Josh Cunningham, formerly of WNCI, Columbus, is the music director of XM's 90s channel. Their 70s channel will be in the capable hands of Kurt Gilchrist, who has been with several popular Texas radio stations. The 90's channel is in the hands of "Kane," who comes to XM from WFLZ in Tampa. For those still yearning for the psychedelic era XM's introducing a 60's channel directed by Phlash Phelps and Cleveland Wheeler. Phlash has been with WCKZ in Fort Wayne and KRXY in Seattle. Mr. Wheeler has been a morning drive time host at WRBQ in Tampa.
RUsirius.com invites XM oldies listeners to submit commentary and additional information about XM's programming. We'll be posting all relevant entries below.
A longtime XM listener has this review of their oldies programming (posted 26 July 2002):
"I've had six months
of XM and I thought I'd offer a 6-month review...
"The issues that I've written about XM Radio in the past continue to vex
me. In fact, I'm becoming more disappointed with the service.
I guess what's even more disappointing is there appears to be no sign of
change. As I've said in the past, there is too much repitition of
songs and too many interruptions in the flow of music.
"The repitition is particularly galling and it's not just the 60s channel,
though the 60s channel is the worst of the channels. I can not even
listen to it anymore. Whether it's 'Terry, the motor mouth's' blatherings
or the juvenile schtick, there is precious little 60s music. Moreover,
every hour begins the same - 'Music pow pow power - the Beatles,' then a
Beatles song. I can not fathom with all of the creative genius at XM
why the programming is so canned.
"Do they review their song rotation? If so, why do I continually
hear 'You don't bring me flowers...' on the 70s channel? Why do I
continually hear 'Convoy' on the America channel? Why do I continually
hear 'School' on the Deep Tracks channel? These are a few examples
of the repition on XM Radio.
"As I said, the 60s channel is unlistenable. I know those DJs are
multi-talented and you have cute schtick with 'Kid love,' or hearing
Motor mouth ramblings etc., but there is no music flow. There are too
many interruptions of music. I did not purchase XM to hear schtick, I WANT
TO HEAR MUSIC. I understand there will be interruptions - of course
it's radio, but, in my opinion, it's overdone on the 60s channel. It
seems like theyr'e trying to 'out-60s' themselves on that channel.
"I offer this criticism as a plea to improve XM. I know others who
have XM express the same sentiments I do. In fact, I'm thinking of
changing to Sirius if XM doesn't improve."