Don't Like The Music? Blame Yourself

UPDATE 01/23/2013: 

In response;  Cox Media tells RadioInk:  "WUSN is a concept that will take some time to educate listeners and advertisers. It's different and radio needs to try these kinds of things to increase the depth of our listener relationship."

Here are some stats from WUSN after day one

• In the first 7 hours we didn't play one song. We allowed the listeners time to download the new App and vote on the first song. In those seven hours, we had nearly 70,000 song votes. An average of 3 votes per second. As of this morning, we had just over 1,000,000 song votes.
• We didn't know what to expect as far as App downloads in the first weekend. We set a goal of 1000 downloads by this morning. We had nearly 12,000 App downloads.
• In light of the negative posts, 97X grew their FB likes this weekend.
• Over 88,600 Mobile App Sessions and over 196,000 Desktop Website User Sessions. Our listeners are engaging at a level we didn't anticipate. 

Original Posting....

That's the idea behind a new format on Tampa radio station 97X WSUN-FM 97.1, which is now letting listeners pick all of the music the station plays.

According to a story at tbo.com, listeners can vote from a selection of about 1,800 songs through an app or by visiting the station's website.

Since rolling out the changes Friday evening, the station has received a steady stream of messages on its Facebook page.

Many are upset over the loss of the "Morning X" talk show, which the station eliminated with the new format.

Others seemed to be okay with the changes, but annoyed with the selection of songs. Primarily known as a modern alternative rock station, the new format has been opened up to classic rock and pop songs as well.

Dozens more comments likened the station's new sound to listening to their iPod, or streaming services such as Pandora or Slacker Radio.

According to the station, 97X is the first alternative rock station in the nation to go to a user-generated format full-time.

In a video message posted by the station, former Morning X co-host Danielle Belusky pointed out that staffers on the eliminated shows were moving into new positions, and were not fired in the transition.

"Morning X" co-host Drew Garabo will continue to be heard on 97X sister station 102.5 The Bone, as will former 97X midday host Chris Fisher.

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Tom's Take:  How refreshing...many miss the personalities!  Let see how long it takes to bring them back!