WBOS format change disappointing its listeners?
February 3, 2008
It’s been nearly a full day since my first post about the WBOS format change and the emergence of Radio 92.9.
I’ve gotten a lot of hits since then and they keep coming in. I had so many that I found myself on the front page of WordPress. That was cool. (Not in the big box at the top, but in the little ones underneath.) But I’d love some more comments, so if you are reading this, please write a comment so we can tell WBOS how we feel.
Searching on the phrase “what happened to WBOS?” seems to be the most popular way people get here. I can almost see a sad emoticon hanging in the air as they ask the question. 
Both the Boston Herald’s Jessica Heslam and Universal Hub seem to be collecting quite a few comments about the change-up at WBOS, none of them positive.
If you know of any other sites where disenfranchised WBOS listeners are posting their complaints, post them here. I’m also interested in positive feedback, if there is any!
Thanks!
February 3, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Talk about disappointed!! I just left them a post on their new Radio 92.9 site. You have to have gotten an email in order to voice your opinion. I’m glad to see others are mad as well. I was begining to think I was just too old! I find a lot of the music awful and the songs I do like are just thrown in randomly. Kind of jarring.
February 3, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I hear you Marielle. Thanks for posting!
February 3, 2008 at 5:05 pm
I posted on one of your other posts. I have been listening throughout the weekend and I like the new format. This is the music I grew up with (high school and college years). I seem to be who they are targeting with Radio 92.9. Even though you don’t like it doesn’t mean there isn’t a market for it.
In all fairness (and full disclosure) though I was never a big WBOS listener. I understand the upset and I am sure I would feel the same if my favorite (instert thing here…radio station, restaurant, store, etc) went out of business or ubruptly and dramatically changed. With that said though, life goes on, things change, you will learn to live without your beloved WBOS. Sorry for your loss.
February 3, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I’m shocked by WBOS’s format change – a change that was made without, seemingly, any thought to the loyal listeners who have made WBOS their musical home for years. I actually like a lot of the music the station is currently playing, these are songs I listened to in college. BUT, I loved the music ‘BOS was playing before. I don’t know where I’ll find new music (artists like Paulo Nutini, KT Tunstall, Ray LaMontagne) and local singer/songwriters like Martin Sexton and Ellis Paul. If I want alternative I’ll listen to ‘FNX, although since they shed some of their best DJ’s that’s become painful to listen to. My biggest complaint is that the station has no on-air staff. MIKE FM already has this format covered, and while the music is fun, the station just doesn’t seem to have any soul. The personality of a radio station is created not just by the musical format , but by the talent that’s on the air. WBOS always had great on-air talent – people who were knowledgeable about the music, who knew when to talk and when to get out of the way and just play some good songs. Too many DJ’s like to hear themselves talk more than they like to play the music. My greatest hope for this new 92.9 is that they’ll bring back their wonderful DJ’s, especially the fantastic George Knight. Until then, I guess The River will be my new station.
February 3, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I was not a VIP, so I had no notice about the switch. I kept hoping it was just some new weekend format.
I do like the music they are playing now. If this were a new station, I would probably listen to it. I always thought that BOS played too much John Mellencamp and some other slightly cheesy music.
However, I would never have wished this to happen at the expense of all the great programming they offered. I used to be happy whenever I could get in my car at noontime to hear Live from the Archives. I’ve been to an Earthfest and one of their cd release parties. I am very sad, and I’m not sure I can stand to listen to the new format in my grief!
I heard a lot of music on WBOS that I would never have been exposed to otherwise. I don’t have a lot of time during the day to research new music. How will I find out about the next Brandi Carlile?
February 4, 2008 at 7:46 am
I am so upset about the change in formatting- I knew something was up on Saturday when I turned on my car ( I listen exclusively to BOS) and “I want to @#$% you like an animal” was playing. I immediately went into a panic, knowing there was only one explanation for this. BOS has been the background music for just about every car ride, Sunday morning breakfast and after work cocktail hour my husband and I have ever had, and I am so sad there is no current alternative- we don’t get the river 92.5. I also will sorely miss the DJ’s who truly appreciated the new music they played and kept listeners updated on upcoming concerts and events. To make matters worse, the current format overlaps with other stations like BCN- why the need? Happy Monday morning commute- The Patriots lost and I’m listening to NPR. Wahoo!
February 4, 2008 at 8:19 am
Personally, I feel good about the WBOS format change. As a music lover with a harder edge, I have been discouraged for some time with the selection (or lack of) on mainstream radio. These days stations like WBCN and WAAF seem to focus much more on DJ antics and talk rather than playing good rock music. I am a forty-something male who has kept up with the music of each decade. It is my hope that Radio 92.9 will take the “talk” trend out of mainstream alternative rock radio.
