His radio programs, most notably on Columbia University’s WKCR, were full of minutiae he had accumulated during a lifetime immersed in the genre.
Tag Archives: Radio
Covid Skeptic Phil Valentine Dies Getting Coronavirus
Phil Valentine’s hospitalization for Covid-19 convinced him that vaccines were necessary.
SiriusXM launches ‘TikTok Radio,’ a music channel featuring viral hits hosted by TikTok stars
If viral TikTok songs like Dr. Dog’s “Where’d All the Time Go?” or Bo Burnham’s “Bezos I” weren’t already stuck in your head on loop, now they could be. Today SiriusXM launched a TikTok Radio channel, which features TikTok creators as channel hosts. The station is designed to sound like a “radio version of the platform’s ‘For You’ feed,” Sirius XM said.
SiriusXM, parent company to Pandora, announced this music channel in May, teasing the launch with curated Pandora playlists from influencers like Bella Poarch, whose lipsync video of Millie B’s “Soph Aspin Send [M to the B]” is the most liked video on TikTok.
With its TikTok partnership, SiriusXM is looking to capture a younger audience — on the TikTok app itself, DJ Habibeats (@djhabibeats) and DJ CONST (@erinconstantineofficial) will each go live on TikTok each week while DJing on TikTok Radio. Other creator hosts on TikTok Radio — like Billy (@8illy), Cat Haley (@itscathaley), HINDZ (@hindzsight), Lamar Dawson (@dirrtykingofpop), and Taylor Cassidy (@taylorcassidyj) — will deliver “The TikTok Radio Trending Ten,” a weekly countdown of songs trending on TikTok. To promote the station during its first week, artists like Ed Sheeran, Lil Nas X, and Normani will appear on air.
Music has such a strong footing in TikTok culture that it regularly influences the Billboard charts — Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours,” originally released in 1978,” appeared in the top 10 Billboard albums again in 2020 after it was featured in a viral TikTok. Even a Fortnite-themed parody of Estelle’s “American Boy” — originally uploaded in 2018 to YouTube — had a beautiful moment on TikTok.
“We’re so excited to launch TikTok Radio on SiriusXM, which opens up artists and creators like this amazing group of hosts to new audiences,” said Ole Obermann, TikTok’s Global Head of Music, in a statement. “Now SiriusXM subscribers will have a new road to discover the latest trends in music and get a first listen to tomorrow’s musical superstars. The channel captures song-breaking music culture that creates so much joy and entertainment on TikTok through video in an all-audio format.”
Though SiriusXM’s subscriber base continues to expand — it saw a 34% year-over-year growth from last year to now — it still dwarfs in comparison to streaming giants like Spotify, which has 165 million paid users. SiriusXM reported a total of 34.5 million subscribers as of Q2 this year, the most it’s ever had, but even Apple Music and Amazon Music have reported nearly double the subscribers. Pandora has 6.5 million paid subscribers. Over the last few years, SiriusXM and Pandora have struck deals with companies like SoundCloud, Simplecast and Stitcher to become more competitive in both music and podcast streaming.
Still, other streaming companies have also shown interest in the market of Gen Z-ers on TikTok who want to listen to full versions of the catchy songs they hear in short videos. Apple Music and Spotify both host curated “viral hits” playlists. But a full-time satellite music channel is taking the trend a step further.
With R. Kelly on Trial, What Has Become of His Music?
The R&B superstar may have experienced a “social death,” with his music largely disappearing in public. But streaming data tells a more complicated story.
Neal Conan, Who Talked (and Listened) to the Nation on NPR, Dies at 71
In a broadcasting career that began when he was 17, he was a producer, editor and news director — and a voice listeners trusted.
After Covid Diagnosis, a Conservative Radio Host Sends a New Message
The Tennessee radio host, Phil Valentine, said he was among those who did not need to get vaccinated. Now his struggle with the virus is sparking its own discussion.
