People, I have discovered the true reason why radio is virtually unlistenable. Arbitron Ratings.

I thought Arbitron ratings were a figment of the media's imagination until a few weeks ago when I happened to answer the phone when Arbitron rang. I answered a high-pitched "YES!" when they asked if I wanted to participate. I had to find out what all of this Arbitron business means.

They sent me five dollars cash followed by a small package featuring four diaries (one for each member of the household), each of which contained three dollars cash. For one week, we had to track every radio station we heard. Not every radio station we actively listened to during the day, but every one that we heard in passing. This meant that every time I was in a building and was forcefed KOST, I had to write it down. This is the problem with the ratings, as stations that you do not like, but must listen to because of work, doctor appointments, etc. will ultimately gain points because you heard them. Therefore, MOR stations like KOST and KBIG and top 40 stations like KIIS could likely earn the ratings that they do because they are continually blasted through establishments where people have no other option. Then, the powers that be, ignorant as they are to the ways of the real world, truly believe that really want to hear the latest hit from Tim McGraw all day long. Radio grows formulaic because they think that's what people really prefer, even though it's just a matter of us being without a CD player, iPod or computer access at that moment.

At the end of the diary, there was a section for comments, so I wrote the following:

"KOST is the most vile station on the dial. In its attempt to be completely unoffensive, it has offended me as a music fan."

I doubt anyone will listen.

P.S. I refuse to support KOST by posting a link to its site. However, I will offer an actual quote from one of the on-air promotion spots.
"It's perfect background music. It doesn't offend anybody."
-- Some lady who works in some office.