Where are all the DJ’s?

Recently, at the dentist office, of all places, I heard of the newest station in Boise, KZMG FM 102.7. I could hear the crooning of Kelly Clarkson over the harsh drilling of my tooth. I must admit, listening to this newest station was the most pleasant part of my appointment.

Afterwards, I entered my car and dialed the call numbers into the radio. As I listened, I realized that I hadn't heard any disc jockey’s friendly observations on this radio station, just the continuous flow of today’s hits.  

As if to answer my question, a disembodied voice informed the listeners to go online to request songs. I thought this was a clever idea—after all, we do tend to go to the Internet for everything.  With listeners submitting their play lists on line was another reason for no DJs.

I made a mental check list of the other radio stations sans DJ’s – Bob FM 96. and 105.1 Variety Rock.  I began to wonder—are we witnessing a new trend now?

I am of a generation where DJ’s were well known and celebrities of their own right outside of their radio stations, for instance Wolfman Jack and Rick Dees. When we moved to Idaho, I searched the radio stations to find DJ’s that I enjoyed listening to on my morning commute to work and locked them in.

Now, when my son is in the car with the radio on and a DJ is speaking, he immediately changes the channel. I asked him what’s going on and he announces that he doesn't really like listening their chatter, just get to the music!

As he switches the channel to Bob FM, before the next song starts, I realize that this station may not have a DJ, but it does have a nameless personality cracking a joke before announcing the call letters. Also, on Variety Rock, there is a nameless couple that exchange 10 seconds of friendly joshing.   Obviously, we are not ready to give up the DJ’s yet, just shrinking their banter to bite size.