 |
|
|
Dear Program Director of [your local "Urban" station],
It has come to my attention that [your local station] has a vast potential market, which is ready for the taking. No, I'm not talking about country/rap crossover, or the much alternative/rap crossover, or even techno/rap crossover. I'm talking about the much coveted rap/hiphop crossover. Now you may be thinking to yourself, "Wait a second... but we are a rap/hiphop station. After all, rap and hip hop are the same thing, right?"
Unfortunately, this is not the case.
While it is true that rap and hip hop music sound exactly the same, the actual styles of these types of music is irrelevant. What is important is not the style or quality of the music itself. Rather it is the typical fan's self-identification as being either a "rap" or "hip hop" fan. Now your average "rap" fan, who already listens to [your local station], doesn't usually care what you call the music (or what it sounds like). But those who identify themselves as "hip hop" fans (aka "hip hop heads") simply abhor the idea of listening to "rap" music... let alone enjoying it.
What I'm getting at here is that there are a bunch of 13-25 year olds in the greater [your local area], with loads of disposable/parental cash flow. These are kids who enjoy nothing more than sitting around all day, listening to catchy songs, going to [the fanciest mall in town], and buying your sponsors' products. But the fact of the matter is these kids are very political. They adore labels. And once something is labeled "wack"... that's it. End of story. And I'm sorry to say that [your local station] has been labeled "wack," by these so-called hip hop heads.
Truly, I am sorry to bear such bad news. I simply feel you should have this information, because I am such a big fan of [your local station]. Listening to [your local station] helps me feel like I am in touch with the very pulse of our youth. You should also be warned that non-profit, volunteer, and community-based radio stations appear to be eating away at your market share, and reaping huge benefits from the growing number of alienated and disenfranchised listeners/consumers who feel "unrepresented" by your programming.
But there is a solution.
For several years now, a hot new label is being applied to certain hip hop artists that often sell as many as 500,000 units(!). It is called "underground" hip hop. Now don't be alarmed. The term "underground" does not denote a significant shift in content... it's got all the same the sexism, materialism, and ignorance that is crucial to the success of [your local station]. Again, "underground" is merely a convenient label for fan self-identification. Hell, most of them don't even know what the term means anyway! They just love new labels. Which is great... you can make "underground" mean whatever you want. Just hire a local DJ who considers himself "underground," get lots of up-and-coming artists to make live appearances on the show... and watch the sponsors flock!
Now, my informal studies show that this underground phenomenon is definitely on the rise. And poses a looming threat to the very existence of [your local station]. Now is the time to catch this movement on the rise... before you get left behind. If you like, I would be happy to meet sometime and advise you on this matter at no charge. Feel free to give me a call, or we can discuss it over lunch sometime.
A Concerned Listener,
[Your Name Here]
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
