined by the advertisers...
Remember, like commercial TV, _you_ are *NOT* the customer... The _advertiser_
is the customer... _You_ are "the product"...
big
--
'You know all those spasticated-looking hip-hop gestures involving
extended fingers and wrists cocked at odd angles which are intended to
have a meaning to the effect of "Kinoath!" or "You have spoken wisely,
my friend."? I'm making one in your direction now...' Marko in aus.moto