My only advice to the decision-makers at the station would be to ensure that they develop into a “quality” alternative rock station, keeping up with the cutting-edge scene, and steer away from playing simply alternative “hits”.
tom w.
February 4, 2008 at 9:22 am
I took have been a loyal listener for many years. I too was taken by surprise by the change. I too had thought that I had clicked on the wrong station in my car Friday night. I don’t like this change, as the whole point of the old BOS was the ecletic type of music. I would have never thought to listen to Etta James, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (okay I had to look that name up), KT Tunsel. Thanks to George Knight, but how long will that last, where he’s the last man standing. I know someone on another blog had mentioned what happened to Holly Harris, and the Blues on Sunday. I thought that was one of the most popular shows.
I guess Greater Media was planning to kill this station off all along, and now it has happened.
I am glad that I have been able to learn of many artists, that I would have never heard or thought to listen to, and now they are on my ipod. This is what I will be listening to from now on. Thanks, to George Knight, Holly Harris, Dominic Lewis, John Laurenti, you introduced a lot of great artists, and I will never forget it. I do hope that you land somewhere and let’s hope that you can find an audience for the great work you do! Best wishes to all.
February 4, 2008 at 10:10 am
I too was confused this weekend when I turned on the radio. I only listed to WBOS and have for the past 10 years or so. I remember when this happened a couple of years (?) ago – no talk radio – and I didn’t like it then and I don’t now. Also, I don’t care for at least 50% of the music I heard this weekend. I am mid 40’s professional, so I guess I’m not their market pick anymore. The worst thing is that I’m in RI and I can’t get any other station down here that was like WBOS. I loved the DJ’s – funny, intelligent and entertaining, without being obnoxious and I loved finding out about “new” music. I won’t be listening to the new Radio 92.9. I sent an email to Greater Media stating my disappointment, but as someone recently posted – life goes on!
February 4, 2008 at 10:16 am
Cheer up kids! WXRV. 92.5 the River has been here for you since 1995. Never sounded better!
They break tons of new bands. Always thought they were better than BOS anyway!
February 4, 2008 at 10:32 am
I couldn’t believe my ears this morning on the way to work when I heard Trent Rezner “I want to xxxx you like an animal” on WBOS! Come to think of it, I noticed the odd music selection starting after Sunday morning over easy yesterday and commented to my husband that this was more his kind of music than mine. He’s a Trent fan, so I’m sure he won’t be too disappointed, but I am very bummed. I’ve been listening to the station since 1990. As a college student I interned at WBOS, writing some copy for commercials and other on-air segments. What set the station apart was its uniqueness and great music programming. There was truly a great mix of music that everyone in my house enjoyed. You couldn’t pigeonhole the station and the music played and give it a label. The station was ahead of its time, promoting terrific new artists and playing their music long before they became popular Itunes downloads. To say I’m disappointed doesn’t really cover it.
February 4, 2008 at 10:58 am
Like many of you I had to check the dial (three or four times out of disbelief!) because I was sure I was on the wrong station, but no such luck! WBOS has been my old standby forever – always dependable for great music and fun DJ’s who didn’t talk too much. It WAS the best station out there and I loved the variety of music – a perfect blend. With the new format I like less than 40% and I miss the DJ’s. George Night, where are you??? If I want no DJ’s I’ll plug in my iPod. I won’t be listening 92.9 any more. I tried listening all weekend and today, but I just can’t stand that jarring, shouting stuff they’ve been playing. I’m hunting the dial for something new and will probably end up at The River. Its so disappointing. Why did they have to go and mess up a good thing?
February 4, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I am also very disappointed! I live in New York City, but was born and raised in Lawrence, MA. I’ve been listening to WBOS via the internet for the past three months. Even my Yankee-loving coworkers loved “the Boston station.”
Guess I’ll be switching to the River now, which I never liked as much, but at least they have a similar variety of music. The new 92.9 sounds like they’re playing the same thing over and over again. Yuck.
Dana, I will miss your anecdotes about what you did over the weekend, or that funny thing that happened on your way to work this morning.
What will I do without Studio 7 at Noon?
February 4, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Everyone here has already said it all. from how disappointed we all are to the fact that life moves on, as, does, apparently, WBOS. I’ve switched to 92.5, but it doesn’t come in everywhere I commute… Anyone know where G. Knight and D. Marshall will land?
