107.7 the end is a sham.

[alithea]

You should know, as the radio waves are legally publicly owned property, that 107.7 the end is basically a sham and the "Alternative Declaration" [http://rope.kndd-fm.fimc.net/declaration/index.html] that is consistantly printed in the pages of the stranger is a brilliant display of hipocricy. The End has gotten a lot of publicity in the past year+ for the changes they've made, but it is important for the listeners to see the truth behind these changes.

1: The DJs don't pick the music [with the exception of, to my knowledge, gabba gabba hey!] and have no say in what is played, much like 99% of the listeners.
2: A group of 200 paid listeners [21-30, employed, male or female - bust mostly male] are brought in every few months and forced to listen to clips of songs. They score what they like, what they dont want to hear, et cetera. They are then paid with pizza and a few dollars for gas. Thus, this is whats on the radio and force fed down hundereds of thousands of listeners' throats.
3: Sponsors -ALWAYS- come first, and it is not uncommon for empolyees to be fired at a sponsors discression [the guy at the house of blues thinks you copped an attitude after he yelled at you for a mistake your management made? yep, fired, no questions].
4: Yes, The End has made a huge effort to raise money for the Vera Project. The only reason they are doing this is to get in the good graces of the independent music scene. The only people from 107.7 the end who are -ever- seen at The Vera Project are "modulators" - members of their promotions team. 107.7 the end has no interest in whether the Vera Project honestly fails or succeeds unless it ultimately benefits them.
5: And the DJs, who are all honest-to-god nice local music fans, are fired for not agreeing with 107.7 the end's bottom line: money.

Please read Matt McCart's blogs regarding being fired from The End, and read the comments to find out how to learn who pays for what you hear.

http://blog.myspace.com/distortedsociety
http://www.reclaimthemedia.org

Also, please take 5 minutes to e-mail Phil Manning with your views on how things are run. pmanning@1077theend.com

[Gomezticator]

Welcome to marketing, where a company projects an image that is nothing like the actual way it does business.

I don't listen to the radio because of this poseur promotion strategy. In fact, I don't dabble in a lot of mainstream media because of this. You're not cool, FM Radio. Your time has passed.

And musical artists: the only possible way to maintain artistic integrity is to never, ever sell out, and that includes signing a major record deal. If your eventual goal in life is to get filthy rich, sell a billion records and snort coke off a hooker's spine, well then more power to you if you ever do, and good luck. Otherwise, practice what you preach, musicians.

[Fuzed]

Alithea, Some of what you say has some truth to it, but overall your conclusions are wrong. First, I have to say, I am a big critic of media consolidation and have done a lot to fight it, and have worked to support both indpendent radio, local music, and even low-powered FM and pirate radio.

Yes, The End, like every commercial music station, does research so it knows what its listeners like. It does not make ALL its decisions from this research, but does use it in making their decisions. You are right that not every DJ picks all the music they play. But I suspect and am pretty positive that some of them have more influence than you say they do, and I am also sure that the local show DJ's pick their own music as well. I do know they play songs that have not be researched all the time. And guess what, the local newscasters don't write all their stories, and the music writers at the local papers don't pick all their stories, and they are edited. It is how things work. If you really want free form radio don't listen to commercial radio. It has never been, and never will be, that type of format.

I would never have thought I would be someone to stick up for any commercial radio station, but I have to give the End credit. I have come to know a lot of the people at the station, and I know for a fact that many of them honestly care about the local music scene, and in particular VERA. In the past 18 months the End has started to play a lot of local music, they have started to sponsor a lot of local shows, and they are raising A LOT of money for VERA. Does this help them? Sure. As well it should. Keep in mind The End is a commercial station. But also keep in mind that they do a lot more in the community than most local stations, especially compared to stations in other cities. I don't like all the music they play, but recently 107.7 is again on my car radio pre-programmed stations and I like a lot of the new music they are playing. And, I am probably no longer their demo, which every station has, so it is probably good I don't like everything they play (though I find myself liking it more and more)

