WHAT IN THE WORLD IS "TOTAL POPULAR MUSIC"?

We keep getting asked that question, so here is a concise answer. There are essentially three popular music radio formats these days -- Mainstream CHR-Top40, Hot Adult Contemporary (HotAC) and Mainstream Adult Contemporary (AC). That is not to say that other formats do not play music that is "popular," but it is not music that is classified as "pop music." The TPM Radio Format combines the three popular music formats into one composite. Therefore it is Total Popular Music. In other words, America's Most Popular Music is what we call Total Popular Music. And don't be surprised when it becomes the Next Number One Radio Format!

WHY WOULD A RADIO STATION WANT TO FEATURE TOTAL POPULAR MUSIC?

The short answer: better ratings, both cumes and Average Quarter Hour (AQH). That equals more revenue. That equals more profits. Who doesn't want more profits for their business? And a broadcasting facility is a business!

DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE ONE PERSON'S IDEA FOR A NEW RADIO FORMAT CAN BECOME AS SUCCESSFUL AS YOU PROJECT?

Yes, no doubts whatsoever! (Thanks for asking!)

Alan Burns, a radio consultant whose Alan Burns & Associates is based in Florida, created the Rhythmic AC MOViN format which now has about a dozen stations.

Back in 1977, consultant Mike Joseph created the Hot Hits format which helped spur the birth of what is now known as CHR, revitalized the Top 40 format and played a major role in bringing CHR to FM into the 1980s.

Even before that, in the mid-1960s, we had Bill Drake's creation, Boss Radio (aka "the Drake format"), a tight Top 40 format (actually only Top 30) that dominated the latter days of the format's reign on AM radio. (For the record: Boss Radio is officially attributed to Drake-Chenault, Bill Drake and Gene Chenault, originated at K-100 in Los Angeles.)

Boss Radio. Hot Hits. MOViN.     ==> Total Popular Music -- the NEXT Big Thing!

I am extremely confident that Total Popular Music as a mass-appeal programming formula is destined to become the nation's next Number One Radio Format, taking stations subscribing to it to the top of the ratings (both cumes and AQH) in every market where it's aired.

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SUPER SIXTY AND THE HIT MUSIC TOP 40?

While both are based on the Total Popular Music Mass Appeal concept of undoing the fragmentation of popular music to several narrow sub-formats, there is a difference in the programming of the two "flavors" which may not be completely obvious by glancing at the two playlist charts. One objective reviewer recently stated that in his opinion the Super Sixty tended more toward HotAC while the Hit Music Top 40 leaned toward Mainstream CHR. While we don't totally disagree with his observation, we don't fully agree with that assessment. Although accurate in some ways, it understates the actual philosophy that is reflected in subtle nuances.

We have recently downgraded the influence of Mainstream Adult Contemporary for the original All American Playlist featuring the Super Sixty while maintaining the HotAC centricity as the format that is centered well between CHR and AC, but have at the same time increased the influence of Mainstream CHR in our original flavor of the Total Popular Music format. Simultaneously, we introduced the newer Hit Music Mass Appeal Top 40 as an additional option, which favors CHR while giving appropriate weight to HotAC and completely minimizes the impact of AC.

Overall, a recent review of unaltered airplay Top 40 listings for each of the three TPM component formats determined that we were currently including in the overall TPM programming concept 35 of 40 CHR, 40 of 40 HotAC, 30 of 40 AC (many of them as Recurrents). Again, the most notable differential between the two "flavors" is in the specific programming of their respective playlists.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY TWO FLAVORS? ISN'T IT ONE NEW FORMAT.

Yes, it is one new format based on an old, long-abandoned concept: "Mass Appeal." Radio stations began seeking to create specific niches and popular music programming became more and more fragmented. Now all the fragments are suffering the same economic distress, as our nation faces its greatest fiscal crisis. Mass Appeal, as we have been saying for several years, may be the only hope for many stations to even survive, no less actually thrive. Our fine-tuning of two variations -- or "flavors" -- offers options, either of which may be chosen. A station may also elect to choose both -- for different dayparts to allow variations, yet with an overall programming consistency.

I SEE YOU'RE A LITTLE HOTTER THAN HOT AC, BUT ISN'T THAT THE ONLY DIFFERENCE?

