The innovators at 97X have done it. The Tampa Bay radio station has produced the first interactive app allowing listeners to determine just what's played on air — and because it's free, there's nothing stopping you from casting your vote. But beware — battling other app users to hear your favorite song can become extremely addictive.
The interactive app draws from an archive of more than 1,800 songs that encompasses artists not formerly part of the alt rock station's format, which means there's likely something for everyone. An "Open Mic" option gives you the chance to record a 10-second voice message stating your name, where you're from, and what song you voted on. If your song wins and your message is selected, 97X sends you a text alerting you as to when both will be on air. You can also vote on whether you love or hate a track that's playing at any given point by clicking the "Play More" or "Play Less" buttons located on the home screen. And no worries if you don't have access to the app — all these features are also available on 97X's website.
This article appears in Feb 7-13, 2013.