February 4, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Woohoo!!! Now I can buy every song they play on the radio at Walmart.
Music dies a little more every day.
“Let’s hope you never leave old friend
Like all good things on you we depend
So stick around cos we might miss you”
RIP Freddie and RIP WBOS.
February 4, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I am so incredibly thrilled with the new format. I used to occasionally listen to 92.9, generally when all of the other stations were playing commercials. But as soon as I stumbled on the revamped station this weekend, I made it my first radio preset. In my mind, this is the perfect combination of alternative rock without the annoying DJs of WBCN or WAAF, and with a slightly more mellow feel. Of course, like others who enjoy the change have noted here, I fall within their target demographic – I’m a 29-year-old female who listened to a lot of this music in high school and college.
February 4, 2008 at 5:29 pm
http://www.wbosovereasycafe.com/ seems to indicate that George’s Sunday Morning Over Easy format has its own HD station. That does not help us old timers though :-/…
-Adam
February 4, 2008 at 6:51 pm
I was so dissapointed when I turned to my favorite commercial radio station and heard a lot of (loud) alternative rock instead of the acoustic and grassroots rock I expected. I figured it had to be some sort of mistake – no way would the station change without at least a warning to its faithful listeners. WBOS boasted the few rare DJ’s I actually enjoyed listening to. I liked tuning into hear what John Larenti was going to play from his iPod, or what new artist George Knight would tell us about during “over easy.” Commercial radio these days is nothing more than overproduced noise and it’s a great shame to lose a radio station that had real character and played really great music.
February 4, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Found your blog, just like you said it’s been found.
I’m MAD. I hate the new format.
February 4, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I, too, had to type in, “what happened to WBOS?” immediately after getting home this evening… this morning I noticed a strange difference in the songs, but it wasn’t until driving home (after an already bad Monday) that I heard the foreign, ‘Radio 92.9′ and I literally yelled, “What?!!” I am SO upset about the change. WBOS was truly my Boston station, and has been for years. I’m 26… if this age range is who they’re trying to target, they screwed up. BADLY. The WBOS DJs were wonderful – as everyone else has been saying, truly pleasant to listen to, and intelligent music lovers. And WBOS really stood out for its airtime and excitement for new artists. If it wasn’t for WBOS, I wouldn’t have found Brandi Carlile so early on, and wouldn’t have enjoyed SO many amazing artists and summer Saturdays at Earthfest.
I am going to have to change my alarm clock radio setting tonight. And Blues on Sunday… I can’t even think about it being gone.
…And what about Natalie at Atlas Liquors and her WBOS specials?? There are too many wonderful little details that will be sorely missed… I am truly sad about it.
February 4, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Just like many others, I was checking my radio this weekend to see if I was tuned in to the wrong station! I can’t stand the “new 92.9″, and I’m 23, which seems to be the age range they are aiming for. I had tuned in on Sunday to listen to Holly Harris with Blues on Sunday and then the House of Blues Radio hour and got blasted with alternative rock. Not that I mind alt rock, but if I wanted to listen to it, I would tune into an alt rock station! I guess (the station formerly known as) wbos just doesn’t have any respect for its listeners. I wish they would change back, but I’m not hopeful. I can’t pick up 92.5 so I’m at a loss as to what to listen too. I think my iPod will be getting a lot more use from now on.
February 5, 2008 at 9:18 am
Cant work with this new music format- bottom line. I have the radio on all day. The music was inspirational and DJ’s were interesting and informative – Although the commercials were annoying I have been listening since the first Earth fest. Switching today- after giving the new format a chance. Good bye BOS.
February 5, 2008 at 10:35 am
This is a total bummer. I loved to listen to BOS first thing in the morning or last thing at night. It was a constant that I could count on in my car, especially through the annoying programming changes at a certain other Boston alternative radio station. The play list was varied, the DJs weren’t obnoxious, and the station wasn’t overrun with commercials.
In many cases, change is good, but I don’t see how this change is. WBOS was a stand-out stand alone radio station; now 92.9FM has become just another alternative station on the dial.
February 5, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Format changes happen — it’s a fact of life in radio. That’s what I keep telling myself when I tune into “Radio 92.9″, and find it difficult to believe my own ears.
Don’t get me wrong, I like modern alternative rock. But part of the pleasure in listening to alternative rock is to hear cutting edge music. This new format WBOS has thrown at us is full of played-out standards. It’s like a watered-down, lack-luster version of WFNX.
