Show Length per Genre

[dlee]

In another thread, 'Day Parting Model,' I opined that two hours was an ideal show length. I suspect that's true for Jazz, but I'm not at all sure about other genres. And maybe we should collect views on this, and feed our input into this process. I can imagine three hours being quite all right for classical, but for folk people (who play itty-bitty pieces) three hours of that would be a challenge. Rock, too? Jazz is probably somewhere in between, with cuts averaging in the 5-7 minute range in a mainstream show.

I've also heard it said, and I've experienced it, that an hour and a half is not long enough to get at groove going. But if true for jazz, is it also true for folk and rock?

So, what's ideal, in your opinion, for your genre? The ultimate programming schedule may indeed have show lengths that differ in duration, depending on genre. So this is an opportunity for input.

-David Lee

[eventidalwave]

As a Classical announcer who has had a 2-hour show for 14 years and done the occasional 3-hour show, I can say that either 2 or hours is great for most classical music (outside of opera and the more long-winded German Romantics). One and a half hours would certainly *not* be enough time "to get at groove going."

[Smilin Tyler]

Yeah, two hours gives me enough time build a show up and take it down. Any less feels like coitus interruptus. For rock shows venturing into drone or ambient, three is good.

[billtetzeli]

I have a feeling that after two hours listeners are ready to hear something different. Personally I'd love to feature an entire Grateful Dead show, including drums and space, and have heard of the glory day (or gory days, for those who hated the Dead and being crowded out) of eight-hour Dead-oriented marathon shows. Probably tax all but the biggest enthusiasts though, for any show. Three might work for late night, though.