As the KMPS music director, Thomas preprograms the music for the station and serves as the contact for record labels. At most stations, the job is to play the newer songs frequently and mix in recurrent songs that are from a few months to a year old. We don't want someone who drives home at the same time every night to hear the same songs at the same time. Our listeners get what they expect and a few surprises. But he feels radio will hold its own.
Radio offers companionship and a shared experience.
Large groups of people hear the same thing at the same time. When everyone starts hearing a new hit song during the same week, it drives the record. Technologies like MP3 may alter people's relationship with radio, but the idea of a large group of people loving the same thing at the same time is a pretty powerful dynamic. Thomas is the liaison between the station and the record promotions people at the labels who want their artists added to the KMPS playlist. We have to say no to most projects.