I think it is baseless to say that sponsors at their whim can get someone fired. That is just bullshit. Who besides this Matt dude has been fired?? Was he a great, popular DJ, or was this just the last straw? Sounds like he wanted to slam bands he didn't like on air. Guess what, no company would let you do this. Do you think Elliott Bay books would let their employees slam the books they sell? I have no idea all that went down with Matt, and I am sure you don't either. Hiring on air talent is a tough job and I am sure the pool of people to hire from in Seattle is quite small. I can say that I sure like the morning show now more than I did a few years ago, and overall their air staff is pretty good. Again, listen to commerical radio in Portland, Denver, DC, Philly or New York. I think you'll find The End is one of the better commercial stations around. If Matt thinks Andy Savage should host the morning show, then that is his taste. I think most people I know would disagree.

Anyhow, there are real issues of payola out there, even at local radio. However, being someone who manages some local bands that have received some significant airplay on the End, I can guarantee you that it is not an issue there. I know that firsthand.

Matts blog is fine. He doesn't like commerical radio. He complains about playing too much "Green Day or Killers or Franz Ferdinand or Foo Fighters or Weezer", like modern rock radio is supposed to be something different (these are core bands). What's he want to play, Korn, Limp Bizcuit, and shit like that??? thank god we have a radio station in town playing that music, a bunch of cities don't. He should be a dj at KGRG. That's fine. It's sort of like working at Tower and claiming it should be more like the Fremont Sonic Boom. Look, they are different, it is good they are different, and it is good they both exist. But let's not pretend every record store should be like the Fremont Sonic Boom, nor that every radio station should be like KGRG. And let's be psyched we live in a town with a plethora of radio options, The End, KISW, KMTT, KGRG< KBCS, KEXP, KUOW, and then we also have a shitload of options online and from Satellite. And even more psyched that the commercial alternative station sees a reason to support local rock music in a significant way. From supporting VERA to the Capitol Hill Block Party, to the X hall stage at Bumbershoot, to a plethora of club shows and tons of local bands on Endfest, and a lot of local Endsessions, local bands playing every Friday on air, local music people being on the morning show weekly, the End supports the local scene. YOU might not like the bands they support, fine, listen to KEXP, KGRG or online. But no doubt they support it and do it in a significant way, and that is how radio should work.

[alithea]

I'm not trying to fight commercial radio as a whole here, and I'm aware that commercial radio is basically one big Evil Empire. Independent and free format radio is a godsend and we here in Seattle are very lucky to have KEXP, KGRG and rainydog, among others. Radio has been run the same way for many years, and marketing as well as research groups aren't anything new and I'm aware of that. The problem is that The End blatantly advertises itself as a station that doesn't do that, when obviously they do.

Sounds like he wanted to slam bands he didn't like on air. Guess what, no company would let you do this. Do you think Elliott Bay books would let their employees slam the books they sell?

Obviously not. But would an employee be fired for saying "this wasnt one of my favorite books"?

I'd like to say that the issue at hand isn't that Matt McCart shouldn't have been fired, thats not my point, I know The End's policies and obviously they aren't going to employ someone who doesn't like their music.

A lot of independent book companies have areas where employees can recommend books. Can you imagine if employees were only allowed to recommend books from certain publishers? This is what it seems to be like at The End.

I think you'll find The End is one of the better commercial stations around.

I agree completely. The End is thousands of times better than they used to be. However, The end gets a lot of respect and publicity for the ethics they stand by, as outlined in the Alternative Declaration. However, if one of the big standing points is letting the DJs run their own shows, and that clearly doesnt happen, it gives us reason to doubt everything else that they stand by.

I took a job with the end this spring [which I obviously, and thankfully, have since left] because I liked the people who worked there. My boss [who has since left the company] and my coworkers [most of which have left the company] were all outstanding people and I didnt feel as though I was selling my soul to the big bad media man. The people who work there, the DJs and support staff, are awesome people. I don't doubt the commitment the DJs have to local music but I think it should be made clear that everything ultimately comes down to the dollar Entercom is going to make. Would they support the Vera Project if it cost them anything? No.

