Let me start by saying I'm a huge fan of personality radio no matter the format. Many FM stations run commercial free segments which can run for well over one hour.
What I fail to understand is why some jocks go to great lengths to talk and talk and talk. Sure, they are commercial free, but repetitive nonsense is a turnoff.
I understand promoting a station event, an upcoming concert, a contest, etc. All perfectly fine. However, let's respect both the audience and the music.
I was never a fan of "Jack-FM " which ran snarky liners on WJMK-FM 104.3 for too many years. There was no personality there, yet, that format has proven successful in a number of markets.
I'm not advocating non-stop music in a commercial free segment, however, let's try to strike a balance.
Seasoned radio personalities have a special relationship with their listeners and social media has enhanced that relationship.
When a station I've noted runs "commercial free", then runs a 60 sec promo or has a remote 3 times in the hour (easily 2 min each) the station lost its credibility, and I LOVE radio, but a lie is a lie. The station stopped the flow.