One of Chicago’s three public radio stations — WBEZ — will be changing its format come next April and offer a “user-generated content” format. (Tip-o-the-hat to JR at ToledoTalk.com.)
According to (not-so-secret) SecretRadioProject.com:
“It’s a creative free-for-all, with no shows and no stuffy time slots. . . .
Every time you tune in, you’ll hear something new and surprising - music, interviews, shout outs, essays and more. All with a local bent and an unmistakably Chicago voice.
And the best part: this radio comes from you. You’re the creator, deejay, producer and editor.
Give us your take on what’s happening in your neighborhood. Share your deepest thoughts, confessions and opinions about your world. Upload audio to our website and tune in as we play it for all of Chicago and the world to hear.”
There’s also a forum to discuss the project. And, NU student Matt Weir has a good story about it at his NewsAssignment.net blog. From Weir’s post:
“[I]t takes the infrastructure of cyber-community involvement — Secret Radio Project relies on YouTube uploading and a blog-esque style — and adapts it to a radio station serving a geographic community.”
I’m scratching my head a bit over this one. Maybe it’ll work out with some sort of semi-regular programming — ensuring the major airing hours are filled.
With outlets like radio, don’t we tune in based on the host and his/her show? We know what to expect.
While I’d be tempted to listen to WBEZ after the new format launches, if I’m not satisfied with the first few shows I hear, I doubt if I’d be back.
I’ll definitely reserve final judgment (assuming I’ll be able to pick it up on the ‘net), but it sounds like the new WBEZ be similar to the amateurish sounds and musings I heard on my college’s student-run radio station.
That is until PR and marketing people get wind of it. (Then, it’ll be one long commercial. 
)
– Mike