Anyhow, there are real issues of payola out there, even at local radio. However, being someone who manages some local bands that have received some significant airplay on the End, I can guarantee you that it is not an issue there. I know that firsthand.

I also know many bands who have gotten airplay from the DJs at the end. Waking up to my hard working talented friends, as well as bands that I work for, on the radio is a superb feeling, and they deserve that. The End does more than they have to for local music, I wont argue that. but if you think the closets at the station arent overflowing with promotional material from record labels, you're wrong.

[Fuzed]

Obviously not. But would an employee be fired for saying "this wasnt one of my favorite books"?

I don't think that was the issue as is evidenced by Matt's own blog.


A lot of independent book companies have areas where employees can recommend books. Can you imagine if employees were only allowed to recommend books from certain publishers? This is what it seems to be like at The End.

That is just untrue. What label are the Presidents on? Their own. Death Cab was on Barsuk when they got played. The Shins and Postal Service are on Sub Pop. The Divorce, Harvey Danger, United State of Electronica, Aquaduct, etc, etc...local bands not on a major label but still getting played.

I agree completely. The End is thousands of times better than they used to be.

I also know many bands who have gotten airplay from the DJs at the end. Waking up to my hard working talented friends, as well as bands that I work for, on the radio is a superb feeling, and they deserve that. The End does more than they have to for local music, I wont argue that. but if you think the closets at the station arent overflowing with promotional material from record labels, you're wrong.


Ok, so the End is better than commercial rock stations in other towns, they support the local scene, they play local music, and they have hard working talented DJ's. And so you slam them because they get promo materials from record labels?? Umm, right, ok, yes they do. Nirvana, U2, Iggy and the Stooges, Modest Mouse, Death Cab, The White Stripes, and every fucking local band in Seattle, all send them promo materials. and the issue with that is what?

People in Seattle need to support the good things and get over this tendency to slam and hate just because things aren't perfect. And I suppose that if there was a station where the DJ's just played whatever they wanted, especially Matt, you wouldn't listen. because they exist, and if you wanted that you would be listening to them and not the End. But guess what, most of those stations don't play local Seattle music or support the VERA Project, do they?

Even KEXP gets promos, pays attention to the radio industry, and programs music they think will be popular. Do you think the people at KEXP or any non-commerical station don't pay attention to how much money is donated during various shows with certain dj's during their fund drives? I know they do.

And if you really hate all that...get an iPod and pay for the music yourself.

[alithea]

Ok, so the End is better than commercial rock stations in other towns, they support the local scene, they play local music, and they have hard working talented DJ's. And so you slam them because they get promo materials from record labels?? Umm, right, ok, yes they do. Nirvana, U2, Iggy and the Stooges, Modest Mouse, Death Cab, The White Stripes, and every fucking local band in Seattle, all send them promo materials. and the issue with that is what?

No, no, no. I don't have issues with promo material, and I'm well aware that thats how radio is done. My issues are not with how radio as a whole is done, or researching markets, or any of that. I know how its done, and I don't disagree with it. I know that you have a better chance of getting publicity in the Stranger if you send them promo tickets and albums, I know your independent record probably won't get played on air unless you send radio stations copies and tickets and the like. That is not the issue.

And I suppose that if there was a station where the DJ's just played whatever they wanted, especially Matt, you wouldn't listen.

What would give you this idea? Infact, if Matt had a radio show where he played whatever he liked, I would listen because I know what type of music he likes, and I happen to like the same thing. I also know that what i he likes is only vaguely comparable to the preloaded playlist he and all the other DJs, with few exceptions, play.

However this is totally irrelevent to the issue at hand. I'm not complaining for the sake of complaining. I'm not a bitter, jaded Seattle-ite. I just feel it is important to call bullshit when I see it, especially when it comes to something that is a vital part of Seattle music.

107.7 The End advertises itself to have principles that set it apart from normal commercial radio, when it doesnt. Appreciate the good they do but remember that it always comes down to the dollar that they are going to make.

