How is Rock 98.9 doing?

[CarAgencyGuy]

So now that we're four plus months into the new format, thoughts on how Rock 98.9 doing? Loved the initial stunting to their transition - they sure started off with a bang. Most noticeable to me was the change in 'branding voice' from something with attitude to something presumably more 'accessible' (read generic they sound like many other stations now). Smart move? How about the music- now that the initial novelty has worn off is it something folks will listen to all day? Other stations have undoubtedly made tweeks to defend. I thought the initial promo with the T shirts and Facebook was a good alternative to the old days of running TV to make yourself known, has that initiative gained any traction or is there further development of their brand? I know they hired a PD not sure who else has come on board...
Just something to chat about since the board has been quiet.

 

[Rob Piotrowski]

We should know today - the August (that's right, August) numbers are due out at 2p PDT.

 

[boombox4]

Anecdotal, of course -- but the mid to late 20 something guy across the street and his pals had it blasting away when they were working on their offroad trucks last weekend. They're probably slightly under the target demo...

Hearing it on someone's FM is a sign at least somebody's listening.

I like their mix of music, as I've said before on this board.

 

[Roddybob]

I'm interested to know if and when they start hiring a full time air staff and what they envision it to be like. Kim Monroe is fine in afternoon drive, but who is going to do mornings? Or will they stay music all the time?

 

[iamarussianpirate]

KVRQ’s growth looks like you’d expect with 4 (almost 5) books under its belt. 45-54 men is core. Top 5 in July for Men 45-54 in most dayparts. Doing really well on weekends for some reason. In July they were #1 Men 25-54, Men 35-54 and Men 45-54 Sa-Su 10a-7p.

KISW took an initial hit with Men 25-54 in the April book when KVRQ was commercial free, and then bounced back in May and June only to drop big in July. KISW was down 22% with Men 25-54 from June to July and down 32% from July ’15 to July ’16.

KZOK is down 54% year to year with Men 25-54. At the same time, KJR-FM is up 53%. So the rise of KJR combined with the flip of 98.9 has definitely put a dent in KZOK.
Interesting to look at the music makeup of KVRQ, KISW and KZOK as well. KVRQ has an average song year of 1987.8. KISW is a little younger at 1994.7 and KZOK is still the oldest classic rock station in the country at 1976.4. KVRQ is also playing more music (as they should be). 2172 spins last week with KISW at 1584 and KZOK at 1616. KVRQ has a library of 378 songs, KISW at 416 and KZOK at 754.

Carey Curlop hasn’t changed much of anything on KZOK since KVRQ debuted. Wondering if he’ll feel the need to tighten the playlist and maybe move the average year out of the 70’s. Carey, you don’t need a library of 750 songs when you only play 1600 songs each week!

 

[bobdavcav]

Hmm your analysis is interesting. I'd feel more comfortable with KVRQ if Hubbard also owned both the other rock stations as was the case in Phoenix until 93.3 went Alt, but that's not the case. If it were, they'd be able to sell everything in combo, which would make them some good money.

 

[AQH]

Hmm your analysis is interesting. I'd feel more comfortable with KVRQ if Hubbard also owned both the other rock stations as was the case in Phoenix until 93.3 went Alt, but that's not the case. If it were, they'd be able to sell everything in combo, which would make them some good money.

Entercom owns KISW and The End. KISW sells terrific, The End not so much.

 

[AQH]

KVRQ’s growth looks like you’d expect with 4 (almost 5) books under its belt. 45-54 men is core. Top 5 in July for Men 45-54 in most dayparts. Doing really well on weekends for some reason. In July they were #1 Men 25-54, Men 35-54 and Men 45-54 Sa-Su 10a-7p.

KISW took an initial hit with Men 25-54 in the April book when KVRQ was commercial free, and then bounced back in May and June only to drop big in July. KISW was down 22% with Men 25-54 from June to July and down 32% from July ’15 to July ’16.

KZOK is down 54% year to year with Men 25-54. At the same time, KJR-FM is up 53%. So the rise of KJR combined with the flip of 98.9 has definitely put a dent in KZOK.
Interesting to look at the music makeup of KVRQ, KISW and KZOK as well. KVRQ has an average song year of 1987.8. KISW is a little younger at 1994.7 and KZOK is still the oldest classic rock station in the country at 1976.4. KVRQ is also playing more music (as they should be). 2172 spins last week with KISW at 1584 and KZOK at 1616. KVRQ has a library of 378 songs, KISW at 416 and KZOK at 754.

