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Posted by: mdh Jul 27 2016, 03:32 PM

This is my concept for an ideal chart show. They would play 25 songs as usual, but here is it in full, using last week's show as an example~

Instead of playing 1-25 and reading out 25-40, they could play:

42. Make Me (BUBBLING UNDER)
49. Mamacita (BUBBLING UNDER)
38. Cruel
37. Piece of Me
35. Who Do You Think Of
34. You Don't Know Love
Millionaire (NEW RELEASE)
30. We Don't Talk Anymore
29. Tilted
28. Girls Talk Boys
25. Rise
24. Good Grief
Cold Water (NEW RELEASE)
19. Final Song
11. Can't Stop The Feeling!
10. Don't Mind
9. Treat You Better
8. Tears
7. This Is What You Came For
6. Too Good
5. This Girl
4. Dancing On My Own
3. Don't Let Me Down
2. Perfect Strangers
1. One Dance

..and play a quick clip of the other tracks. Does this sound ideal, and what tweaks would you make to it in terms of features?

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 Jul 27 2016, 03:35 PM

Top 20 played in full
Any new-entries or significant climbers between #21-#40

Posted by: danG Jul 27 2016, 03:58 PM

There's so many things wrong with the chart show at the moment I don't know where to begin:

Firstly what they really need to do is scrap Friday Night Dance Anthems (I still don't get why they need it on Friday when they've got it on Saturday from 4-7) and have a 4-7 chart show.

The chart show needs a whole new rebrand if it's going to be saved. Here's how I'd do it:

4:00 Bubblin' Under: New entries and songs climbing to or remaining at their peak outside the top 20*
5:15 Top 20: The top 20 played in full
5:45 Newsbeat (ideally this and the news updates would go as well, but I think they legally have to do it)
6:00 Continuation of the top 20

i.e.*

94 [RE] Usher - Crash
80 [83] Lee Walker - Freak Like Me
74 [80] Frenship - Capsize
62 [62] Fifth Harmony - All In My Head (Flex)
60 [75] Bob Marley - Is This Love (Remix)
55 [61] Anne-Marie - Alarm
52 [56] Joel Adams - Please Don't Go
42 [NE] Britney Spears - Make Me
38 [NE] Snakehips - Cruel
37 [42] MK & Becky Hill - Piece of Me
35 [47] M.O - Who Do You Think Of
30 [30] Charlie Puth - We Don't Talk Anymore
29 [40] Christine & The Queens - Tilted
28 [NE] 5SOS - Girls Talk Boys
25 [NE] Katy Perry - Rise
24 [25] Bastille - Good Grief

Really, I still don't get why Radio 1 insist on running the chart show into the ground when it has potential to be great.

Posted by: Colm Jul 27 2016, 04:02 PM

I think it should include tracks from the albums chart. Especially from albums that will have disappeared in a few weeks. They need the exposure.

Posted by: Mart!n Jul 27 2016, 04:10 PM

Option 1 Just 30 minute show Friday evenings, a chart rundown 40-11, play the new entries in full, play the top 3 singles the charts can be found on OCC in full. And do a full chart rundown Saturday mornings 10am to 1pm.

Option 2 I use what danG said above.

Posted by: Suedehead2 Jul 27 2016, 04:29 PM

I like Dan's idea, but I suspect the BBC would have to pay more to be able to use more than the top 40. The biggest problem atm is the sheer lack of movement

Posted by: awardinary Jul 27 2016, 04:41 PM

The question I might ask is this;

Does the chart show have to be just for radio, or, could there be a platform here for a brand new weekly TV chart show?

The programme could either feature live artists, or more simply use music videos.

That's what I would like to see.

Posted by: mdh Jul 27 2016, 04:48 PM

The CBBC chart show, I believe is a Poundland alternative for the chart show on TV, I can't say I've ever wanted to/watched it so I'm not sure if it's any good. I do know they have live artists on it, which is good I suppose.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds Jul 27 2016, 05:01 PM

I agree with Dan's idea, playing tracks outside the Top 40 would likely give them a push

Posted by: danG Jul 27 2016, 05:06 PM

I thought that might be a problem too, although they did seem to be able to play the #41 with no problems just before the chart show when it was on a Sunday.

The second best idea would be to use all three hours and just play the entirety of the top 40, although a few songs would need to be skipped to make time for news updates.

Posted by: Roba S Jul 27 2016, 05:07 PM

If I were in charge I'd sack Greg as chart show host and replace him with Cel.

Then...

4 - Recap the whole top 10 albums in snippets except for the top 3 which get a full play.
4.20 Play all new/re entries/climbers and newer songs getting new peaks within 40-20
5.10 top 20 in full
5.45 news beat as it's compulsory
6.00 top 10 in full & recap of the whole chart at the end followed by #1.
Chart finishes around 6.45

Posted by: danG Jul 27 2016, 05:10 PM

I'd much prefer Greg to remain as chart show host than have Cel do it actually, just not a fan of his.