[Gomezticator]

Curious question for readers: what in your mind constitutes a 'better radio station'? Is it airplay of local talent? Is it a diverse playlist and willingness to branch a bit from a standard format? Is it a ratio of music to commercials? Is it the degree to which the station involves itself with the community, compared to the degree which it is controlled by a conglomerate in some far away city?

I personally think that radio has turned itself down the road to obsolescene by deregulating and allowing conglomerates to buy out and control radio stations across the country. Part of radio's identity is its connection with its community, and being owned by Entercom or Clearchannel severs that connection. Even if the station sponsors community events or plays local bands every so often, it's still run and its playlist is still larely determined by rich white guys in Los Angeles, Dallas or New York, many who likely have never been to Seattle but feel they have an understanding of us thanks to some numbers on an Arbitron database.

The Internet has allowed musicians to promote themselves without having to go through the corporate filters of mainstream record labels and radio stations. And bands can still play independently promoted shows. Radio may be moving towards uselessness but the creativity of rock music shall live on.

[progrockfan]

More local/independent bands, more diverse array of musical styles supported, etc... I think KNDD is pretty OK but not great. KNDD, KISW, KGRG, KFNK are the best stations in town though. KEXP sux balls.

[Fuzed]

107.7 The End advertises itself to have principles that set it apart from normal commercial radio, when it doesnt. Appreciate the good they do but remember that it always comes down to the dollar that they are going to make.

True thing - The End is different than most commercial rock stations. Not incredibly, revolutionarly different. But still, I would contend, different. That difference comes from having a real, meaningful relationship with the local community - it is programmed locally, the air personalities live locally, it plays and supports local music, it raises money for local music related charities like VERA, it has non-employee community members on air, and lately, I think it has listened to the community and is playing more music the music-community likes.

As for the 'Alternative Declaration', where does it say DJ's will pick all the music they play? I read it, it doesn't say that. The 'Alternative Declaratin' is 'alternative marketing'. It's like when Sub Pop takes an ad out in Magnet. It is marketing. If that is shocking to you I would be surprised.

I obviously don't know you, and appreciate your civil discussion, but to go publicly post that The End is a 'sham' just seems a bit lame. If you think commercial radio is lame, that is one thing, then go post about that. But why single out one of the better commercial stations? Why not go slag one that really sucks. The End is making a big difference in local music and affects a lot of people in a positive way by using its position to help raise money for a great organization like VERA, and for that you slam them. Sometimes the people in this city just suck. Again, if you don't like commercial radio go liten to one of the other many choices you have. Tune in to KBCS, a great community station. And yes, KEXP is great most of the time, I have it on right now, but there are moments when I can't stand to listen, and some of those moments are other people's favorite shows. Does that mean KEXP sucks or is a sham? Is it a sham because they DJ's don't get to play whatever they want all the time? Is it s sham because they don't play certain music for certain reasons. Or that a DJ could get fired for personal reasons? Fuck no. It's a great station and we are lucky to have them just like we are lucky to have The End supporting local music. Give it up for them. Don't be such a fucking hater.

Or are you just slamming The End because a friend of your's was fired?

[alithea]

[Or are you just slamming The End because a friend of your's was fired?

Not at all. The end has done more good for my friends than bad, and the girl who was fired at a sponsors request is in a band that is commonly on Young & the Restless concerts (but that doesn't mean their employment practices are okay, and it shows where their values truely lie).

My problem with The End is that their entire basis right now is the "Alternative Declaration". This was something that was written up as a part of their format change some time ago. It is plastered all over the station, on their website, and many times over in the pages of The Stranger. Just as they advertise that they support local music, they advertise that they let DJs pick the music, but when the DJs (the most visable and vital part of the station) disagrees with the music, they are fired. Playlists are getting tighter and tighter, and the musical diversity they pride themselves on is failing.

More importantly than anything I've said here, every person who holds an opinion on this should read Matt's blog, as he has better insight into it than I do.

[alithea]

KEXP sux balls.

... so the station that has the most involvement with local music, the most interest in local talent, the most diverse format, and the least commercial interest is the one that "sux balls"?

[progrockfan]

... so the station that has the most involvement with local music, the most interest in local talent, the most diverse format, and the least commercial interest is the one that "sux balls"?

