http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2002310842,00.html
George song's radio snub
Fading star ... George has come under a barrage of protest
By THOMAS WHITAKER
Showbiz Reporter
GEORGE Michael’s controversial new single was destined to be a humiliating flop last night after a major snub by radio stations.
Shoot The Dog — widely condemned as anti-American — has failed to make it on to crucial radio playlists.
Bosses at Radio 1, Britain’s biggest station, decided it was not even among the best 55 songs of the week.
Heart FM and London’s Capital Radio also left it off their playlists.
A music insider said Radio 1’s snub could be “disastrous” for Michael, adding: “With his career on the decline, someone like George needs all the help he can get.”
The Sun told last week how the 39-year-old ex-Wham! star was branded a coward for refusing to release the song in the US.
Outrage ... song sparks fury
The cartoon video for Shoot The Dog jokes about the aftermath of September 11, and portrays President George Bush and PM Tony Blair as gay lovers.
Experts warned the single could wreck his career, and there were calls to ban him from America, where he lives with boyfriend Kenny Goss.
Radio 1 producers discussed the song when they met as usual last week.
But they failed to put it on any of their three playlists.
The top few chosen singles on Radio 1’s ‘A’ list are played at least 30 times a week. Songs on the ‘B’ list are aired at least 15 times, with ‘C’ list singles guaranteed five plays a week.
Radio 1, which boasts 13 million listeners a week, said: “There are 55 songs on three lists altogether. The George Michael song was discussed by the committee but failed to make it.
“That does not mean it will not make it on the playlist in the future.”
Spokesman Nick Caley added: “I can’t go into what was said about Shoot The Dog as it was a private meeting. The song will be discussed again by our panel.”
Weak ... Michael's US cop-out
DJs do not normally attend the meetings, but do have a say through the producers of their shows.
Radio 1 has so far played Shoot The Dog just twice.
Capital Radio said: “We have played it a few times, but it is not on our playlist. A decision on that will be taken this week.”
The music industry insider added: “Having lots of airtime boosts sales. It is very important to have your record played to the millions who tune into Radio 1.”
Pop guru Pete Waterman said the Radio 1 snub would not hurt Michael as he was now too “old-fashioned” for its listeners, but it was important for him to be on the Capital playlist.
He added: “George is trying to be too trendy. He should go back to songs like Careless Whisper.”
Michael has had 12 No1 singles, as a solo artist and with Wham!, the last in 1996.