Absolutely not! No 90s, no 80s --- TPM is currents intensive. Yes, recurrents enter into the mix, but only those songs charted somewhere as hits or recurrents are included. Because of that some have suggested Total Popular Music is just a toned-down version of CHR-Top40. No, because we also include HotAC-only hits. But it's not HotAC, because a lot of CHR-only hits are also included. And our top-rated, most aired, titles are for the most part also compatible with "Soft Rock" or "Lite Rock" AC formulas as well. We are currently promoting the best description of TPM (either of our two "flavors") that we can come up with:

Hotter than Hot AC ... Brighter than Light AC ... More Firm than Soft AC ... More Mainstream than Mainstream CHR ... Wider Demographics than any of them! Mass Appeal for the 21st Century!"

Yes, that's a bit wordy ... but it takes a lot of words to describe the first new popular music radio format in more than two decades!

WHAT ABOUT THE TOP 40 (CHR) SONGS YOU DON'T PLAY?

A listener can listen for more than an hour to songs he/she likes/loves before realizing any of the current hits that person might want on their normal CHR station are not aired on the TPM station. That translates what otherwise might be cumes into AQH stats in ratings -- especially with the new PPM methodology which does not rely on the accuracy of a participant's diary entries! (That's one reason why we are now promoting: "TPM Is PPM Friendly!")

SO I SEE YOUR AD FEATURING "SuperTPMan" -- IS THAT THE BEST YOU CAN DO?

A recently rejected promotional campaign for Total Popular Music went something like this:

"All Today's HITS! No Rap ... No Crap! No 80s ... No 90s! No $hit! We keep the S at the END of HIT !!!!"

That really summarizes our new format (both "flavors") well, but we understand that such a promotional campaign might be objectionable to some. We don't want to turn any potential fans of our format away from TPM. In fact, our format is an equal opportunity stealer of listeners from all three pop music formats! That's how a TPM-programmed station easily becomes # 1 in its market with wider demographics than any of the three component formats can hope to obtain.

IF TPM IS AIMED AT THE RADIO INDUSTRY, WHY DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR WEB SITE SO EXTENSIVELY TO A GENERAL AUDIENCE?

Radio stations are understandably hesitant to try something new. What if it doesn't work or receive audience acceptance? If a new format concept is already widely exposed to the public, and receives strong listener endorsement, stations will ultimately be lining up to subscribe to our programming services. Therefore, a major part of our current marketing strategy is to create a demand from the public -- radio listeners -- for Total Popular Music!

I LISTENED TO YOUR ONLINE RADIO FOR OVER AN HOUR. I LIKE THE MUSIC, BUT THE EXACT MIXES AREN'T ALWAYS THE BEST. IS THAT HOW YOUR OVER-THE-AIR STATIONS SOUND?

No, that is actually our only problem with our current system for TPM Online Radio, both versions. We cannot control the exact mixes or order that songs are played. We have the ability to limit songs aired to TPMusic Hits, and to exclude anything we don't want included; but we cannot control the exact order or mix of songs. Therefore, it is only the best "sample" of Total Popular Music that we can offer at this time, but by no means an exact replica of an over-the-air TPM-programmed station.

At times, as we listen, "they" get it exactly right; at other times, we cringe when several "fringe" titles air back-to-back. Our other "concern" at the moment is that since the start-up of TPM Hit Music Radio, our original Total Popular Music Radio is being denied most of the current major chart hits which are aired on the newer version. For this reason, we plan to de-emphasize promotion of the original in favor of the newer station.

We've explored the possibility of an actual Web station completely under our control, originating from our studios with our liners, promos and jingles, but the cost is prohibitive at this time. That is especially so with new higher royalty rates from Internet stations to artists and their labels. For the forseeable future, we anticipate continuing our valued relationship with Slacker Personal Radio.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THAT MAJOR COMPANY THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BECOME A PARTNER WITH TOTAL POPULAR MUSIC?

Plain and simple, the same thing that has happened to both large and small broadcast companies -- and many of their employees: budget cuts due to the economic crisis. Unfortunately money is tight for all companies, and new investments are not apropos at this time. We have re-strategized to return to our original plan which is to especially reach medium and small market stations with a low-cost programming service that will more than double ratings, and potentially income -- while, at the same, time reducing operating costs.

I'M A RADIO PROGRAM DIRECTOR ... ARE YOU TRYING TO STEAL MY JOB?

No, I would never do that. I can remember when an Assistant PD whom I first hired for an airshift and later promoted to APD stole my job while I was on vacation. I returned to find I no longer had a job there. It was not a pleasant experience. Still, the economic realities of our industry now are such that station personnel are being downsized without any involvement from us. In a cluster, all too often one PD is programming several stations, including formats out of that person's normal range of experience. And, yes, it is true: with TPM, no in-house PD is required, only a Music Director to implement specifics for that station. Nevertheless, while we may be openly seeking to reach (and sign) money-pressed stations, we are not seeking to "steal" anyone's current employment.

