American Idol Helping Radio Stations

It's no secret, "American Idol" is the most successful show on TV. And that success is filtering down, all the way to your radio.

No matter what radio station you listen to, odds are you'll hear something about "American Idol".

Bruce Kayser a DJ for Sunny 101.5 says, "When "American Idol" comes down to the end, then the calls start coming in and people come in every day for weeks until the excitement wears down. So it's effected radio everywhere."

Stations are reporting an increase in the number of requests from people wanting to hear music from their favorite Idol contestants.

Karen Rite, the Program Director for U93 says, "Well, with the charts the way they are right now, there's a good possibility. I'd say one out of 10. Yeah, about one out of 10."

According to one station in Michiana, country music is a format that's enjoyed the most success.

Clint Marsh, Program Director for B100 says, "Some of the basic themes in country music are very universal. Great stories, great songs. Plus it's possible to have a much longer career in country radio than any other format."

But even Adult Contemporary and Top 40 stations are getting more listeners and they credit it to "American Idol".

Rite says, "We play off that. I mean, we're not stupid. We're gonna play off that. And the fact we play more of the artists because of the format it really helps us out and I love it. It gives us something to talk about."

Jack Reischert, a DJ at Sunny 101.5 says, "It sells and the bottom line is through all the glamor and all the singing and stuff, it's still a business. "American Idol" music as well as the TV show sells."

So as long as "American Idol" remains a hit, its contestants will be all over the airwaves.

Kayser says, "Once they win "American Idol" and even some that don't, it's amazing the fans that will come out in hoards and want to hear songs."

In addition to playing music from "American Idol" contestants, stations set aside time in their morning shows to talk about the show and give listeners are chance to comment.