Why do some artist get more air time?

Question

In your opinion, or if you know an actual industry reason, why are artists like Kenny Chesney, George Strait and Tim McGraw played at nausium and others are hardly ever heard on the radio like Trent Tomlinson. They even get snubbed at award shows. Toby Keith used to be one of the forgotten and now he is everywhere. I cite country artist because that is the music I listen to, however I would not be surprised if it happens in all genres.

Answer 1

Some Stations do it by request. Trent is a good singer. But his a small time artist, so you really got to request his music.

Answer 2

I don't know where you live, but wherever it is, I wanna move there. In my eyes my local country station doesn't play enough of George Strait. They play his stuff 2, maybe 3 times in a 24 hour period (that's what it seems like anyway...I've never listened in for a straight 24 hours.) I think it depends on the area. George is doing a concert near here this coming weekend, and I'm betting they'll be playing more of his stuff. As far as why some stuff gets over played, I really don't know. I know my local station (when it's not a piped in show) does alot based on requests. I don't know how many people actually call into them, but it's nothing to hear Keith Urban's new song followed by something old by Hank Williams Sr and then a Martina McBride song from 4 or 5 years ago.

Answer 3

Commercial obviously are trying to make money. Also a lot of stations are not independent. They are owned by networks and corporations. Earnings is the bottom line so most stations chose to play safe. I live in a big city and there are a number of college stations that are not for profit. These stations are most likely to expand on their choices and play more obscure artists. Otherwise to find good music I rely on word of mouth or the Internet.

Answer 4

Record Labels pay radio stations to play their artists.