SO NOW I SEE "TPMusic Charts" AS WELL AS "PLAYLIST" ... WHICH IS IT?

Both! The TPM All American Playlist, our original, main chart started out as a playlist for radio programmers, but as a general audience has developed for this, as well as our other charts which have been added, we find the descriptive "TPMusic Charts" better explains what the public-at-large understands. And, yes, we previously used "TPM Hit Music Charts" as an overall descriptive, but have changed that since the creation of the newer TPM Hit Music Top 40, which is one of the many TPMusic Charts.

TELL ME THE TRUTH. IS YOUR SUPER SIXTY CHART OBJECTIVE OR SUBJECTIVE?

Our TPMusic Charts are all essentially objective, based on data from multiple sources that monitor radio airplay for the three component formats. However, with the Super Sixty, it is about 90% objective, leaving room for minor modifications from the raw data. For example, a song is # 15 on all three of the component charts. The point totals might well add up to rank that title objectively at # 10 on the overall composite listing. If a song is on the way up, that's great. But if that result is for a title that's been at the top and now is slowly declining until it goes to Recurrent status, a subjective adjustment might be made, so that it does not rank higher on the TPM Super Sixty than on any of the components. So, if one can accept it, even our subjective adjustments are based on objective analysis of industry chart data.

YOU OFTEN MENTION "TPM POINTS" FOR YOUR SUPER SIXTY CHART. WHY NOT JUST TOTAL PLAYS AT THE THREE POP MUSIC FORMATS?

This is actually something we have carefully considered. However, in test runs we found that such methodology gives Mainstream CHR an overwhelming domination. Consider: Number One on CHR averages 10,000 spins while Number One at HotAC might typically have 3500 to 4,000 plays, and at AC only about 2,000 to 2500. We have developed a weighted point system that helps account for these variations and "level the field" but doesn't allow for one format to totally dominate. We are still hoping in the future to debut an additional, separate chart that is based only on total plays across the three formats, but that would have to be in partnership with one of the major airplay monitoring services.

WHY DO WE NEED NEW POPULAR MUSIC CHARTS, SUCH AS YOU OFFER?

The main TPMusic Chart was initially developed as a playlist for radio stations that subscribe to the Total Popular Music format. Publication via the internet was intended for promotional purposes to reach new stations across the nation. However, it soon became obvious that there is a public interest in hit music charts. Subsequently, for both radio programmers and the general public, other charts were developed and added -- the TPM Component Charts, The TPM Daily Dozen, etc. Most recently we introduced the TPM Hit Music Mass Appeal Top 40 in support of our new second "flavor" of Total Popular Music.

WHAT'S THE ADVANTAGE OF TPM CHARTS OVER ONES FROM R&R, MEDIABASE, ETC.?

TPM is not attempting to compete with R&R or Mediabase in any way. In fact, these source charts provide us (as other radio programmers) with valuable information on actual monitored national radio airplay. However, at this time, neither offers the Total Popular Music concept. Possibly, once TPM becomes a major player on the national radio airplay map, one or both of them will decide to purchase TPM -- or at least subscribe to our charts and add them to the wide variety of formats they now cover with weekly charts.

WHY ARE TPM COMPONENT CHARTS SO DIFFERENT FROM AIRPLAY CHARTS FOR THE SAME FORMATS PUBLISHED ELSEWHERE?

TPM Component Charts are reflective of a composite of results from the other sources; however, they are tailored to the overall TPM format as indicated each week by our main playlist. For example, not every Mainstream CHR hit is accepted by Total Popular Music ("no rap, no crap"), so that while the relative order of listed hits is accurate, the CHR listing only includes "TPM Hits." Another major variation is found on the Adult Contemporary chart. AC radio holds on to established major hits "forever and a day." When a title has been moved to RECURRENT status on the main TPM listing, it may only be listed as recurrent on any component chart. As a result, the TPM AC Component Chart reflects the top 20 currents, excluding the older titles that have achieved recurrent status. Those much-played hits are listed, however, on the TPM AC Recurrent Chart on the Component Charts page.

DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR CHARTS TO BE THE MOST ACCURATE ONES PUBLISHED?

The answer to that is simply that the TPMusic Charts are the only ones available for the TPM Mass Appeal concept. Therefore we can say with all confidence that the TPMusic Charts are the most accurate ones for the Total Popular Music format!

