Sydney’s WSFM has had an overwhelming response to its ‘Tune Up’ promotion, in which listeners ‘play doctor’, provide a check up and can win cash for ideas.

Celebrating its 25th year on air, WS is refining its content and has been asking all would-be ‘programmers’ to “help it get even better” by filling out a “doctor’s chart” and sending it back with comments on music, news and information, community/sport announcements and contests.

WSFM Program Director, Graeme Edwards, says the four week promotion is about getting the station’s loyal listeners more directly involved: “We’ve certainly achieved that with cartons of letters, thousands of interactive returns and heaps of comments/suggestions on the regular feedback page on our website.

“In fact, we’ve already implemented a number of suggestions. Traffic is just one good example. One listener suggested our traffic updates should start with headlines, as with news bulletins. We’ve changed that and the response has been excellent.

“Traditionally, WSFM listeners have always been very loyal and passionate. We want them to be more motivated and to take a greater, direct interest in their radio station.”

The Week 1 Tune Up has finished, although WSFM is still taking interactive responses, and the Easter break has started Week 2 with a ‘Weekend of 1000 Classic Hits’.

Graeme Edwards says: “it’s a great opportunity to play music not heard for some time. Unfortunately, Sydney has so few music stations that so many good tracks get forgotten and don’t get played. It’s a terrific chance for listeners to reaquaint themselves with hundreds and hundreds of once loved classic hits, which rarely make it on air.

“Week 3 is ‘Australia’s Biggest Music Test’. Instead of conducting more research behind closed doors, we’re throwing this one open. It will be a bit like radio’s version of the ‘National IQ Test’.

“Week 4 is shaping as a fascinating finale. The ‘Big Sydney Breakfast Test’ will ask questions about ALL Sydney breakfast shows and the results should be intriguing!”