They don't play the local music that I am a fan of. KNDD, KFNK, KISW and KGRG do. Someone at KEXP has an anti-metal or anti-mainstream/alternative rock thing going on. I'm just sick of boring, slow indie rock. Don't want to start a fight over it. They are getting better. I like the DJ "Kevin" at KEXP. He plays actual RAWK from time to time. I like rock that RAWKS!!! (devil horned hands in the air).

Oh, but hey I totally support you holding KNDD to task over their alternative declaration. If we make enough noise then maybe we can force them to abide by those declarations. I think, and maybe you'll agree, that KNDD is the station that has the most potential to be awesome in this town, and that the public holding them to abide by their "alternative declarations", and taking them to task for not doing so (as you are) is the way to get them to fulfill their potential for awesomeness.

[segal]

Alithea wrote: "I know that you have a better chance of getting publicity in the Stranger if you send them promo tickets and albums"

Maybe, maybe not. (I admit, it sure does help when bands send us their albums. This isn't a corrupt practice, though; it's basic band promotion.) Ultimately, the quality of the music is the most important factor in coverage. Shocking, but true.

[alithea]

http://rope.kndd-fm.fimc.net/declaration/index.html

this is where it says they let DJs run their own show.

I think, again, you're misconstruing what I'm saying. So let me review real quickly: I appreciate what the end does for local music because it is more than what most commercial stations do. But their advertisments are false. The end.

[alithea]

Alithea wrote: "I know that you have a better chance of getting publicity in the Stranger if you send them promo tickets and albums"

Maybe, maybe not. (I admit, it sure does help when bands send us their albums. This isn't a corrupt practice, though; it's basic band promotion.) Ultimately, the quality of the music is the most important factor in coverage. Shocking, but true.

Word, I'm aware for basic band promotion. But yknow, theres a line thats crossed in radio a lot, that sometimes listeners don't know about. It's a good thing to know about.

[alithea]

Oh, but hey I totally support you holding KNDD to task over their alternative declaration. If we make enough noise then maybe we can force them to abide by those declarations. I think, and maybe you'll agree, that KNDD is the station that has the most potential to be awesome in this town, and that the public holding them to abide by their "alternative declarations", and taking them to task for not doing so (as you are) is the way to get them to fulfill their potential for awesomeness.

Thanks, dude. I wasn't trying to start a fight, I was just trying to prod you into discussion.

[progrockfan]

Alithea wrote: "I know that you have a better chance of getting publicity in the Stranger if you send them promo tickets and albums"

Maybe, maybe not. (I admit, it sure does help when bands send us their albums. This isn't a corrupt practice, though; it's basic band promotion.) Ultimately, the quality of the music is the most important factor in coverage. Shocking, but true.

quality? Or quality+conformance to the style preferences of stranger staffers?

I don't prefer the style that a lot of bands promoted by the stranger fit into, and I enjoy certain styles that the stranger is severely lacking in coverage of. Specifically, I enjoy heavier, more rawkin styles of music featuring guitar and drum solos and such that seem to be shunned at the stranger. So, according to my definition of "quality", it certainly has little to do with which bands get covered in The Stranger.

i dunno... just get one guy with a mullet in there who likes prog/butt/metal etc... and I'll quit whining.

[progrockfan]

Thanks, dude. I wasn't trying to start a fight, I was just trying to prod you into discussion.

Awesome! I prefer the confrontational conversational style. You aren't from here are you? hehehe...

I don't think I would call KNDD overall a "sham"... but this is a style difference. For those of you attacking alithea here, what would be some more productive ways to drum up a rawkus noisy crowd of public music consumers beating down the doors at KNDD demanding they abide by their declarations???

Fuck the whole "it's just a marketing gimmick" angle. These are declarations they made to the public and they either need to follow through or be destroyed.

[Gomezticator]

what would be some more productive ways to drum up a rawkus noisy crowd of public music consumers beating down the doors at KNDD demanding they abide by their declarations???

Fuck the whole "it's just a marketing gimmick" angle. These are declarations they made to the public and they either need to follow through or be destroyed.

