The slogan "TELL THEM WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR!!" tops the main page connected to the links above, while the spiel directly beneath the headline reads: "Your opinion Counts! It's easy to change the sound of Denver Radio. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what stations you listen to. Listen to your assigned station. Share your opinion and tell us what's good and what's bad. The two minutes you take to share your thoughts will make a difference." That's followed by boxes for respondents to type in their name, e-mail address, work place, work-place zip code and an address to which a prize can be sent; what kind of prize or the odds of actually earning one aren't specified.
Next comes the actual survey, in which web surfers are asked to choose their favorite and second-favorite local station from an extensive list, as well as to denote their favorite local personalities and to estimate how many hours per day they listen to the radio. As a capper, there's a spot where people can enter the e-mail addresses of three friends who might want to take part in the survey, too.
Based on the text that pops up after clicking on a line labeled "WHY WE NEED THIS INFORMATION," such folks probably won't remain friends for long. Here's that obfuscatory message:
Privacy StatementWe need accurate contact information so we can send you a follow-up survey. In the event that you win a prize during this contest, we will contact you at this address.
By submitting this form you are also giving permission for the sponsoring radio station to communicate with you from time to time by mail or e-mail. You may opt-out of this list at any time and your information will never be disclosed to any third party.
You will asked to test one radio station over the next few weeks. Within 6 weeks you will be sent a brief follow-up survey for your thoughts and opinions.
Thanks for participating!
Who's behind this web address? In all likelihood, our good friends at Clear Channel, the mega-corporation that controls eight of the most powerful radio outlets in the Denver metro area. A local listener reveals that he heard a spot about the survey on the Fox, Clear Channel's classic-rock signal.
Of course, asking folks about their radio habits isn't problematic in and of itself. But not divulging who's doing the asking, and designating guileless surfers to get a potential barrage of promotional messages from station or stations unknown, is flat-out creepy. This site won't change the sound of Denver radio -- but it might change the amount of junk mail flooding the suckers who visit it. -- Michael Roberts