2021 Pulitzer Prize Winners
From reporting on the coronavirus pandemic to China’s internment of Uyghurs, here’s the full list of winners and finalists.
It’s the Media’s ‘Mean-Too’ Moment. Stop Yelling and Go to Human Resources.
In public radio, there is either an epidemic of bullying or an epidemic of whining, depending on whom you ask.
WNYC Fires Bob Garfield, Co-Host of ‘On the Media’
New York Public Radio, which owns WNYC, said Mr. Garfield had violated its anti-bullying policy. Mr. Garfield said he had yelled and that “the provocation was extraordinary and simply shocking.”
Marv Albert, Hall of Fame N.B.A. Sportscaster, Is Retiring
Albert, who turns 80 in June, will call his last game in the Eastern Conference finals.
Overlooked No More: Usha Mehta, Freedom Fighter Against British Rule in India
At 22, she helped establish the underground station Congress Radio, which amplified Mahatma Gandhi’s message of rebellion.
SiriusXM Is Buying ‘99% Invisible,’ and Street Cred in Podcasting
The deal, for one of the industry’s earliest success stories, is the latest salvo in an era of rapid consolidation.
When Guards in New York City’s Jails Lie About Use of Force
An analysis of a newly released database of disciplinary records shows that violence by officers continues to be a problem in the system.
Bob Fass, Pioneer of Underground Radio, Dies at 87
His provocative “Radio Unnameable,” long a staple of the New York station WBAI, offered a home on the FM dial to everyone from Abbie Hoffman to Tiny Tim.
Bob Porter, Jazz Producer and Broadcaster, Dies at 80
Hundreds of albums bore his name, notably reissues of classic material. And he helped make WBGO the biggest jazz radio station in the New York area.
How a Radio Host, Broadcasting Live From Home, Spends Sundays
It’s been a year — and many pots of beans — since Kai Wright abandoned his on-air studio in Manhattan. But the show has gone on.
Supreme Court Lets F.C.C. Relax Limits on Media Ownership
The justices said the commission had adequately considered whether easing rules on cross-ownership of radio and TV stations and newspapers would hurt female and minority ownership of media outlets.
Janet Jackson and Kermit the Frog Added to National Recording Registry
The Library of Congress has designated 25 recordings, from modern pop hits to one of the earliest recordings of an American voice, as “audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time.”
A Big List of Podcasts for Bigger Kids
There has been an explosion of new shows for children in the past year. Here are 30 of the best for kids between 6 and 10.
U.K. Podcast Companies Want What the U.S. Has, Looking Past the BBC
The public broadcaster has long dominated audio production in Britain. But new podcast companies are taking inspiration from America and finding investors to shake up the industry.
The Legacy of Rush Limbaugh
The conservative radio host, who died last week, seeded an entire media ecosystem — and reshaped the American right.
Must We Dance on Rush Limbaugh’s Grave?
Speaking ill of the dead needn’t mean cackling over their demise.
Rush Limbaugh and the Petrification of Conservatism
An extraordinary career for the man, a long defeat for his ideology.
The House That Rush Limbaugh Built
How Rush Limbaugh broke the liberal hegemony in broadcast media.
Where Will Rush Limbaugh’s 15 Million Listeners Go Now?
No one will have a megaphone like his again. But podcasters, “26-year-old conservatives on Instagram” and Sean Hannity all fill the void.
Host of ‘Reply All’ Podcast Steps Down After Accusations of Toxic Culture
The host, P.J. Vogt, and a senior reporter, Sruthi Pinnamaneni, each apologized after former colleagues accused them of working against union organizers and “multiple efforts to diversify.”
Rush Limbaugh’s Legacy of Weaponizing Radio Commentary
Weaponizing conspiracy theories and bigotry long before Donald Trump’s ascent, the radio giant helped usher in the political style that came to dominate the Republican Party.
