It’s just shy a year JVC Media debuted Classic Hits 104.9 WOW FM (WYGC) in Gainesville. I’ve given the station a listen this past week to see what was happening. I must confess I know so very little about the Gainesville radio market. There’s some enthusiastic radio fans and those in the business in that area though. When I presented the Labor Day music countdown last year, I had some very interesting conversations about the format and the music with a good number of people from Gainesville and even Ocala. I never found the time to really listen to WOW FM despite a number of requests to do so. Perhaps it’s better late than never but I did keep my promise!
According to online research, WYGC is a Class A at 3,200 watts and HAAT at 137 meters. Well, it’s not flamethrower signal. However, if the station can be heard well enough in places of business in Gainesville, and even residences, then of course, that’s a good thing for the format and the future. That could play into a suggestion for a midday talent.
Overall, I’m impressed. For starters, I do love the brand name – WOW! That means nothing to listeners if the music doesn’t convey WOW! In the number of times I tuned in via streaming, I found a song fitting that category. Most of the “wow” songs are from the 70’s.(Strawberry Letter 23, Kung Fu Fighting & The Rapper) to name just three. The 80’s are more along the lines of what I hear elsewhere but that’s not to say wow 80’s songs don’t exist. I couldn't find an actual playlist often found at other station sites. I heard Madonna featured frequently. Her music has really found a home on Classic Hits stations. She owned the 80’s pop and I heard many of her great songs.
What I don’t know is the clock. If songs are not properly rotated and if the playlist gets stale without additions and drops, then listeners will not be wowed and will head elsewhere. Hopefully, that isn’t the case.
There’s a number of syndicated shows 104.9 WOW FM offers and the one that delights me the most is Scott Shannon’s new program – America’s Greatest Hits. With specialty themed countdowns and imaginative programing and Scott himself, it really proves to be an awesome show. I’m delighted these guys decided to go with the show. I’m been listening for hours now as matter of fact.
The schedule lists AT 40 – The 70’s Sunday at 6AM. Another area says 9AM (I think). I hope it’s the early time. I absolutely love the program. However, my feeling is the nature of the program offers many obscure songs in the first half of the program. Listeners tend to get uncomfortable with the unfamiliar and tune out. Virtually, everyone who offers that program starts it as early as possible to negate any negative effects. That’s my recommendation here.
I also noticed AT40 – The 80’s is featured on Saturday at 5PM according to the schedule. In addition to what I said above concerning listener tune out over obscure songs, I think it goes even a step further. As the 80’s progressed, hit music was no longer a national music as it was in the 70’s. With AM mass-appeal type programming gone, music radio grew even more fragmented. It’s just a tough situation. The other thing is if the show happens to be from the very late 80’s, all those songs played one right after another can give the station a momentary identity problem. There would be an inconsistency in sound – not good. I’d move AT40’s – The 80’s to very early Saturday morning & swap with Scott Shannon and a show that is a better fit in my view for a daypart that has more listeners and potentially positive impacts. Even better, I’d dump it!
I’m delighted to see the station is live and local in morning and afternoon drive. I am not familiar with Wolf Bowers who is their morning jock. From what I read, he’s a known personality for the Gainesville area and so that’s perfectly fine. I’m happy to see JoJo Kincaid on in the afternoons. I’ve noticed he sounds so incredibly relaxed and happy. He was probably in a pressure-cooker at WRBQ.
Middays are automated. From all I know and experienced, middays is a daypart that can see time spent listening increase if there is a hook. The music variety helps and is office-friendly but the Greatest Hits format lends itself so well to personality. Middays seems to call out for a friendly voice helping the folks get through their workday. I believe it’s an investment worth making – even voice tracked – that’s fine. I’d love to see a decision to add personality in 10-3, especially with a female talent.
Last on the wish list would be Tom Kent at nights. I’ve never been that big on syndicated programming but his program has lots of “wow” songs and I believe it would be a perfect accompaniment. I’ve noticed WOW FM really does offer music variety. That’s what Tom Kent’s program is all about. If a Tom Kent is too expensive for weeknights, then I suggest some specialty programming at night. It’s absolutely amazing experiencing what is happening in greatest Hits formats. I’d also like them to look at the totally tubular songs Magic 102.7 (South Florida) is doing on Friday nights and offer something like that on Saturday nights. It’s worth a try. Listeners are in a party mood then and that kind of music would work well.
What a fun format! The songs and personality make such an incredible difference and I truly believe WOW FM has nailed it on a number of fronts. With some programming modifications and additional investments, I believe they can improve on what I believe is a good foundation. I’ve added WOW FM to my streaming stations list. I only wish I would have done it earlier. Kudos – I hope you stick with the format! I've looked through your social media sites and listeners seem pleased they have their station. It's always a shame when they lose what they love. IMO, the Greatest Hits format is the most exciting and alive format available for middle-aged adults on the radio. Best of luck! I'm hoping others familiar with Gainesville radio will give us their take.
