Radio Radio

This episode dives into the underbelly of commercial radio in the '80's and '90s — the promoters, the labels, the consultants, the pressure, and the payola‑adjacent culture that shaped what listeners heard on the air. At 19, Sandy was a music director and on‑air talent at a Top 40 radio station, getting offered everything from shoes to gear to “favors” in exchange for early music adds. The title of this episode comes from Elvis Costello’s “Radio, Radio," essentially a sharp, punk‑era critique of how commercial radio controls what gets heard — a protest against censorship, corporate influence, and the tightening playlists of late‑1970s broadcasting. At its core, the song argues that radio pretends to offer freedom and connection, but in reality acts as a gatekeeper that limits artistic expression. Costello’s lyrics push back against that power dynamic, calling out stations that prioritize commercial interests over creativity. Sandy and Donna break down how the system worked and pose the query about whether or not traditional radio broadcasting is working at all today!