Rush Limbaugh, Talk Radio’s Conservative Provocateur, Dies at 70
A longtime favorite of the right, he was a furious critic of Barack Obama and a full-throated cheerleader for Donald J. Trump.
How Right-Wing Radio Stoked Anger Before the Capitol Siege
Shows hosted by Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and other talk radio stars promoted debunked claims of a stolen election and urged listeners to “fight back.”
Biden to Revive Weekly Address That Faded Under Trump
A White House seeking to advance its agenda introduces a format that includes the president speaking with handpicked citizens.
Country Star Morgan Wallen Rebuked by Music Business After Using Racial Slur
The musician apologized in a statement to TMZ, saying, “I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back.”
Giuliani and Bill O’Reilly Still Have a Major Platform in New York
A popular radio station in Manhattan has become a haven where conservative hosts like Rudolph Giuliani can defend Donald Trump.
Biden Administration Removes Trump Allies from U.S.-Funded News Outlets
The Trump administration had been accused of trying to turn the federally funded news agencies into partisan mouthpieces for his presidency.
Larry King, Breezy Interviewer of the Famous and Infamous, Dies at 87
Over five decades, he chatted with an estimated 50,000 people from all walks of life, from presidents and pundits to swindlers and U.F.O. “experts.”
Public Radio Group Criticizes New York Times Over ‘Caliphate’ Correction
A letter signed by executives at 26 stations carrying “The Daily” accuses The Times of ethical lapses. A high-level Times editor acknowledges mistakes.
Was That a Dropped Call From ET?
A spooky radio signal showed up after a radio telescope was aimed at the next star over from our sun.
The Daily: Delilah, One of the Most Popular Woman on American Radio
With snippets of love, loss and struggle soothed by music, she has become one of American radio’s most popular — and trusted — voices. We decided to give her a call.
The Best of ‘This American Life’: 25th Anniversary Episodes
The show pioneered a new form of audio narrative journalism. Listen to some classics selected by the show’s host, Ira Glass.
What Are the Greatest 2,020 Songs Ever? Philadelphia Is Deciding
The Philly radio station WXPN polled its listeners and is revealing their choices in a marathon show. “I treasure the folly of it,” our critic writes.
Radio Disney, Launching Pad for Young Stars, Will Shut Down Next Year
Since 1996, the network has been a go-to music destination for preteens and helped jump-start the careers of future superstars. Disney said it was ending it to focus on streaming and TV.
Ira Glass Recommends These ‘This American Life’ Episodes
From family mysteries and Native American history to stories that delight, here’s what the show’s host, Ira Glass, recommends to get you through the week.
Not Dead Yet: News Site Mistakenly Runs Dozens of V.I.P. Obituaries
Queen Elizabeth II, Pelé and Clint Eastwood were among about 100 celebrities briefly reported as dead online by French public radio. The station blamed a website upgrade.
Spotify takes on radio with its own daily morning show
Spotify’s streaming music service is starting to resemble terrestrial radio with today’s launch of the company’s first daily morning show, “The Get Up.” Like other morning shows designed for commuters, the new program will be led by hosts and will combine news, pop culture, entertainment and music. But in Spotify’s case, the music is personalized to the listener,
The show is not a live program, however. Unlike radio morning shows where content is broadcast live and often also involves interactions with listeners — like call-ins or contests — Spotify’s show is pre-recorded and made available as a playlist.
That means you can listen at any time after its 7 AM ET release on weekday mornings.
You can also opt to skip portions of the programming — like the music or some of the chatter — if you prefer. (Spotify, to be clear, refers to the show as a podcast, but the format actually splits the hosts’ talk radio-like content from the individual music tracks. In other words, it’s more like a mixed-media playlist than a traditional podcast.)
Another key thing that makes Spotify’s programming different from a radio show is that the music is personalized to the listener. Of course, that’s not always ideal. If you prefer to listen to new music during your commute, but have had been busy streaming oldies on Spotify’s service, your morning show will reflect those trends. There’s currently no way to program the show more directly by genre, either.