Here's one way: Stop listening to them. Find out who their sponsors are, and don't support them. Patronizing the product is an inherent show of support for their actions.

[segal]

quality? Or quality+conformance to the style preferences of stranger staffers
It's hard to be all things to all people. We try to cover a wide range of styles. We'll try to do better.

I don't prefer the style that a lot of bands promoted by the stranger fit into, and I enjoy certain styles that the stranger is severely lacking in coverage of. Specifically, I enjoy heavier, more rawkin styles of music featuring guitar and drum solos and such that seem to be shunned at the stranger. So, according to my definition of "quality", it certainly has little to do with which bands get covered in The Stranger.
I'm sorry to hear this. You can either start your own publication or seek the coverage you desire elsewhere. Or, maybe you could explore some of the music The Stranger covers and perhaps find NEW things you may like. It happens sometimes. The style you describe above sounds somewhat narrow, is all I'm saying. But you like what you like, and I can respect that.

i dunno... just get one guy with a mullet in there who likes prog/butt/metal etc... and I'll quit whining.
Well, Jennifer Maerz and Hannah Levin (neither of whom sports mullets) like butt rock/metal. We have other freelancers who dig the metal, too. I like some prog (I don't have a mullet, either; sorry), but perhaps my taste in prog doesn't coincide with yours. I like that vintage 70s stuff (King Crimson, Magma, Gong, Yes, Goblin, etc.).

[progrockfan]

Well, Jennifer Maerz and Hannah Levin (neither of whom sports mullets) like butt rock/metal. We have other freelancers who dig the metal, too. I like some prog (I don't have a mullet, either; sorry), but perhaps my taste in prog doesn't coincide with yours. I like that vintage 70s stuff (King Crimson, Magma, Gong, Yes, Goblin, etc.).

Thanks for the hopeful response. I actually enjoy a ton of styles of rock, but what they have in common is amazing musicianship, and heavy hitting energy.

[alithea]

Here's one way: Stop listening to them. Find out who their sponsors are, and don't support them. Patronizing the product is an inherent show of support for their actions.

This is a good idea, but its basically impossible to be a music fan an avoid patronizing The End or Entercom (KMTT, KBSG, KISW, The Buzz, KIRO, et al). House of Blues? Xbox? Rockstar Energy Drinks? Sobe? Sierra Mist? Honda? Scion? Even The Stranger. They all have connections to Entercom and I know I will end up supporting them, though I am a bus-riding, blue-sky drinking, ska&power pop-listening type lady. The End isn't apart of my life, but its a part of Seattle, and avoiding every faction if it would be impossible.

I've stopped listening to The End because I realized I was waking up to the "new" Rise Against hit "Swing Life Away" (something nearly 2 years old) at least 2 mornings a week. If it's not Rise Against, its the White Stripes or Gorillaz. Waking up to the same preloaded songs makes me feel like im in a Hot Topic remake of 'Groundhog Day'.

If it's the same songs every morning, wheres the "alternative" in that? And when the "alternative" radio station that supports amazing local bands like Argo and Schoolyard Heros and Visqueen starts to play mother-loving OAR and Fall Out Boy (who were "alternative" 2+ years ago when they were just a pop punk band from Chicago), something is seriously wrong. I'm not going to take the good with the bad, I'm going to say "fuck you, don't try and pull the wool over my eyes, and live up to your self-set standards".

[Gomezticator]

This is a good idea, but its basically impossible to be a music fan an avoid patronizing The End or Entercom (KMTT, KBSG, KISW, The Buzz, KIRO, et al). House of Blues? Xbox? Rockstar Energy Drinks? Sobe? Sierra Mist? Honda? Scion? Even The Stranger. They all have connections to Entercom and I know I will end up supporting them, though I am a bus-riding, blue-sky drinking, ska&power pop-listening type lady. The End isn't apart of my life, but its a part of Seattle, and avoiding every faction if it would be impossible.

