Farewell, Energy 92.7

An important part of San Francisco and our lives was taken away from us this week, replaced with a cookie cutter top 40 station programmed by someone 500 miles away. Each day, that fact sinks in a little harder.

Energy was the model of how radio can be successful today, with community focus and passion; a breath of fresh air among the conglomerate-owned stations that have become the norm. Energy was about much more than music. What made Energy truly great were the people. I’m so thankful that I was able to be a small part of the station. In roughly seven months, I learned a lot, met some amazing people, and saw the inner workings of the best radio station on the planet. Love and appreciation to everyone.

The worst part is that the station replacing our Energy has not an ounce of originality. Even the new website and station logo are a clone of Stolz’s Vegas station. There is no original content on the site, which only feeds from entertainment news streams and links out to other content providers. There is no play list, only a list of the top 10 music downloads reported by Billboard, presumably the basis for the station’s programming. Seriously, what is “revolutionary” about top music downloads and 90s hits?

The loss personally affects the staff and listeners, but should matter to everyone, whether you like dance music or not. I know it’s the reality of the radio business, but to me there is something wrong when a unique, locally owned and operated station like Energy is replaced with a soulless machine.

Energy was special. It might not have had the signal strength or ratings of some bigger stations, but it had a loyal and committed audience not only in the Bay Area, but around the world. Energy was a fierce supporter of the LGBT community, drawing listeners straight and gay alike, and provided a sense of belonging for us all.

I am hopeful for the future, but I can’t help mourn the loss of Energy. There is a huge scar on the face of San Francisco, in the world of dance music, and on my heart.

Don Parker signs off of Energy 92.7