In the sixties and seventies, radio listening choices were much more limited than they are today. It’s not that many more radio stations existed then. There were fewer formats. For one thing, FM radio in the mid-sixties, for example, was relegated to just a few approaches, such as “easy-listening” instrumentals or classical music. And, then, many people didn’t have FM receivers. The most popular formats were all located on the AM band. That, of course, is not the case today. Both AM and FM broadcast popular formats. Another difference is that, today, formats are much more specific in most cases. When I was a teenager, my favourite “top forty” station played a wide variety of musical styles. One could hear Dean Martin crooning a ballad, followed by the Kinks performing an edgy rock tune. Today, stations tend to specialize their programming: Classic rock, jazz, talk, all-news, etc. With internet and satellite radio, it’s even more specific: There’s actually an all-Elvis channel.
Television went through similar changes a bit later than radio. You may recall a time when you had a total of four TV stations to watch. Then, cable TV came and, today, we have many more specific channels: All-news, The Food Network, The Sports Network and so on. Satellite TV adds to the choices and internet TV is making advances.
In a way, AM 740 is a throwback to radio’s golden era. It’s a variety station. There is a wide array of musical styles. Do I, personally, love every song I play? No. That’s why radio manufacturers have been providing us with pre-sets or “push-buttons” for many decades. But I DO like most of what we play here. Of course, I hope you do, as well. AM 740 also offers specialty programs, especially on weekends, in-depth news and traffic reporting, comment and humour from our personalities and more. It’s a variety radio station that seeks listeners who are engaged and open-minded. AM 740 can surprise you. Others like us may exist, but I can’t name another station in North America in this format. A program guide is helpful in order to pick and choose your preferences. One is provided on this web-site.
There’s plenty of media vying for your attention. If one of your choices is “The Happy Gang” each weekday morning with yours truly, Eva, John and Jane, I thank you!
Tags: am740, the happy gang, TV
Frankly I think radio today is too niched. Like you I remember radio in the 60s and 70s which played all genres of music and not just certain types. I enjoyed hearing Dean Martin and Perry Como along with the Beatles or Procul Harem or ELO or Motown. Broadened my musical tastes. Kids today have no idea who some of the older artists no matter what genre of music they listen to. Too much of the “you” choices where you aren’t exposed to anything you don’t like or don’t want to listen to.
I really like the variety of music on AM740. I agree that most of the radio stations today follow a “formula” only playing the same music over and over again. I enjoy hearing old favorites, especially obscure forgotten favorites. Keep up the great work!!
Growing up in England in the early 50’s we had only BBC Radio which had 3 or 4 different stations at the time but mostly we listened to the main station and it played all kinds of music – request shows, Forces Favourites and comedy shows, Round the Horne, Billy Cotton Bandshow on Sunday afternoon and Children’s Favourites on Saturday mornings, Woman’s Hour and Listen with Mother every afternoon – so a very eclectic choice of programming. Now it’s the ‘Me’ generation and I feel )like someone else commented) that everyone is isolated in their listening habits. As AM740 is the ONLY radio station that plays my kind of music 40’s to late 60’s I do not need to hear Michael Buble’s latest (although I do love him). We can find him on lots of other stations. Love the big band era so please don’t change the format – that is why we listen to you. Just wish I could listen to you in my condo without it coming through a ’snowstorm’- I know I can listen on my laptop but the sound is not quite the same. Angela
I love your format. Do I listen to everything? No. But I can find what I like, especially 50’s and theater music. The info programs on the weekend fill a big void, especially since the network pulled our only garden show here in Rochester.
Keep it coming
Station AM740 is on all my radios in my house including my car radio…I love your station. The reason for this note is that about a year ago, I mailed a copyright CD of 2 Christmas songs in the hope that AM740 would give it some air play. The titles are “Pudgie Wudgie Snowman” and “Merry Christmas Peek-A-Boo”. I would be most grateful if these songs would be included in this years Christmas Playlist. I think some new Christmas material would add some spice to Christmas material being played during the season. At least give the songs a listen if the CD is located or let me know if you can’t find the CD and I will mail you another copy.
Don Fronczak 869 Oliver St. North Tonawanda, NY 14120
(716) 693-8915 after Noon EST