subject: Determining The Top 40 Radio Hits [print this page] Determining The Top 40 Radio Hits Determining The Top 40 Radio Hits
In the radio industry, a song's popularity is measured by the demand for the song based on the volume of requests from listeners and sales. The Top 40 is a well known method of measuring the popularity of music tracks over a specified time period, which can be anywhere from a week to a year. Top 40 play back became a dominant radio format during the 1960's and persisted until the 1980's. You can always find your favorite Top 40 music on internet radio.
You may be wondering how Top 40 works. What is the manner in which the Top 40 are determined and how does a particular song make it to the top? We will offer you an explanation. Each week, the 100 most popular songs are put into a chart by Billboard. The Billboard chart is based on a national sample of top radio airplay and music sales. The Top 40 songs are subsequently taken from the chart compiled by Billboard.
Airplay is the first process in determining the songs to be included in the Top 40. Broadcast Data Systems (BDS), which is operated by Neilsen, calculates airplay for all songs. BDS uses a certain technology called digital pattern-recognition to capture songs that are being played on radio stations and music channels all over the US and Canada. This recognition process is run 24/7 and captures over 100 million songs annually; the data gathered is then used by Billboard in compiling weekly charts.
The second method used in Top 40 determination is the number of sales that are reported from music stores for particular albums. To track sales, Billboard then uses Sound Scan, another technology developed by Neilsen that keeps track of record sales all over the US and Canada. When we purchase an album, sales data from the barcode is passed to Sound Scan and the stored data is compiled and published weekly.
The methodology of Billboard in weighting the compiled data has changed over time. In the past, sales were give an ten percent weight with ninety percent of the determination weighted on air play. Now, they use 80% airplay and 20% sales because of shifting trends in how many people listen to radio versus how many people actually purchase singles. You can search for the Top 40 via online radio.
Most recording artists' goal is to sell albums, and for albums to sell, their songs must be popular on the radio. If a song can make it to the Top 40, a huge increase in sales generally follows. Top 40 has been a measuring stick for album sales and the trend will likely continue.
If an artist does not make the Top 40 it does not necessarily make for a lack of success. Not all musicians are after big sales after all. Some are happy making a living and enjoying the artistic aspect of their craft.
The Top 40 is an useful tool to determine which artists popularity are on the rise and which are stagnating.