What’s equally bad is that WBOS had a phenomenal crop of DJ’s, and they didn’t get to stick around in their full on-air capacity for the change. Instead, we’ve got this stupid automated voice between songs saying things like “Commercials Off, Music On” and “Why pay for music? That’s what commercial sponsors are for.” They’ve replaced the interesting banter of live DJ’s with condescending automated commentary!!!! AUGH! It’s awful.
I really like WXRV too, but their on-air personalities never did compare with the line-up on WBOS (some of whom are WXRV vets, I’m aware). Regardless, I’m not pleased with WBOS’s change overall, and I really hope WXRV doesn’t follow suit in the name of ratings.
February 5, 2008 at 2:46 pm
UGH! I am outraged and alone here on the south coast. What’s one to do who can’t afford satellite radio or get many Boston stations? My only alternative is wmvy on Martha’s Vineyard and that station is seriously lacking- although it is where I was introduced to artists that wbos never touched such as Citizen Cope and Rilo Kiley.
Wbos was one terrific station, my favorite by far. Never mind the gut-rattling music, I am creeped out by the utter lack of humanity and the rapid-fire commercials. If I want what they’re playing I’ll listen (and do) to 95.5 wbru (Providence.) At least they have dj’s. I’m no old foggie, I’m 38 and never really appreciated the old bos playing the Eagles, but their selection blew away everyone else by far.
By the way, if you’re online, KINK fm in Portland, OR is comparable to the old bos.
Man, am I in mourning . My car rides are going to suck now. Should have known this was inevitable when they kicked Joanne Doody to the curb. They just lost me. Let’s all write to Dunkin Donuts and tell them we’re through with “Radio 92.9!”
February 5, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Hi Dana Marshall,
What happened to WBOS??
Most of the stuff you play now is unlistenable
Why did you stop playing melodic rock music and start playing loud screamers?
It’s such a tragedy – to replace John Mayer, Matchbox twenty, and Maroon V with Korn, Linkin Park and Puddle of Mud?
Do you still play ANY of the artists on your Studio 7 CDs?
BOS used to be different – catering to Adults who want to hear GREAT new music – but now you’re just like several other crap stations in Boston
NIckleback, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Creed, Lenny Kravitz, etc used to be the Worst artists you play – and now they’re the Best??? – that really sucks
And playing ac occasional Oasis or REM song just doesn’t cut it when you have to hear an hour of crap to get to one decent song
What a disappointment – I cannot listen to this station anymore – it’s just a shame – I probably won’t ever listen to radio again
BOS – RIP
February 5, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Hi disappointed WBOS listeners. Misery loves company so check out my column on the station’s format change at
February 5, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Oops site to check out is http://www.gatehousenewsservice.com click opinion section (columnists)….”Radio nowhere” is the headline.
[from Pamela: Alice, I had trouble finding your story, but found this link instead: http://www.dailynewstribune.com/state/x1925679393. thanks!]
February 5, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I don’t get it. Some of this music is what BOS was playing, but so much of it is just… jarring…
Beastie Boys?!? This stuff wasn’t cool when it was cool.
I’ll listen for a while, but I think I may just have to accept that at 35 I’m apparently too old…
February 5, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Sorry about the link trouble..try this
Alice Coyle: Radio nowhere
My radio station has been hijacked. I know it’s not my radio station, but I’ve come to think of it that way, having been a loyal listener to WBOS 92.9 FM since my days in college.
February 5, 2008 at 7:39 pm
If you’re looking for a change from what has happened to BOS’ , then you’d be crazy not to listen to the River at 92.5.
I live on the South Shore and never have any trouble with their signal. Listen to Lisa Garvey, mid-days….she’s far better than any announcer they ever had at WBOS. The River’s music is consistent, they break new artists. In fact, I believe it was WBOS who continuously copied WXRV, not the other way around. Plus, they’re independently owned….that’s the biggest problem my friends with WBOS….corporate radio.
Give the River a chance…I’m sure you’ll like what you hear.
All my friends are HUGE RIVER fans.
South Shore John
February 5, 2008 at 9:02 pm
There is now a button on the new 92.9 website that you can click to give them your opinion. I told them how disappointed I am that they ruined the station. Maybe if enough people speak up they’ll rethink the changes, and even if they don’t I feel better now that I’ve put my two cents in!
I wonder what will happen to Earth Fest? I have a hard time imagining their current selection of artists doing it. Sad, sad, sad.
February 5, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I am so sad! I LOVED WBOS! It was the only radio station I listened to. I was a VIP but never got notice. The new format is so impersonal. Where did all the DJ’s go? I’d rather listen to 5 minutes of commercials than put DJs out of work. And the music? “I smoke two joints”? I am no prude, but please, I don’t need my daughter listening to this during lunchtime. Lost a long time fan…radio is officially dead.