According to online research, WYGC is a Class A at 3,200 watts and HAAT at 137 meters. Well, it’s not flamethrower signal. However, if the station can be heard well enough in places of business in Gainesville, and even residences, then of course, that’s a good thing for the format and the future. That could play into a suggestion for a midday talent.
Overall, I’m impressed. For starters, I do love the brand name – WOW! That means nothing to listeners if the music doesn’t convey WOW! In the number of times I tuned in via streaming, I found a song fitting that category. Most of the “wow” songs are from the 70’s.(Strawberry Letter 23, Kung Fu Fighting & The Rapper) to name just three. The 80’s are more along the lines of what I hear elsewhere but that’s not to say wow 80’s songs don’t exist. I couldn't find an actual playlist often found at other station sites. I heard Madonna featured frequently. Her music has really found a home on Classic Hits stations. She owned the 80’s pop and I heard many of her great songs.
What I don’t know is the clock. If songs are not properly rotated and if the playlist gets stale without additions and drops, then listeners will not be wowed and will head elsewhere. Hopefully, that isn’t the case.
There’s a number of syndicated shows 104.9 WOW FM offers and the one that delights me the most is Scott Shannon’s new program – America’s Greatest Hits. With specialty themed countdowns and imaginative programing and Scott himself, it really proves to be an awesome show. I’m delighted these guys decided to go with the show. I’m been listening for hours now as matter of fact.
The schedule lists AT 40 – The 70’s Sunday at 6AM. Another area says 9AM (I think). I hope it’s the early time. I absolutely love the program. However, my feeling is the nature of the program offers many obscure songs in the first half of the program. Listeners tend to get uncomfortable with the unfamiliar and tune out. Virtually, everyone who offers that program starts it as early as possible to negate any negative effects. That’s my recommendation here.
I also noticed AT40 – The 80’s is featured on Saturday at 5PM according to the schedule. In addition to what I said above concerning listener tune out over obscure songs, I think it goes even a step further. As the 80’s progressed, hit music was no longer a national music as it was in the 70’s. With AM mass-appeal type programming gone, music radio grew even more fragmented. It’s just a tough situation. The other thing is if the show happens to be from the very late 80’s, all those songs played one right after another can give the station a momentary identity problem. There would be an inconsistency in sound – not good. I’d move AT40’s – The 80’s to very early Saturday morning & swap with Scott Shannon and a show that is a better fit in my view for a daypart that has more listeners and potentially positive impacts. Even better, I’d dump it!
I’m delighted to see the station is live and local in morning and afternoon drive. I am not familiar with Wolf Bowers who is their morning jock. From what I read, he’s a known personality for the Gainesville area and so that’s perfectly fine. I’m happy to see JoJo Kincaid on in the afternoons. I’ve noticed he sounds so incredibly relaxed and happy. He was probably in a pressure-cooker at WRBQ.
Middays are automated. From all I know and experienced, middays is a daypart that can see time spent listening increase if there is a hook. The music variety helps and is office-friendly but the Greatest Hits format lends itself so well to personality. Middays seems to call out for a friendly voice helping the folks get through their workday. I believe it’s an investment worth making – even voice tracked – that’s fine. I’d love to see a decision to add personality in 10-3, especially with a female talent.
Last on the wish list would be Tom Kent at nights. I’ve never been that big on syndicated programming but his program has lots of “wow” songs and I believe it would be a perfect accompaniment. I’ve noticed WOW FM really does offer music variety. That’s what Tom Kent’s program is all about. If a Tom Kent is too expensive for weeknights, then I suggest some specialty programming at night. It’s absolutely amazing experiencing what is happening in greatest Hits formats. I’d also like them to look at the totally tubular songs Magic 102.7 (South Florida) is doing on Friday nights and offer something like that on Saturday nights. It’s worth a try. Listeners are in a party mood then and that kind of music would work well.
What a fun format! The songs and personality make such an incredible difference and I truly believe WOW FM has nailed it on a number of fronts. With some programming modifications and additional investments, I believe they can improve on what I believe is a good foundation. I’ve added WOW FM to my streaming stations list. I only wish I would have done it earlier. Kudos – I hope you stick with the format! I've looked through your social media sites and listeners seem pleased they have their station. It's always a shame when they lose what they love. IMO, the Greatest Hits format is the most exciting and alive format available for middle-aged adults on the radio. Best of luck! I'm hoping others familiar with Gainesville radio will give us their take.
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