YOU USED TO POST TPM VIDEOS WITH "YOUTUBE" BRANDING, NOW YOUR VIDEOS HAVE YOUR OWN BRANDING. WHAT'S UP?

There came a point where we were troubled by the poor audio quality at YouTube, and we began seeking an alternative. In the process, we discovered Ning.com which not only retains the original separated stereo audio (rather than mixing it down to a single mono track), but also allowed us to establish our own branding for our videos. Anyone can do that for their own Websites; and, best of all, the hosting is absolutely free! We still post most of our videos at YouTube as well, since that affords us greater exposure to the world to make them aware of this site, and ultimately our professional services.

MY FAVORITE SONG WAS GREATEST GAINER ON YOUR HOT AC COMPONENT CHART, BUT ON THE SUPER SIXTY IT WENT DOWN BY A COUPLE OF POSITIONS. HUH?

The explanation for this is two-fold. First, a hit on one Component Chart (and only on that one) may lose ground against advancing titles from the other two component formats that effectively pass it, pushing it backwards a bit. Second, the AC chart represents the lowest amount of overall airplay for current hits of the three formats. Most Mainstream Adult Contemporary stations play their "currents" on a somewhat limited basis, instead emphasizing established AC favorites from the "recurrents" list and even older titles of past decades. A "Greatest Gainer" on the AC chart may only have an increase of 100 plays -- or slightly more or less, while a similar top gainer on HotAC gains 200 to 300 spins, and the CHR Greatest Gainer increases by 800 to 1200 airings. The TPM Super Sixty is a composite of all three components, with the result being the most popular of all popular music -- or as we call it Total Popular Music. I would suppose the short answer to this question is: "It's the theory of relativity" (with due apologies to Albert Einstein!)

WHY WOULD A RADIO STATION WANT TO RETAIN YOU FOR PROGRAM CONSULTING WHEN YOU'RE "GIVING AWAY THE STORE" ON YOUR WEBSITE?

At this point, we are indeed doing just that. Currently, Total Popular Music is being introduced nationwide as a new available radio format with fabulous potential in any market of any size. However, at some future point, we will be publishing less of our chart content online for the general public. Paying subscribers will then be able to obtain all of the content now available free of charge. An example of this concept is that utilized by Billboard magazine offering some free online chart content, but requiring paid subscriptions for full access. However, even a paid subscription to all TPM content would not replace the need for our personal services. More than just obtaining the TPM charts, radio stations engaging the Program Consultant services of TPM's creator/founder/publisher receive extensive personalized advice and assistance in both implementing the format and, on a continuing basis, fine tuning it specific to each station for maximum ratings gains. There is also one other essential element. To the casual observer this may not be apparent, but one thing you've yet to see on our website -- and never will -- is the rotation formula ("the format clock") for programming Total Popular Music. There is far more to TPM than just a playlist!

OK, SO YOU PROVIDE BROADCAST CONSULTING SERVICES. BUT IS THAT ONLY FOR YOUR TPM FORMAT? WHAT ABOUT MY STATION WHICH IS, AND WILL REMAIN, HOT AC?

You're in luck! Hot AC is one of my specialties. But to answer the question more thoroughly, we provide broadcast consulting for any and all radio stations, regardless of format. Of course, we believe any station can become Number One in its market, regardless of market size -- large, medium or small -- with the TPM format. However, we will gladly consult any station of any format. I will be the first to admit, though, that other than the Total Popular Music format, my programming skills are strongest in Hot AC, Adult Contemporary, and Mainstream/Pop CHR. Any station interested in discussing specifics is invited to contact us.

IS TOTAL POPULAR MUSIC A SUBSIDIARY OF TPM ENTERPRISES?

No. Actually TPM Enterprises is a subsidiary of Total Popular Music. TPM Enterprises is the umbrella created to provide services for Total Popular Music, including the design of our website. TPM Enterprises is now also available to others interested in its services, including website design and PROmotions. For more info on available services, visit the TPM Enterprises Web Page here.

IT APPEARS THAT YOU'RE VERY PROMOTION MINDED. WHAT'S WITH THAT?

Yes, we believe greatly in strong promotion of both the product or service, and, if applicable, the concept behind it. As everyone offering a product or service knows, without strong and effective promotion, one can have the greatest product in the world, but it will never be successful if nobody knows about it! Among services offered by TPM Enterprises is what we call "PROmotions" -- professional movement of something (or someone) by effective coordinated promotional campaigns. The TPM PROmotions service is available to radio stations, bands, artists, other performers/entertainers, or any legitimate business or organization. Again, for more info, contact us using the link below.

 Total Popular Music Email