February 6, 2008 at 7:59 am
I have always loved 92.9. Because it I never felt the need for satelite radio. Now I need to find another radio station or signup for satelite radio. It is so depressing. My 16 year old daughter agrees.
February 6, 2008 at 9:20 am
What happened to BOS?????? And do we really need another radio station that just sounds like the others.
I loved the blend of quirkiness and mainstream on BOS. New artists were regulars as well as the DJ’s who actually had personalities that could be enjoyed.
92.9? No longer on my pre-set buttons.
February 6, 2008 at 11:21 am
soooo disappointed with the new format — moved here from chicago and loved the station after growing up with FNX — if you have internet access, please check out http://www.wxrt.com –a chicago station that is very similar to BOS — wbur and wers are great stations as an alternative – BRING BACK WBOS!!!
February 6, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Taarland. I hear you. I was a huge XRT fan years ago and still really miss it.
February 6, 2008 at 8:51 pm
What a shame! It is always great tuning in to a DJ who is actually a fan of what they are playing. They know where and when artists are playing and actually go check them out. John and Steve Morse’s conversations on Thursdays will be missed. their different concert series,too. The new 92.9 is as exciting as the satelite channels on cable tv. the music will be back in 60 seconds after these commercials.
February 6, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Dear WBOS, I hope you are reading these postings! This is how I feel:
The new programming is AWFUL. The new song choices are horrible. WBOS used to be unique in Boston and offered music you couldn’t hear elsewhere and really had a niche. Now? It’s awful. The music programming is so different; I just heard a song, that screamed “BITCH” in the first sentence (The Offspring). And although I own the Beastie Boy’s “License to Ill” CD, I don’t expect (or want) to hear “Fight for your Right to Party” on WBOS like I did the other day. This isn’t the type of music I am used to hearing on WBOS and I don’t like it at all. WHAT A HORRIBLE CHANGE! You’re now advertising it as “less talk” … well, news flash, WBOS didn’t have a lot of nonsense DJ chatter to begin with! When the DJs did speak, they were actually very knowledgeable and passionate about the artists and the music (something completely devoid at any other Boston radio station). Please bring back the original, good format. What you have suddenly changed to made your station so vanilla and generic. Why would you want to go from having a unique personality and a loyal following to this bland, generic format? Why try to fix what is not broken? Bring the real WBOS back! PLEASE! Fast!
February 6, 2008 at 9:20 pm
the new 92.9 is awful!! whoever made that call should be fired. Bring back Blues on Sunday and dump the all 90’s alternative!
February 7, 2008 at 12:02 am
Like many others, we too are disappointed in the format change at WBOS.
WBOS was a station with great character and great music. We loved that there was plenty of “older” music that we enjoyed and recognized blended with new artists that kept us discovering new music that still fit with our musical tastes.
I don’t want a station that thinks music ended in some previous decade, I want a station that respects the music from previous decades and showcases what’s new, fresh, and excellent today.
I’ve taken to listening to a metro NYC station, The Peak 107.1, online, and it’s not bad, but it’s not BOS!
February 7, 2008 at 12:52 pm
how shocking to tuck my kids into bed Friday night to the soothing sounds of the Beastie Boys “Hey Ladies”. BOS is the station we always have on, in the car, in the kitchen, and in the bedrooms- looks like it’s time to reprogram the my pre-sets. this new format lacks personality, warmth, and soul. If I want to play music I can put on my IPOD, but I listen to the radio for the people behind the music…
February 7, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I hate the new format. I just recently rediscovered 92.9 and play it in the high school store that I run. They played music that both the students and I enjoyed. Well, no more! Please go back to the old format. I’m so disappointed.
February 7, 2008 at 5:15 pm
I KNEW I WAS NOT ALONE!! I was a VIP and had no notice…I listened to George Knight on Sunday (LOVE George Knight) and noticed shortly after his show there was head-banging music making me think someone switched my station! I am sooo diappointed. The lame stations I listen to at work now just don’t cut it! I know several friends feel the same way. I’ll check this site again for some advice…is there ANY other stations??!
First the Patriots and now this??..all in the same week???
February 7, 2008 at 6:02 pm
WBOS had been my listening home for years. The sudden, abrupt change is a huge disappointment. It is shocking, given how much of an institutional presence the station has seemed to have in Boston over the years. The music played now is so grating and monotonous! 92.9 is now deleted from my auto-play list…I’m searching for an alternative, and feeling sad that I’m not finding one.