There'd be a few problems with doing the albums top 3 in full too as occasionally non-R1 friendly acts make the top of that chart. It's always been a singles chart rundown anyway but they should at least make an effort to run down the top 5 albums every week with snippits.

Posted by: Gambo Jul 27 2016, 05:11 PM

Ideally we'd go back to a Sunday-Saturday chart frame and we could restore the more sociable listening slot of Sundays 4 till 7, playing all or most of the Top 40 singles etc, but ignoring that as an impossibility and sticking with what we have bearing in mind the present slow pace of the charts, I'd suggest the following:

- Preview clips of tracks new or on the climb at positions 100 to 41.
- Full plays of tracks that are new entries or climbers at positions 40 to 21.
- Full plays of all tracks irrespective of movement (or lack of!) at positions 20-1.
- Intersperse at some point with preview clips of tracks from Top 5 albums, and maybe No 1 on separate sales and streaming charts.
- Avoid any inane DJ drivel, interactivity and competitions!
- Ideally run from 4 until 6PM Fridays, assuming Newsbeat can move a mere 15 minutes later (is it really a LEGAL requirement to have it at 5:45 come what may?!)
- Time permitting, presenter to offer an accurate current fact about each record before/after play; chart-based, sales-based, artist news, etc.
- Link all fully-played tracks to online video play where a vid is available.

Just a thought, though frankly nearly everybody's suggestions on this hitherto would be an improvement on the current format! I don't hear the Top 40 very often nowadays, but it seems like the only half-decent thing about it is Greg James, who handles things a little more professionally than some of his forebears, within the brief he's been given. Let's not get carried away though folks; judging by some of the bilge that new Radio 1 controller (sorry kids; should that be "Controlla"?!) has been spouting chart-wise, I wouldn't hold out any immediate hopes of improvements.

Posted by: T Boy Jul 27 2016, 05:27 PM

It would be nice to see more focus on the album chart. They used to count down the top 20 and sales were phenomenal. Whereas sales tailed right off when it was reduced to a top 5. It would also give more variety.

Posted by: JosephStyles Jul 27 2016, 05:33 PM

I'm quite happy for them to continue to focus on the top 40 only, they just need to play every new entry in the chart, rather than the top 25 each week. Top 20 and new entries/significant climbers outside the top 20 would be ideal for me.

Posted by: Jade Jul 27 2016, 05:41 PM

I really miss the whole top 40 being played There's always some action going on between the #26-#40 region in terms of new entries and these songs miss out. Despite some extra staleness, I like the idea of the whole top 40 being played for completeness. In an ideal world, I'd want to go back to a 3 hour chart show. Since this probably won't be a thing, with the current time constraints I'd like the top 20 played in full and new entries outside that to make things a bit more exciting/give said songs a bit of exposure.

Posted by: Ðøßßø Jul 27 2016, 05:43 PM

I feel there really is no saving the Chart Show no matter what they do but I agree they really don't help themselves sometimes with their baffling decisions.

Posted by: Chez Wombat Jul 27 2016, 05:44 PM

I honestly wouldn't like a whole top 40 played 4-7 these days, the chart's just too slow and it will just become a chore.

I would really like if the top 20 were played in full and alongside either NEW tracks from 21-40 are played and/or new entries on the sales only/streaming chart that didn't make the top 40 on the combined one, so like Dan's idea really, the chart would still be promoting new music and would give a boost to records outside the top 40 and give a good picture of the music landscape within the week that is increasingly not represented in just the top 20 being played. The chart now coinciding with 'New Music Fridays' won't work if it's just playing the same music from months back. There needs to be more of an effort from Radio 1 to promote new fresh music on the chart show instead of whinging about how streaming's ruining the charts.

I'm honestly surprised they haven't thought of this already, it's been the big feature missing from the chart show and a factor in me not bothering to listen regularly and look elsewhere for new music, but I get the sense that it won't happen and they're losing interest in the chart as it's not proving as popular for them anymore. Wouldn't be surprised if over the next few years, it just became a short 30-45 minute rundown and not a full on show.

Posted by: AcerBen Jul 27 2016, 06:09 PM

I think I'd go with mdh's format except I'd prefer not to play any new releases, and I'd get a track or two from the albums chart instead - particularly if it's a Radio 1 supported act who are nowhere near the top 40 on the singles. When the 11-20 is so stale I think only playing top 10 in full is a necessity and of course all the new entries and climbers, and a couple of tracks bubbling under the top 40.

I can perfectly understand why they want Dance Anthems on at 6 - it's Friday night and people want party songs, and the chart is too slow to warrant a three hour show at the moment.

Posted by: zenon Jul 27 2016, 08:33 PM

The only change that is needed is top 20 played in full and five new entries/highest climbers from 21-40.

