From: brian@mel.dit.csiro.au (Brian May)
Subject: An example of chart rigging from the US :-)
Followup-To: aus.music
Organization: CSIRO DIT (Melb.)
Distribution: aus
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 92 23:53:09 GMT


OK, here's an article from rec.radio.noncomm on how CMJ charts are compiled
(in some places).  CMJ is the US college radio station network.  There are
at least 200+ stations which are a part of this throughout the US.  Recently,
the network has supposedly become similar to a commercial station sub-network
due to the major labels heavily influencing playlists etc.  The CMJ charts
are compiled from playlist 'charts' from each CMJ station.  Yes, sales have
nothing to do with this chart......but sales have little to do with regular
charts too :-)

-----------------------------

fau@po.CWRU.Edu (Francis A. Uy) writes:
>In theory, WUMD reports its Top 35 to the College
> Music Journal.  We haven't recently, because it's
> my job now + I have no idea where to begin.

You make them up. It's that simple. Put the records you like at the
top, followed by the records the staff likes (only half a smiley).
As you get new favorite records, move the others down. 

Put the more obscure stuff at the top, but don't go too overboard. Why?

1) the majors will keep sending you stuff, no matter what. Don't worry
about buttering up to them.

2) The bigger indies watch this kind of stuff and when their reps call,
they appreciate being listed. If you tell them you are really pushing
a record, you can then ask for some extra copies and posters, etc., 
to give away on the air (and to faithful underlings :-).

3) The tiny indies out of somebody's living room might scan CMJ. They'll
look for stations that aren't just playing all Sire/Geffen/Warner/etc.
major label "kawlidge wrock". They will send you their records because they
know you will at least listen to them.

4) It makes your radio station look hip. 

5) If you put on too many major labels, you may be in danger of winning
the Gavin Convention "Best College Radio Station" award. This is a kiss
of death, but since KUSF here in San Francisco has won the last umpteen 
years, you are probably safe.

6) If people insist on playing something you hate, grit your teeth and
put in on the list anyway. Just don't make it #1. 

7) Never put U2 on your playlist. They don't need it; the record company
doesn't care.

8) Really persistant m*th*rf*ckers who call all the time and ask why 
they're not charting: depending on how awful the record is, go ahead
and put it at #32 for one week. That usually shuts them up. 

The reason I say "don't go too overboard" is that sometimes you see
listings so obscure that you know they are all local bands. Nobody else 
cares about your local bands unless they can buy the records. 

Don't be scientific. Just make it up. Who do you like best today?

--------------------------------
end of included article

brian
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