Jazz im Rundfunk
Since 1924, Jazz and Jazz related music has been broadcasted on West German radio stations. Concerts, studio productions, records and tapes are received by the public and critics with very differing reactions. Based on his practical experience as a Jazz programmer for the radio, the author proposes the following thesis and questions: Jazz is a music of a listening minority. Should the radio attempt to win new listeners or maintain its elite status? Secondly, mixed music is a new trend, should Jazz be included? Should Jazz, according to its style, be included in all three programs? Besides moderated programs, there should be others which concentrate on music. In programming the broadcasts, the following order of selection should be considered: (1) records, (2) live concert recordings, (3) studio productions. The Jazz editor should have a fixed position at the station, and not a free lance position, because he might better be able to increase the budget necessary for his programming. Jazz broadcasting should be transferred from evening to daytime broadcasting. There are Jazz fans on all educational, professional, and age levels. Jazz is sometimes objected to by older people due to the loudness. We do not necessarily have to play what the listener wants to hear, because the listener surely wants to hear what we play. May we, can we, or should we educate the audience not only to understand Jazz, but educate the audience through Jazz?