Carey Curlop hasn’t changed much of anything on KZOK since KVRQ debuted. Wondering if he’ll feel the need to tighten the playlist and maybe move the average year out of the 70’s. Carey, you don’t need a library of 750 songs when you only play 1600 songs each week!

Good overview. Certainly something is going to have to change at KZOK, next week should be interesting.

 

[bobdavcav]

Speaking of wondering how new stations are doing, I'm wondering about Power. They seem to not be able to make any kind of dent in Movin's ratings 6+, but I'm wondering about demos. It sure seems like for as hard as they're trying to compete with Movin', they're not getting that far.

 

[Rob Piotrowski]

Speaking of wondering how new stations are doing, I'm wondering about Power. They seem to not be able to make any kind of dent in Movin's ratings 6+, but I'm wondering about demos. It sure seems like for as hard as they're trying to compete with Movin', they're not getting that far.

Any analysis of 6+ ratings is irrelevant. Get the in-demo numbers and try again.

 

[DOB]

Any analysis of 6+ ratings is irrelevant. Get the in-demo numbers and try again.

Why so mean? You can look at the 6+ and tell how a station is doing in the target demos, if they serve their demos well the 6+ will reflect that.

KPWK is #4 18-34, better than KUBE was, but they are just a little knat on KQMV, KQMV has the strong morning show that sets the day up, they don't give anyone a reason to switch for hit music.

With the lack of any other urban based stations in the market KHTP is now #1 18-34, #2 18-49, and #3 25-54, KQMV #2 18-34 and #1 again in the other two demos.

 

[bobdavcav]

Hmm interesting. That doesn't surprise me, the 6+ numbers are slightly better than KUBE. Rob, that point has been brought up so many times before. My question to you is are you in the industry yourself, or just an armchair programmer like many of the rest of us on this board? If the latter, then you shouldn't be telling me that 6+ numbers are erelavant, because I know that already. Dob, as far as 6+ reflecting the demo numbers, that argument, while logical, doesn't necisarily apply everywhere. You'd think that if Star were winning 25-54 as they are, that they'd do better 6+, but they always with only a few exceptions, finish in the middle of the pack in the 6+ numbers.

 

[AQH]

You can look at the 6+ and tell how a station is doing in the target demos, if they serve their demos well the 6+ will reflect that.

Ahhhh, if it were only that simple.

 

[boombox4]

Thanks for the info on the numbers, Russianpirate. Interesting.

It's possible what hits KISW is the fact that while they have talk, KVRQ is playing music. I've read comments by experts in the industry here (on other threads) that music seems to drive radio listening.

One question I have is whether 102.9 is making a dent at all, or can it?

 

[bossbill]

I'm chuckling to myself with visions of first grade students carrying a PPM in their lunch buckets... with everything we now know about the flawed PPM technology, we still want to BELIEVE...

 

[Kelly A]

Iwith everything we now know about the flawed PPM technology, we still want to BELIEVE...

Sort of off topic, but since you brought it up Bill.. I know you've been very clear that you're not a fan of PPM, but I'm curious to hear more details on your impressions. When you say flawed PPM technology, what examples of the flaws and results are causing you to arrive at those conclusions?

I don't have a dog in the fight either way, but am curious, given you've been in this business as long, or maybe even longer than me.

 

[davideduardo]

I'm chuckling to myself with visions of first grade students carrying a PPM in their lunch buckets... with everything we now know about the flawed PPM technology, we still want to BELIEVE...

Children under 12 are required to carry the meter for fewer hours. The 6 to 12 set is treated very differently.

 

[Bongwater]

I'm chuckling to myself with visions of first grade students carrying a PPM in their lunch buckets... with everything we now know about the flawed PPM technology, we still want to BELIEVE...

I can just imagine the reaction to a PPM at first grade school show and tell (Well, once the lockdown is finished and the bomb squad left, anyway.)

 

[fordranger797]

Maybe it's time they just do away with 6+ numbers entirely. It will save a lot of frustration on the Seattle RD board! I'm relatively certain we had the same conversation on here a month ago...

 

[davideduardo]

I can just imagine the reaction to a PPM at first grade school show and tell (Well, once the lockdown is finished and the bomb squad left, anyway.)

I believe there is no requirement for kids to carry the meter to school. 6 to 11 year-olds have a very reduced daily "in movement" time compared to adults in order for the household to be in compliance.