February 7, 2008 at 6:07 pm
WBOS had been my listening home for years. The sudden, abrupt change is a huge disappointment. It is shocking, given how much of an institutional presence the station has seemed to have in Boston over the years. The music played now is so grating and monotonous! 92.9 is now deleted as a pre-set station…I’m searching for an alternative, and feeling sad that I’m not finding one.
February 7, 2008 at 6:57 pm
WBOS was the station I listend to on the way to work, at work, and on the way home. I found the music to keep me going through the day. The station played everything I loved and didn’t repeat the same songs over and over again.
In addition, I loved the format. From the beatles to queen and from snow patrol to coldplay- I love the music! In addition, I loved hearing new music/artist like Feist and the John Butler Trio. Bring back the old format. Where is the forum for these talented musicians?
Please bring it back!
February 9, 2008 at 10:02 am
Add me to the list of wicked disappointed long-time WBOS listeners that misses the old format and despite several afternoons/weekends of trying the new format, will be removing WBOS from my presets – with much, much sadness. Too much rap, too much rock that sounds the same. I could count on WBOS for new artists, great groupings of artists – no more. It stood out, for me, on the dial – no more. So long, was nice knowing you while it lasted.
February 9, 2008 at 11:22 am
I will spend time this weekend removing 92.9 from ALL of my presets. I share the opinions of many who have posted here–I was really liking the recent programming of ‘BOS. All of a sudden last weekend, I thought that something had changed. I briefly paused on 92.9 throughout the week, and each time happened upon music that inspired a quick change to another station. No wonder they had to bulk up their advertising staff. If I were an advertiser, I would move my business immediately.
Thank god for The River. Fortunately, the preset changes will be swift. I just wish 92.5 had a stronger signal.
February 9, 2008 at 9:03 pm
I am extremely disappointed by the change at 92.9. I have listened to this station almost exclusively since the mid 90’s as most of the people above have…I am lucky that I can listen to 92.5 where I live (bet they are selling lots of ads) and have changed my presets. I will miss the great DJs and always fresh and interesting blend of classic hits and new music that BOS provided. As mentioned by others, you could listen to the station at any time of day and not have to worry about inappropriate content and yet it was adult listening, not Radio Disney. Thanks to all the people who made the station great over the years…hope you all find a new home to practice your craft.
February 10, 2008 at 12:07 am
This is absolutely devastating. “Blues on Sunday” with Holly Harris was the best program in Boston. I’m really pissed about this.
February 10, 2008 at 6:51 pm
i didn’t notice right away, until i starting thinking to myself “wow, the music on wbos has gotten a little better…a little more variation”…it had always seemed to me like they kept up on the best alternative and indie-type music, but played the same songs over and over. i’m happy with the change in music selection, but my real love of wbos was based on the dj’s…you can tell that they really love music, and they talk about the music itself – not the celebrity drama surrounding it, etc. wbos is the one station that i DON’T change when the song ends, because i like to hear the opinions of the dj’s on the “new song from whoever”. i’m hoping that they can blend the two styles together so that i can keep exclusively listening to my favorite radio station for people who love music.
February 10, 2008 at 6:52 pm
wait, i take that back. i just found out that “blues on sunday” is gone and i’m infinitely depressed. this is crap.
also, what’s happening to earthfest? it’s my favorite event of the spring!!
February 11, 2008 at 10:59 am
I was traveling all last week, but on the way to the airport last Monday I, like so many obviously, thought that maybe a new music director was trying to ‘mix things up a bit’ with the music mix on 92.9. Heartbreaking to come back to town and find that not only was it true that the Pats really did lose the Superbowl, but my BOS is gone! I was hoping it was all a strange, sad nightmare, oh but wait, instead, it’s now my strange, sad reality. The River is a nice alternative, but in Metrowest, the signal comes and goes. I hope Greater Media realizes what they’ve done by disenfranchising a broad group of listeners (and powerful consumers no doubt) that their advertisers will now NOT be reaching with the ‘new’ station. Until it hits them in the bottom line, I’m sad to say, I doubt our collective upset will have little impact on them. And PS – I refuse to leave my comments on the radio 92.9 website as they will only turn around and use those detailed demographic facts that they mandate that you provide, to help sell their advertisers on “their listeners”.
February 12, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Music-wise, I always kind of favored WXRV over WBOS anyway. WBOS always seemed to be pretending to be creative when they were just following in The River’s footsteps. Just the same, I enjoyed WBOS, and find the new programming unlistenable.
