The Age-Old Question: Why Do Radio Stations Play the Same Christmas Music?

Every holiday season, the same question inevitably circles back to its timeless spot: why do radio stations stick to the same old Christmas music year after year, instead of incorporating newer, more contemporary songs?

Is It Laziness, Tradition, or Ratings?

Many listeners believe that their favorite radio stations deliberately play the same Christmas tunes over and over due to laziness or a lack of creativity. After all, reindeer graze the same old pastures, and so do radio stations when it comes to Christmas music. However, there's a more nuanced explanation that takes into account the relationship between radio stations and the public, as well as their business objectives.

Radio Stations vs. Listener Expectations

I recently worked as a Program Director for a radio station managed by iHeart Radio. From my experience, the reason behind the uniformity in Christmas music across radio stations lies in the pursuit of ratings and listener satisfaction. Listeners tend to appreciate familiar tunes that bring back pleasant childhood memories, and switching to new songs can sometimes lead to a decrease in listener engagement. For example, Gwen Stefani's new Christmas song might not align with this expectation, given its relatively recent release.

The Business of Radio

Unlike the misconception that radio stations exist to simply service listeners, the truth is that radio is a business. Stations depend on advertising revenue to keep their operations running smoothly. When listeners choose not to tune in because they find the music unfamiliar, it directly impacts the station's ability to generate the necessary revenue. This, in turn, affects the stations' operational continuity and job security for the staff.

Performing Rights Organizations and Licensing

It's important to mention the role of Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and others. These organizations license music, ensuring that artists get paid every time a song is played. While this is crucial for the financial support of artists, it also influences the selection of songs. Stations like KSVB 94.1 FM, for instance, are limited to playing time-tested Christmas songs due to licensing agreements. These agreements often have finite time slots, making it challenging to incorporate new and lesser-known songs.

Streamlining Holiday Playlists

Once a radio station decides to begin its Christmas playlist, it becomes a challenge to constantly update it with newer songs. There is only a finite number of popular and time-tested Christmas songs that the public craves during the holiday season. Many stations maintain a continuous Christmas playlist, which they enable each year, often without any changes. It's not until a new wave of songs emerges that they start incorporating new tracks into their repertoire.

Case in Point: Baby It's Cold Outside

This year, KSVB 94.1 FM played the same song twice per hour, 24/7, to protest against some stations that had stopped playing it. This is a prime example of how traditional songs can hold incredible staying power, even in the face of change.

A Final Thought

While it might seem frustrating for listeners who want to experience new songs, the reality is that radio stations have to balance tradition with commercial objectives. It's a delicate act that often results in the repetition of familiar tunes during the festive season. However, as newer artists and songs continue to be created, there is always hope for new additions to the classic Christmas canon.