The show itself is hosted by three people: journalist Speedy Morman, previously of Complex; YouTuber Kat Lazo, known for her series “The Kat Call;” and Spotify’s own Xavier ‘X’ Jernigan, Head of Cultural Partnerships and In-House Talent.
The new playlist will be made available on weekday mornings in the Made for You and Driving hubs on Spotify for both free and premium subscribers in the U.S. You can also access the show directly from http://www.spotify.com/thegetup.
False Political News in Spanish Pits Latino Voters Against Black Lives Matter
On family WhatsApp groups and in Spanish-language media, misinformation paints 2020 as a zero-sum game.
Talk Radio Is Turning Millions of Americans Into Conservatives
The medium is at the heart of Trumpism.
Enrique Oliu, Rays’ Blind Broadcaster, Navigates a Year Without Fans
Enrique Oliu, a blind radio broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays, relies on crowd noise and on-field sounds to do his job. This season, he’s had to adjust more than anyone.
Retro-inspired music player Poolside.fm brings its summery fun to iPhone
If you mashup feel-good summer music, ridiculous 80’s-inspired imagery and retro tech, you’ll get the lighthearted and fun web radio service Poolside.fm, the so-called “sunniest place on the internet.” The website where you can stream beachy, chill or disco tracks in a classic MacOS-like space relaunched last year to bring a little joy back to the internet. More recently, the team delivered a Mac app that somehow successfully mixes together the Mac aesthetic with touches early Windows. Today, the Poolside.fm iOS app has arrived, this time taking inspiration from old Nokia 3310 mobile devices.
The Poolside.fm project actually began back in 2014, when founder and serial entrepreneur Marty Bell was in search of some sort of virtual getaway. Bell lives in the Highlands of Scotland, where it’s often gray and rainy, he says. And that can be depressing. As an escape, Bell began listening to a certain type of uplifting, happy music via SoundCloud. He decided it would be fun to his favorite those tunes in a playful environment that also reminded him of his other “happy place” — “80’s beach movies on VHS, where it’s like the American summer dream,” Bell explains.
He then teamed up with developer Grant MacLennan to launch the initial version of the Poolside.fm website, then called Poolside Radio, in 2014. It received a handful of accolades and briefly went viral on Twitter, developing a small cult following.
The site initially ran on a rudimentary CMS (content management system) where Bell could submit SoundCloud tracks and YouTube videos which would then be played at random for visitors.
Image Credits: Poolside.fm
Over the years, Bell continued to work on his other business endeavours, which ranged from a DJ business with a clothing line to a sunglasses company, and later, a finance company called Nude, which helps young people save up for their first home. Though he continued to update Poolside.fm’s Instagram, the website for the radio service wasn’t updated for years. Despite the inattention, it continued to see thousands and, sometimes, tens of thousands of visitors per month.
Bell more recently returned to the project with the idea to reinvent the website with an operating system-like look-and-feel, and even paid people to do three different versions of the site until he found the right team. Unbelievably, the team working on the project now do so on a volunteer basis in their free time because they find it to be a positive experience. (And perhaps because they see long-term potential in the Poolside.fm brand.)
Visitors who go to Poolside.fm can switch through various “stations,” each with their own vibe. The default, Poolsdie.fm, features the upbeat music that prompted the project in the first place. But there’s also an indie channel, Indie Summer, a chill channel, Hangover Club, and fast-tempo disco, Tokyo Disco.
Since last summer’s relaunch, the updated website has seen 1.5 million listening sessions from over 900,000 individuals, with much of the listening taking place across the U.S. (32%), Japan (15%), UK (8%), Germany (4%), Canada (4%). Meanwhile, the recently launched Mac app has already been installed 30,000 times across the past 3 weeks and was featured by Apple in the “Apps We Love” section of the Mac App Store.