WBOS did outdo WXRV in one respect: the DJ’s. I’m sure WXRV’s current morning-man is a nice guy, but I cannot STAND his voice, his rambling, and his mumbling! He just wasn’t meant to be an on-air talent. WBOS’s DJ’s, on the other hand, sounded great, and should’ve never been replaced with those 10 cycled recordings of voices saying dumb things like “Raise your hand if you want more Radio 92.9 music in 65 seconds. Deal.”
No “deal”.
I’ve been tuning back in from time to time to see if Dana Marshall, Buzz Knight, and Greater Media have come to their senses, but I’ve been doing this less and less frequently with each passing day. It won’t be long before all hope is gone. =(
February 14, 2008 at 9:32 am
I kept trying to find out what happened…Thought they changed the dial on me..Sad to hear WBOS go. Discovered a lot of new artists through BOS (The W is silent).
http://racetalk.wordpress.com/
February 14, 2008 at 9:03 pm
I travel a ton and BOS was my favorite station in the country…..the new format is jarring to say the least……WBOS you abandoned me so now it is time to say good bye——hello to the RIVER 92.5, thank you for being there to help ease the pain of this break up.
February 15, 2008 at 9:55 pm
bos has made a grave error in judgement. i buy 3 – 5 cd’s a week and used to listen to bos at work, with 7 other professionals, all with disposable cash. they are trading consumers of goods for consumers of free music. with any luck, the advertisers will see that the music they are now playing does not attract buyers of products and that advertising with them now, unless they are selling items for $10 or less, is a waste of advertising $$$. there is always hope in the finances of a bad decision.
February 20, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I’m really disappointed in WBOS too. I loved hearing new artists before they became really big. It was a great mix of comfortable old favorites, deep tracks that you don’t hear often and new stuff.
It seems now that the programming goes something like this Talking Heads, 3 screeching metal guitar screaming lyrics songs, Green Day, a rap song, The Beastie Boys and commercials.
I can’t take it anymore. I’m moving to MIKE FM.
February 21, 2008 at 8:32 am
Terrible, awful, what on earth happened to all of the good music? I guess it’s time to find a new station (after several years!) where I won’t I wake up in the morning to a song about shooting up with heroin…
February 21, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I probably listened to WBOS 5 days a week, 8 – 9 hours a day for the past 6 plus years. I hate this new format and will not be listening to this station any more. WBOS was a station that I could listen to at work and didn’t have to keep the volume down because my co-workers all loved the music too. This just sucks.
February 21, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I am so sad about the format change. I feel like they burned down my home. No wonder I have been so uncomfortable in the car with the radio on these past weeks. Song after song after song and nothing I love and nothing to make the drive fun. I have been listening to this station since 1989 and have never found another station like it. I loved that I could listen and love the same music my teenager listens too and still hear some of my old favorites too (but not so much to make me sick of them). These past few years we have gone down to Boston for the WBOS Earthfest with the kids and loved it. This is so disappointing. I guess I will just be stuck with a few good cds in the car because I can’t bear to listen to anything else.
February 22, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I’m thankful I can get The River, though I have never listened to it as much as I have WBOS over the past nine years. I’m still not used to the new format; I’ll remove it from my presets soon I guess.
February 26, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Ever since The River went on the air, my radio vacillated between that and BOS. When I moved to western Mass, I was bummed that I couldn’t listen to either any more (although we do have our own River out here, which is also excellent). I drive in to Boston 5 or 6 times a year and one of those trips occurred today. I was bemused by the Radio 92.9 stuff. The music was sort of meh. Not at all what I was used to from BOS. It didn’t take long to realize that there were no DJs and, not surprisingly, no soul left to the station. What a disappointment. Does Boston really need another Mike FM? Isn’t one one too many?
If 92.5 changes format, I’m going to have to break down and get an MP3 player.
February 27, 2008 at 10:46 am
I am totally bummed. I have listened for years because of
what WBOS offered to their listeners. I have to find a new
station but where? That’s life in the big city!
February 28, 2008 at 12:16 am
Just give me back John Laurenti!
February 28, 2008 at 10:50 am
It’s called corporate radio nonsense…like most of what commercial radio is across the country. For Boston and north up through New Hampshire and Maine there is of course The River 92.5…I know the signal isn’t good south…too bad…BOS was basically the same format as The River and apparently has not been able to compete in the Boston market with them. Otherwise why would you throw away a decent format??? So we now have the typical crappy format change. As far as commercial radio overall… Boston has one of the better markets in the country. The DJ thing is a mystery… Just play the music and listen to satellite radio or WXPN Philly on your computer. No commercial nonsense…Otherwise people…you have the best overall station in the Boston market…The River 92.5…
February 28, 2008 at 11:59 am
Soooo sad about the change. Just like all of you, I feel the station is too jarring, too harsh. They have ZERO personality now. THe best thing they could do now is apologize, tell us it was a mistake and make everything the way it was before… wishful thinking I know.
