A notice in The Guardian anounces that Xfm has hired Jo Good to host its week-day afternoon. And?

[it is] the latest signing since reversing its policy to drop its daytime DJs.

I missed the announcement that they had decided to bring back daytime DJs. However, in the words of Xfm favourites The Hives, I hate to say I told you so. From my post at the time of the initial decision to ditch DJs:

Although DJ free radio has long been popular in the US, and has had mixed success here in the UK, I’m really not sure that it’s the right match for the audience (I presume) Xfm are going after, i.e. the 18-35 demographic.

Whilst there will always be a small buzz for those whose songs & playlists make it on to the air, I don’t see what will separate the new daytime Xfm from an iPod for all those whose suggestions don’t make it that far - except that unlike an iPod, the radio station will have been programmed by strangers.

The internet has actually given radio a new lease of life, as listeners from around the world can tune in; indeed an American friend of mine only listens to Virgin as he feels it’s much better than the local offerings, and this is exactly what Xfm lost when it made its move. So we’re glad that in this instance the owners of Xfm have recognised that it is DJs who differentiate radio from faceless web services.

Header image: msdeegan on Flickr

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