Hello all,
As many of you know by now, Gruno has decided to bring his show to an end on DLBN. Because this show has been a part of the station for such a long time and its upcoming move has generated some concerns amongst a portion of our listeners, I wanted to offer an explanation for anyone interested in learning more.
Lately The Dividing Line has been going through some changes that have resulted in some shows coming to an end. DLBN has introduced a lot of new shows in the last year or two, and in recent months we agonized over how the station seemed to be wandering farther and farther away from its progressive rock roots. It seemed we were losing focus, so last month we put it to the DJs that we wanted to try to steer the ship back on course. We knew that in doing so we would likely lose some DJs and their shows, but that was a calculated risk we were willing to take in order to reach our goal.
We began with a message asking for feedback from all DJ's. As expected, reaction was mixed, but generally supportive. Those whose shows were less progressive rock oriented predictably raised more objections or simply tendered their resignations. Again, no surprises. As somebody who runs the station, it’s my responsibility to ensure I am doing the best I can to ensure it stays true to its originally intended concept. Our mission statement reads as follows:
“The Dividing Line Broadcast Network is an Internet radio station and virtual community dedicated to providing music fans with an online experience that is second to none when it comes to entertainment and information programs in the Progressive Rock genre, in a safe and relaxed environment.”
After asking all the DJs for input and taking the comments of those who chose to reply into serious consideration, I came to a decision and asked that all our shows ensure that they’re playing at least 85% progressive rock music when broadcasting. Since the station advertises that it’s progressive rock in nature, I believe it only makes sense to ensure that’s what we play.
Some have expressed the concern that by taking this action we could be causing our content to be stale and replayed over and over again. Frans Keylard (Rogue’s Gallery) addressed this point best in a recent email discussion amongst the DJs in which he states the following:
“I would like to add that it should be easy to carve out a niche for yourself as a DJ because there is no much prog that never gets played - droves of bands that aren't getting any exposure at all. Just take a look at this wonderful resource:
http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive-rock.asp.
It lists oodles of bands in all sorts of categories. We haven't even scratched the surface! Personally I focus mostly on Neo Progressive, Space Rock, and
Progressive Metal, and there's a whole lot more to discover. Just this show I discovered Satellite, and now I am checking out Twelfth Night --- and those were even listed in the 15 key bands section of Neo prog! We're just babes in the woods.”
At any rate, it was because of this content change that Gruno felt he could no longer continue broadcasting at DLBN given that his show is non-progressive in nature. While it is true that at the time Gruno signed on to do a show with us it was started with the understanding that its content would be distinctly the opposite of everything else that’s being played on the station, this was over 3 years ago and the station has drastically changed since that time. We are a river of constant change and what was right for us once might not necessarily be right for us again. That being said, let there be no misunderstanding - we appreciate everything Gruno has done for the station during his time here and have the utmost respect for him and his broadcasting. But I do and will continue to stand by the decision to increase the station’s focus on the progressive rock genre - this will not change.
Naturally, there are people who disagree with this decision and feel that Gruno’s hand has been forced. I respect that viewpoint and understand why some may believe this to be the case. We are doing the best we can to bring everyone a positive and enjoyable listening experience but also understand that we can’t please everyone all of the time. To those people I would simply state that if you feel unhappy with the direction the station is taking, there are many other internet radio stations out there that may be more to your liking. I invite you to check them out!
The very fact that some have such passionate concerns, has and continues to give me great joy because every message of this nature reinforces that we’ve managed to create an environment that people care about enough to become so emotional about it’s twists and turns – so for that I thank you all. However, I’d ask that when addressing this issue that it be done outside of chat. If anyone would like further information (or simply somebody to yell at) I invite and encourage you to email me privately. I’d ask that people keep discussions from the chat room during somebody else’s live show as this is a volatile topic which has the potential result of escalating into heated and personal attacks. This is no fun for the DJ broadcasting nor for those who are trying to listen to that person’s show. After considering all that was said, I was the one that made the final call, not any of the DJs. Keep in mind there is always room on the message board for people to speak about this issue while at the same time not detracting from anyone else’s listening experience. All I ask is that people be respectful of others when doing so.
In closing, I along with the rest of DLBN wish Gruno all the very best in the future. As was the case with Joel Craig, PapaJ, and Gary Saur, I’m sure Gruno will be gladly (and rightly) embraced by a station that is a greater compliment to his style and broadcasting talent.
Cheers,
Shawn
