The Ratings Chase and KROQ’s Hoax

Concerning the recent articles on the disclosure that KROQ deejays knowingly broadcast a false murder confession:

Being involved in radio for almost 20 years, I’ve followed the KROQ incident with great interest--not because it’s an anomaly, but because it’s the inevitable culmination of years of ruinous programming policy.

What deejays Gene Baxter and Kevin Ryder have done is irresponsible and indefensible, period. They have no place in radio. Now what should be the subject of consideration is the atmosphere that encouraged this unconscionable action--an indulgent “anything for ratings” mentality.

Unfortunately, KQLZ consultant Jeff Pollack left-handedly condoned such a repugnant stunt by saying, “When you’re dealing with creative talent, you have to take what’s part and parcel to that--and sometimes that includes going too far.” Wrong. We had radio--and great radio--long before it was OK to lie and endanger the public via public airwaves.

Radio is having a hard enough time attracting advertisers in this age of cable television, and it is incumbent upon the industry to reset its priorities so that it can regain its market share-- and the admiration of its listeners. It’s time to hire jocks who love music and are allowed to pick from bigger play lists. That’s good radio and that’s smart programming.

PAM MILLER-ALGAR

Valencia