Journal to buy WNOX 100.3

[TheProToolsParadox]

And I know what you mean about the WNOX call letters, but in all honesty, call letters truly mean nothing in today's radio world. And the only real branding associated with the NOX calls recently is news talk. (Anyone older who remembers the more heritage top 40 & country associations really aren't in any kind of target demo anyway).

I know. And you're right. But I get a knot in my stomach thinking about the possibility that those calls could go away again.

[Enigma]

A local TV rep got an avail from Journal's agency this week.

[Tennessee Cowboy]

Opie Joe was rumored to be seen canoodling with Angelina Jolie over Salisbury steak at Wrights Cafeteria.

[Tennessee Cowboy]

Given Johnny's storied history, did anyone else expect him to go out with a bang instead of a whimper?

[Tennessee Cowboy]

I guess not, then.

[Fiveahead]

I guess not, then.

What do you want us to say?

That he's changed the landscape of the Knoxville radio market and finally made it a level playing field among the 100kw signals while swamping all the rimshots?

Ok. That.

[Hello Larry]

I'm sure there are several here that were halfway wondering if he was going to pull another rabbit out of his hat.

[BRH]

I'm just glad it's finally sold, and I'm ready for Journal to get on the ball & take over. I noticed that as part of the sale, Journal was requiring some transmitter upgrades. (I'm guessing maybe HD upgrade to match their other stations). Maybe that's part of what they're waiting for.
As far as Pirkle, nothing against him, but I just thought his stations always sounded really cheaply ran. I used to hate "I 100" back in the day when I was in my teens/20s. I always thought it was a horribly programmed & produced CHR, with little money or research put into it. I much preferred crosstown "95-3 TNZ" over them.  And also, the recent news/talk format was really awful as well. Once again, weak shows & virtually no money spent on professional imaging and promos for the station. (it all sounds like cheap, in house stuff). About the only format that I really thought they put a bit of money & effort into was the Hitkicker country format in the mid 90's. They had Mark Driscoll doing sweepers & used the Young Country jingle package.  And they hired a good PD (Brian Landrum), who knew how to program a young leaning country format.

Anyway, some may lament the loss of a local owner, but personally, I'm glad it's once again in the hands of a company that will actually spend some money on creating a professional, larger market sounding station. So, bring on "Q100" & "Classic Hits 93.1" (if that's truly what they are going to do, as per rumors).

[Tennessee Cowboy]

This should be something to watch.  Cumulus now seems too big to make adjustments to a challenge.  And a good chunk of Journal employees used to work there and know their soft spots.  WIVK's low spot was a 15 share last year.  They're back up to a 19 now.  There must be a lot of people betting WIVK will be even with WJXB this spring.

All that aside, who ever expected that JP would be gift wrapping some substantial assets as a gift for Allen Dick?

[Elkhosen]

So, anyone have thoughts when 100.3 will actually flip? I'm ready for one less talk station on FM. Also hopeful that 93.1 goes classic hits. We'll see.