I took my window static cling off my car today…and changed my car radio pre-set. It just got too sad to hit it, and then hear…the BEASTIE BOYS and Nirvana. Someone said it best “RIP WBOS”.
I did send 92.9 feedback at their website. I urge everyone else to do it too. Heck, maybe the onslaught of disgruntled people will make them think-
I just turned 36…and feel like a woman without a country. THere’s NO radio station like the former WBOS. I love country music, but there was something different about WBOS.
{SIGH} One suggestion: While online, you might try radio paradise.com. Very different. If at first you don’t hear something good..give it some time. They are quite varied with their stuff. And it’s better than the other Boston stations…
February 29, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Never listened to WBOS in the past but recently stumbled onto the station while searching for something to replace WFNX after their posse show got entrenched. The music mix is terrific for me and there seems to be a much larger playlist than I’m used to. The instrumental placeholders are beginning to get annoying, but I’m sure they’ll eventually be replaced by even more annoying commercials.
BOS has replaced FNX as my workplace station and knocked BCN off my car radio altogether (at least to football season).
March 5, 2008 at 3:30 pm
The worst part: was there ANY demand for what they brought in?
I could have seen: country, R&B, even classical. But this stuff is terrible.
And I wish 92.5 was an adequate replacement, but it’s not quite there. Almost, but a weak signal and not the same mix of tunes.
They say it was about ratings, and how the new ratings machine sees an uptick with Rock, but I’ll be surprised if they see the results they’re looking for.
Just don’t know anyone who wants to listen to this stuff.
March 8, 2008 at 2:46 pm
The new station sucks, I love the old WBOS.
March 22, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I’m still very disappointed about the change in format. WBOS was the first button on my dial and I keep hitting it out of habit. I may stay for one song, but never longer than that.
We don’t need another DJ-less station. Isn’t MikeFM enough?
What were they thinking.
March 23, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I must disagree, I have been tuning into 92.9 for the past week and I hear a good song everytime I go to it.I admit I dont know what kind of music they were playing before the change, but I have heard Chiili Peppers, a great band and other cool music everytime. Maybee they changed too dramically for thier old listeners and are going after a new market, they obviously felt a change was needed to compete in the Boston market,,,,,,,,
thanks
April 4, 2008 at 3:31 pm
check out 92.5 The River as a ‘BOS alternative– great music- (U2, Beatles, Snow Patrol, Sara Bareilles, The Cure, Dave Matthews) signal gets lost on storrow drive, but otherwise great- (also listen online at http://www.92.5theriver.com)
April 21, 2008 at 9:33 pm
I started listening to WBSO when it started. Every time I left Boston, one of the great things about coming back was WBOS. It seemed that nowhere else was there a radio station that was as easy to listen to and which played such an eclectic mix. I used to complain bitterly if anyone change the dial on my radio.
Now, since the change, I find myself surfing the dial, looking for something decent to listen to. WBOS no longer does anything for me. It’s just the same as all the rest. Just more BLAH.
May 13, 2008 at 5:58 pm
The morning guy on the River IS boring, but I just wait until 10 and turn on 92.5. Lisa Garvey is a great midday dj and Bob Stuart is quite likeable. Plus the music is better than WBOS ever was.
May 25, 2008 at 10:47 pm
They’re trying to target younger users now, my @$$. I’m 20, and the best thing about coming home from college in NYC was that there was always a station I could turn on in the car where there were personalities (<3 John Laurenti!!!) and music i could listen to forever without changing the dial. I HATE the new 92.9! I don’t like 70% of the songs they played (before I stopped listening all together) and there’s nothing that i’ve found to replace BOS, not just music-wise but personality-wise. And how am I supposed to find out about new music that fits in with the BOS style (my fave style) without a station and knowledgeable DJ’s to listen to? Did greater media even THINK about their listeners’ preferences and loyalties?? (and shouldn’t that be their #1 priority???) Poorly done, greater media, poorly done. I hope you take all this negatve feedback into account and DO something about your listener loss and crappy music!
July 23, 2008 at 10:17 am
I’m still feeling the loss of BOS. It was the only station that I could leave on without flipping the channels after a minute or two.
Barbara