Posted by: Ethan Jul 27 2016, 08:56 PM

i believe the legal requirement for news on the radio has been revoked under the latest charter renewal~

Posted by: *Ben* Jul 28 2016, 07:02 AM

I really like your idea mdh, if the chart stays as short as it is now, is it'd longer, Dan's idea is also great

also if the chart is longer, would be good to see a top 10 rundown of the albums chart. It shouldn't be forgotten by Radio 1.
And some future hits too.

Posted by: TheSnake Jul 28 2016, 08:22 AM

What did they do in 2008 wasn't the chart as slow as today then? The chart show must have been awful back then if they played the top 40 in full.

I liked what they did in the past by playing the whole top 40 but that was when there could be eight entries.

There are very few 'dance anthems' any more that radio stations play anyway just commercial EDM like the Chainsmokers and DJ Snake and tropical house more for easy listening than actually dancing to so I wouldnt miss the Friday dance anthems show.,

But yes the bubbling under thing is good. How desparate things have got in terms of new musicin the chart that we are suggesting that the Radio 1 chart show potentially plays a number 100 smash.

Posted by: richy67 Jul 28 2016, 09:25 AM

...radio 1 could always go back to the old pre-87 model : REVEAL the chart fairly swiftly on Friday (new entries, climbers and top few songs) then play the whole top 40 on Sunday

Posted by: danG Jul 28 2016, 09:41 AM

yeah that wouldn't work as it would take away any tension or surprise element on the Sunday, as the charts are so easy to find online.

Posted by: T Boy Jul 28 2016, 02:35 PM

The chart wasn't played in full, only the top 20 with new entries and a few others between 21 and 40.

And 2008 got a rep for having slow charts because it was sandwiched between much faster eras. 2008 was nowhere near as slow as 2016 has been and there was decent enough rotation in the top 10.

Plus the no.1 was always the biggest selling song of the week (unless you count the Duffy/Leona controversy)

Posted by: Gambo Jul 28 2016, 04:31 PM

I recall advocating this same idea over a year ago before we knew what the new format would be; only that it would be forced to move to a Friday to coincide with the new split week chart frame. The initial reveal could simply cover the highlights and the Top 3, in maybe a 45 minute slot leading into Newsbeat, like Paul Burnett/Johnnie Walker's old Tuesday lunchtime chart show. Then a more detailed coverage at the old 4-7, or 5-7, or 4-6 slot on Sunday, which needn't be solely the full Top 40 combined singles countdown; given the ongoing logjam in the chart some of the other interesting non-Top 40 aspects could be incorporated, such as the Top 5 albums, chart-toppers on sales and streaming, and the other items people have suggested on here. This would help to keep the modern minute-attention-spanned listener interested over the two or three hours.

Has anyone seen any official listening figures for the R1 chart show since it switched to Friday? I can't think they're getting anything like the levels regularly achieved for Sundays, if only because of the awkwardness of the time. I guess figures are higher for that time slot perhaps, and of course people can now listen when they like on podcasts etc. But for most who still care about the weekly broadcast, I'd imagine they'd want to hear the new numbers live as soon as they're released. The Friday 'reveal' show could still match that, but those who want more detailed exploration of the chart could tune in at the far more sociable Sunday slot to properly-digest the still-only-two-days-old chart. I think listening figures for the Friday would likely remain about what they are now - perhaps a tad lower - but they'd get a significant uplift for the Sunday (surely that Cel Spellman thing isn't raking in even what the old Top 40 managed in its final months?!).

Posted by: richie Jul 29 2016, 07:16 AM

It was only around 1991/92 (?) that the chart show moved up to 3 hours and they could play the whole of the top 40, before that they missed some of them out or cut some short I think. I don't think they could play the whole top 40 now, it'd be practically the same show every week. Maybe the chart needs to be the focus of one hour on a Friday evening playing new entries, climbers and the number one with another hour devoted to new releases which could make it into the charts the following week*

* - Ideally this would be at the DJ's discretion not the playlist panel / whoever gave the best pay-ola.

Posted by: danG Jul 29 2016, 07:20 AM

Well that's the problem at the moment with the current format, where they only play the top 25 in full regardless of how many new entries are between 40 and 26, except when it suits them (cough shameless Beyoncé promo week)

I don't think going back to playing the top 40 in full is necessarily the best idea (see my http://www.buzzjack.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=192289&view=findpost&p=5456128) but if they're to keep in the current timeframe they should play all the new entries and climbers, and an upcoming future release that'll do well in the chart soon - and then the top ten in full.

Posted by: Riser Aug 1 2016, 10:09 PM

I forgot they used to not play all 40 songs even as recently as 2009 when I started listening. There was so much more excitement back then with interviews and live guests every week, but there's less incentive for that in the OA/OS era when very few songs debut at their peak. I'd be happy if they skipped only the long runners between 21-40, I'm starting to get sick of the long-running songs even before they leave the top 20 now.