Um... ever consider Internet Radio (http://music.yahoo.com)? Despite the immense popularity, in my workplace and among peers, of KEXP, I only listen to one actual radio station, KOMO-AM, and only for the morning news and Seattle Mariners games. When I moved to Seattle a while back, I came, I heard, I heard crap, I shut the radio out of my life. And you, like anyone else in Seattle, can do the same.

Most internet radio can be customized. And for a few bucks, you can get commercial free internet radio through many sources. Or you could listen to CDs. Or you could flip through stations. You don't need to seek musical validation through a conglomerate popternative station posing as a local rock station with silly statements of integrity, a station kind enough to throw the local music community a few bones every so often with some airplay.

And yes, KNDD's declaration is simply a marketing tool, one you took a bit too seriously.

My previous statement aside (more of a blaze 'declaration' of my own)... radio stations are like any other product: If you like the product being offered, you're welcome to purchase and use it. If you don't, don't use it. You clearly do like the station's music all in all, whether or not they have a silly declaration of integrity, so maybe you should simmer down about the 'declaration' (a marketing tool big companies like Jose Cuervo and Del Taco have used in the past) and just listen to the music.

[progrockfan]

Gomez, I appreciate the libertarian message, but in order to organize an effective boycott, we must also market the boycott in order to drum up support for it. Thus, we will use KNDD's marketing ploy against them.

[alithea]

...

Thanks, but I'm quite content with my KEXP to wake me up and my discman on the bus.

My problem with The End has little to do with the actual music that they play, and more to do with the hypocricy between what they say they play, how they choose whats played, and what they actually play. Additionally, I'm aware that the "Alternative Declaration" is being used as a marketing tool, but the marketing tool, the advertisement, whatever you consider it, is false. That, overall, is what I want to draw attention to. These are standards that they set for themselves, that they advertise, and that they aren't following.

[Jennifer Maerz]

This is all a great discussion. Alithea, kudos to you for standing by your convictions here and for bringing this issue up in the first place. Like Fuzed I also have the End programmed in my car...I'll sometimes listen to it while I'm driving, and having listened to other "commercial alternative" stations in other cities I have to say it's a hell of a lot better than most. The fact that they bring local bands on the show in the morning, and have a Sunday night show (with KEXP's John Richards) broadcasting only local bands for two hours is a positive thing. I've generally liked their EndFest events as well and I think it's great that they support the Block Party, another outlet for local music. I'm also a fan of the occasional Shins or Frans Ferdinand song--although like Alithea says here, I don't want to hear it ten times a day.
As has also been said here, the End are never going to be as "alternative" as Alithea is pushing for, and I think it's good to give voice to what we want in our local stations, whether or not that causes change. People are very vocal about what they want in KEXP as well, and no media outlet is above criticism when you're not getting what you want out of it (that includes the Stranger). Fuzed, I can see you're passionate about showing the good sides of the End, and I agree there are some good sides, but just because Alithea is presenting the opposite view does not make this person a "hater." Leave the labels somewhere else and let the discussion flow without them--both sides are making good points.

Personally I'm also a big fan of internet radio. I've posted about the station before but I absolutely love KUSF (www.kusf.org) out of San Francisco. To me their daytime program is the most truly eclectic, diverse, and interesting in the country. It puts me in the best mood listening to it at work. Listening online I've heard everything from Johnny Cash to Peter Murphy to the Melvins and Sigur Ros. It's all over the place without being scattered--or worrying about conforming to some set playlist. To me that is truly alternative. The End is aiming at a different demographic--obviously more towards people who think Blender and bands on the O.C. and MTV are alternative--to, say, mainstream pop and hiphop or whatever. All of which is fine, but it means I'm going to be more of a casual listener than a vocal advocate, as I am with other stations.

[alithea]

...but in order to organize an effective boycott...

I don't know how much good for Seattle and for music as a whole boycotting The End would do. The End does support The Vera Project, and they do support lots of local bands (Mon Frere, Kane Hodder, Schoolyard Heroes, Visqueen, and Argo come to mind), and they do hire local hometown DJs, so they're not a totally soulless media entity.

