Seton launches heart-healthy Internet radio station

There's a very new, very niche radio station in town, but you won't find it on your car stereo.

That's because Seton.FM is available only on your computer or smartphone.

Launched as part of National Heart Month, the Seton Healthcare Family's newest offering serves up round-the-clock details on heart health.

All month long, tune in to hear news and tips from Seton's doctors and specialists from across Central Texas. They might even answer your questions on the air. Just call 843-1649 and leave a message.

"We were looking for a really creative way to get this information out there," said Mimi Quinn, part of Seton's marketing team. "The pieces just came together.

"This is not something anyone has done anywhere else, as far as we can tell."

James McCurdy serves as DJ for Seton.FM. His day job at Seton is in physician relations and physician recruiting, focusing primarily on the Seton Heart Institute.

The radio gig, though, lets him return to his broadcasting roots. Before entering the medical sector, he spent nearly four decades working in radio and TV, starting while he was a student at McMurry University in Abilene.

"This has been a real hoot," McCurdy said. "It was fun to jump back in. What's better than getting paid to talk?"

Quite a bit has changed over the years, though. Back when McCurdy was working in Abilene, he started out spinning records on old-school turntables. These days, of course, everything's digital.

"It's totally different now," he said. "Just punch a button. It's pretty simple."

Seton has been updating the station's content all month long – some new goodies went up this week – in an effort to keep things fresh. Right now, there's about 15 minutes of programming on a loop.

Much of that information, McCurdy and Quinn say, isn't widely known outside the medical community.

Take heart disease, for instance: "The risks for women are different than they are for those of us with hairy legs," McCurdy said.

You'll also get details on the latest cardiology procedures, as well as information on signs and symptoms that could indicate the presence of heart issues.

And, bad news for me, they have the lowdown on energy drinks. Short version: They're not that great for you. Can't say I'm surprised. I am a wee bit sad, though.

The plan is to keep broadcasting heart health information throughout February, according to Quinn. After that, she says, the possibilities are limitless.

"James' talent is pretty obvious," Quinn said. "This isn't just a one and done thing."

On the Web

www.Seton.FM

NPR Music rolls out iPad app

In the mood to jam?

The fine folks at NPR Music have rolled out a new iPad app serving up bunches of cool stuff, including live performances, artist interviews and streams from 100-plus public radio stations nationwide.

To celebrate the launch, NPR has scheduled an exclusive in-app concert with the Shins at 9 p.m. March 7. They'll be performing songs from their new album, "Port of Morrow."

If you don't have an iPad, head to npr.org starting March 8 for a replay. (And the Shins will be in Austin for South by Southwest next month, when they'll also tape an episode of "Austin City Limits" on March 18 at ACL Live.)

Around the dial ...

Happy birthday to Majic 95.5, celebrating 25 years on Austin's radio dial. ... South by Southwest giveaways have started. BOB-FM is offering up SXSW wristbands on its website, 1035bobfm.com. ... Read my blog at austin360.com/tvblog or follow @gdinges on Twitter to get the latest updates on local radio and TV stations.

gdinges@statesman.com; 912-5987

Most-played list: 
Flo Rida cruises to another win

Flo Rida is once again atop Austin's most-played list.

His "Good Feeling" was heard 230 times on local radio stations Feb. 7-13, according to AllAccess.com. The previous week, it had 233 spins.

Next up was Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain," which had 215 plays. Rihanna's "We Found Love" was heard 192 times, putting her in third.