Suomi pop

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THE FINNISH POP CULTURE PORTAL

Radio
Interview : Esa Lahdenpää / Program director of Suomi POP

When and how was created SuomiPop?
SuomiPOP started 19.3.2001. Company (P4 Finland) was sold to the Metromedia Int.

Where is the name of the station coming from?
It is related to our format wich is Suomi POP and Rock music.

How could you present SuomiPop to our readers who don't know it?
SuomiPOP is a channel wich plays only Finnish Music (of course also songs that have english lyrics.)

It seems that, in Finland, the FM radio changed radically during the 90's with the apparition of many radio stations. How would you qualify the situation nowadays?
Situation on radiomarket is pretty difficult. Too many stations sounds like each other. After SuomiPOP came to the market, situation changed. Now all the stations plays much more Finnish music.

Did you decide to focus on a targeted audience?
Yes, we targeted people how really loves and want´s to listen to finnish music, young adults.

Do you have a web site? What kind of information or content do you propose there?
www.radiosuomipop.fi Our web site is a meetingplace for our listeners. There are lot´s of competitions and also mediainformation for our clients. You can leave your request songs, feedback to DJ:s and watch our TOP 30 list.

Do your radio station uses much internet as a feedback possibility or for other purposes?
Yes, and in the near future we will use our web site as a tool for the musicresearch

It was once said, few years ago, that internet would probably revolutionize or replace the traditional radio. What is your opinion regarding this?
Nooooo! I don´t belive that. Still people are listening radio on the their cars and summerhouses. Not everyone want´s to put internet connections in their summer places.

What other radio stations do you like to listen? Why?
Groove FM. Groove have so different kind of music than we have and i like good groovin music.

If you had the chance or possibility to create a new radio station in Finland, what kind of content / format would you offer?
National rockstation. New and old stuff. Limp Bizkit vs. Elvis

When we speak about content, do you think that music is the most important element for a traditionnal radio station?
Yes, If you have a right kind of music thats almost have of the battle against other stations.

What are your projects for the future?
To became a bigger and better than ever :)

Interview by Vincent Lefrançois - 2003