Today, Poolside.fm’s retro cool and somewhat goofy 80’s/90’s aesthetic arrives on the iPhone.
But instead of copying the user interface from the web, the Poolside.fm team created something new.
The iOS app, built by developer Josh McMillan, references older cellular devices — like the Nokia 3310, which once featured a grainy, pixel-y image of hands coming together and shaking. On Poolside.fm’s app start screen, however, a similar set of hands now drop a cherry in a martini glass.
Image Credits: Poolside.fm
The app’s main interface, meanwhile, recalls old cellular devices with its use of outdated fonts, pixel-y shading, and grainy imagery. Low-bit “video clips” play in the background, helping deliver the retro vibe. You’ll see women with big 80’s hair, terrible 80’s dancing, classic cars, beach parties, and more.
But the app isn’t the classic gray-and-green color scheme of old phones. It’s a bright and cheery pink. You also can opt for other jewel-toned shades in a theme picker, if you prefer.
The app includes Poolside.fm’s full channel lineup, which you can play, pause, skip or go back, and favorite, if signed in. And despite its old-school feel, Poolside.fm is a modern app with support for things like background play, AirPlay, and the ability to work with your AirPods.
Image Credits: Poolside.fm
The team is now six people, founder Marty Bell, designer Niek Dekker, lead developer Lewis King, iOS developer Josh McMillan, Mac developer Will Chilcutt, and backend developer Nick Haddad. They’ve done some side jobs here and there for cash, we’re told, but the cost of running Poolside.fm is surprisingly low, Bell tells us.
“The bills are like, I don’t know, Ii would say for both Firebase and the hosting, the whole thing is probably under $100 per month,” he guesses. That’s because the video and audio come from YouTube and SoundCloud, which handle the bandwidth load. The actual service itself is very light.
Though Bell says investors have been sliding into his Twitter DM’s, the team isn’t looking to immediately monetize their project. It’s funny, he adds, how the one business (of so many that he started) that wasn’t designed to be a success — the one with no business plan, in fact — has ended up attracting the most attention.
“I think that’s what makes the difference. When you’re just channeling pure passion into something, with a bunch of other people that are working on it because it’s fun — not because they’re being paid — the kind of product that comes out of that is unlike anything that’s going to come out of a product that’s working towards KPIs and metrics for investors,” explains Bell. “In that environment, you can’t build something like Poolside.fm, where it’s six people who are all working on it in their spare time, for free, because it’s their happy place and it’s fun to work on. You can’t get that energy in a business environment very easily,” he says.
That said, Bell does have a few ideas about where the project could go in the future.
The team already sold a little merchandise, like hats and tees. (He’s still packing up Poolside.fm’s motel-style keychains from his house, he says.) Bell could see the team running projects from a separate company, as “Poolside.fm presents X,” for example.
Post-COVID, these could include experiential events. But Bell is also talking to podcast studios about doing a fiction podcast series, and the team is thinking about selling more physical products — like pool accessories, naturally.
Of course, we had to ask if Bell finally now has a pool of his own, after all these years. But he hasn’t taken that victory lap just yet.
“I definitely do not have a pool in the Highlands of Scotland. I’m looking out onto a field full of sheep right now,” he laughs.
Poolside.fm is a free download for iOS.
Why We’re All Listening to Phil Collins This Week
The twins Tim and Fred Williams have wowed the internet with their YouTube reactions to vintage music. Why are generation-spanning videos like theirs so popular right now?
Roger Stone Uses Racial Slur on Radio Show
Mr. Stone, while being questioned about the commutation of his sentence by President Trump, used a racial slur in referring to his interviewer, who is Black.
Radio Host Dianna Ploss Loses Her Show Over English-Only Rant
The host, Dianna Ploss, filmed herself telling landscape workers to speak English. She later said she considered the criticism of her remarks “a badge of honor.”