But hey, if you want to boycott them, go right ahead, thats totally your right. And if you want to boycott their financial supporters, take a look at their advertiser list [here: http://www.1077theend.com/advertisers.asp] and think about boycotting them too.

[Fuzed]

Jennifer, I agree with you mostly. My main issue with Alithea is calling the station a 'sham' and criticizing them for raising money for Vera. The labeling started there. She goes on to compare a commercial station to free form non-commercial stations, which I think is just not a fair comparison. Anyone who knows me knows what I think of media consolidation and I have no problem with people criticising anything, but I want it to be real and fair. Sounds to me that Alithea had a friend who got fired from the End because he hated working there and let people know it. I just don't think that is a fair reason to go online and slam a company that is really trying to invest in the local music community. Anyone who knows anything about commercial alternative stations in other cities recognizes the good the End is doing here. Fair to be critical, but it is also good to be balanced. If you don't like mainstream 'alternative' music, fine, don't listen to it. I just get tired of seeing people like The End get slammed in Seattle when they are doing so much to benefit the community that then turns around and is so negative about them. I don't mind the community questioning them, or holding them to their own standards, I just think it should be fair and healthy criticism, and ultimately lead to something worthwhile.

[alithea]

...and criticizing them for raising money for Vera.
I will gladly retract this comment. I don't trust their reasons behind supporting the Vera Project, but I suppose what is most important is the end result, funding for the Vera Project.

She goes on to compare a commercial station to free form non-commercial stations, which I think is just not a fair comparison.
No offense, but I can't find any moment in which I compared the two. I'm well aware of their differences, though I think that if we held commercial radio to the standards that we hold non-commercial, we might see an improvement. But hey, thats just lofty ideals.

Sounds to me that Alithea had a friend who got fired from the End because he hated working there and let people know it.
I think Matt is a great guy and a great DJ, but we were by no means friends. I came here because The End advertises in The Stranger, and their advertisments are false, as proven by Matt McCart's experience at The End, and further proven by his Blogs.

I just get tired of seeing people like The End get slammed in Seattle when they are doing so much to benefit the community that then turns around and is so negative about them.
Never once did I say that everything The End does is bad, and I've openly discussed the good that they do for the community. But I think its wrong to think that because they support the music community, they can get away with what comes down to false advertising. The DJs who voice their opinions on the music they are forced to play from preloaded playlists get fired. Its a fact, and its a fact that listeners should know.

[Jizosh]

So lets talk about fair and balanced then. I think The End does great work raising money for The Vera and I know that the Vera staff is very appreciative. However, people should be aware that this works in favor of KNDD as well, in that they are allowed to advertise at Vera shows in an effort to broaden their listener base and maintain a foothold in the local alternative market. While obviously mutually beneficial, it's not exactly charity. And even as a commercial station, The End competes head to head with KEXP in a lot of ways. These are important things to consider before you go doling out any business ethics trophies.

[Fuzed]

jizosh, that is totally true, as it is also true for KEXP and The Stranger. It's called business, and business is a good thing. I wish more companies, for instance Microsoft, would see the benefits of investing in the local music community, and especially in places like VERA.

[progrockfan]

Alithea, you sound like a rad chick who cares about local music and I am with you 100%. Would love to buy you a beer or 12 sometime and listen to you go off about the music scene here. KNDD, KEXP, The Stranger, Vera... these are not infallible be-all/end-all entities deserving of worship. These are the best we've come up with so far as a city but they can all be better, and if they will listen to the criticisms of individuals such as alithea who actually care then they will be, and we'll fulfill the destiny of Seattle being the music capitol of the world, to everyone's personal, aesthetic and economic benefit.

[e724]

everything ultimately comes down to the dollar Entercom is going to make.

Seems to me since it's a "Commercial" radio station, then your statement is absolute. The people that own this and other stations do so for business purposes and they rely on the local managment to make money, not lose it. They are not concerned in the least what is played on the stations they own. Only that they're in a market that will make money. I know, hate the rich, but hey, aren't they the ones providing employment?

e724

[poochiekafelnikov]

end schmend...bluetooth technology completes me...get out of my way on the 520...late for work!