I saw a last week on radio insight that WJXB is acquiring the 107.3 translator and upgrading it to 240 watts. From what it said, the plans are to broadcast an HD2 channel. What are some predictions that the format might be. I see Top 40 or Rhythmic Top 40 to go after Star or Hot.
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B 97.5 on 107.3
- Thread starter Ktownradioman
- Start date
I hope they bring Power FM back in some way of form. It was a true CHR
I like Star's adult lean, but I have always liked Adult CHRs for whatever reason. I hadn't heard about them buying the translator, but good for them. It was such a waste as a bad sounding WIJV simulcast. I won't begin to speculate as to a format because there are so many options. Since you're doing some wishful thinking for the return of Power FM, I'll do the same for the return of Jack FM.
If they're in the buying mood, I wonder if 106.7 might be available soon. Blue Ridge Broadcasting just dropped their locally programmed 106.7 The Light and fired the local staff and are now just simulcasting WMIT. That doesn't seem like the kind of move that is made by a company who wants to stay here much longer.
If they're in the buying mood, I wonder if 106.7 might be available soon. Blue Ridge Broadcasting just dropped their locally programmed 106.7 The Light and fired the local staff and are now just simulcasting WMIT. That doesn't seem like the kind of move that is made by a company who wants to stay here much longer.
I don't follow the CCM scene that much but the market seems a little crowded for listeners and donations. With both EMF formats, the deep rimshot WIJV (now simulcasting it's AM on a 94.7 translator), and probably somebody I'm missing, I can see it just becoming a repeater if not selling. Wish list for the new 107.3? An actual, well programmed oldies station as opposed to the 97.1 playback of a collector's collection of obscure early 60s with an occasional hit--obviously not going to happen. Country-we're full and Midwest already has one. There's no real reason to try to take down 93.1, which is mostly selling event sponsorship packages. So, logic would say go after the biggest threat to 97.5 and we['re back at the beginning of the thread.
This is good news. I asked awhile back why Knoxville has no HD2 stations feeding translators (like most other markets now do). I had also noticed that B97.5's HD signal has been turned off the last few weeks. Now, I'm assuming it's for upgrades for multiple HD feeds. I'm hoping they'll also launch HD2 programming on WIMZ in the future also (if they can pick up another translator to feed). As far as formats, yeah, the two former formats they had on 95.7 seem the most obvious. (Power FM's CHR or Jack's Adult Hits format). I would argue that there is a hole for either adult hits or a better version of classic hits than 93.1's automated stuff. I think the hole is for a more 80s/90s based format, which is where most classic hits & adult hits stations have moved to. (93.1 is too 70s heavy & honestly is the most boring, no effort, classic hits station I've heard). So I'm thinking either CHR or an 80s focused format to flank either side of B97.5. (Which has evolved to sound pretty Hot ACish lately anyway in their fight w/ Star). Another, less likely option might be to take on Pirkle's 94.3 with some form of alternative or the return of active rock or even a AAA slanted format. Anyway, just please no more country
I'm hoping for the 80s/90s based adult hits format.
I'm hoping for the 80s/90s based adult hits format.WTNQ's OK, but there's still something missing. Can't quite put my finger on it. OF course coverage isn't so good the places in the market I tend to be,
93.1 has 2 live and local personalities (one who is literally everywhere doing public appearances) and though we, as people who participate on a board like this, know that the Storq voice trackers aren't here, no one else does (unless one of them mispronounces "Bijou"). I doubt there would be any more on a translator.
Knoxville's translators have tended not to go to the major players, and that isn't neccesarily a bad thing.
Knoxville's translators have tended not to go to the major players, and that isn't neccesarily a bad thing.
This is good news. I asked awhile back why Knoxville has no HD2 stations feeding translators (like most other markets now do). I had also noticed that B97.5's HD signal has been turned off the last few weeks. Now, I'm assuming it's for upgrades for multiple HD feeds. I'm hoping they'll also launch HD2 programming on WIMZ in the future also (if they can pick up another translator to feed). As far as formats, yeah, the two former formats they had on 95.7 seem the most obvious. (Power FM's CHR or Jack's Adult Hits format). I would argue that there is a hole for either adult hits or a better version of classic hits than 93.1's automated stuff. I think the hole is for a more 80s/90s based format, which is where most classic hits & adult hits stations have moved to. (93.1 is too 70s heavy & honestly is the most boring, no effort, classic hits station I've heard). So I'm thinking either CHR or an 80s focused format to flank either side of B97.5. (Which has evolved to sound pretty Hot ACish lately anyway in their fight w/ Star). Another, less likely option might be to take on Pirkle's 94.3 with some form of alternative or the return of active rock or even a AAA slanted format. Anyway, just please no more country
Yeah, I realize wanting improvements at 93.1 is probably not going to happen. I'm not a fan of the out of market satellite/voiceovers, & would prefer it be voiced locally w/ better sweepers, production, jingles, etc., but from a business standpoint, it's probably not worth it. They're already maximizing that signal w/ fair ratings & basically little expense. I'm just kind of hoping the new signal may try to flank B97.5 on the upper end w/ an 80s/90s focus (even if it's just a jukebox w/ no announcers). I still think the adult hits (Jack/Bob fm, or some similar 8os/90s focus, or a young leaning CHR make the most sense as far as helping out B97.5 by flanking them). Active rock might make sense as a combo sell w/ 'IMZ, but there's not a lot of ratings or money in rock these days.
Yeah, hopefully they are still tweaking the signal, or maybe haven't upgraded it yet. I know in the past when it was simulcasting WIJV, it seemed, at times, to have a pretty decent signal. Overall, 107.3 & 99.7 seem like the most powerful of the Knox area translators. I know going west, they're both listenable in the car till you head down the hill near Watt Rd.
I wasn't sure how their signal was to the south. I thought they were supposed to have done an upgrade but it doesn't seem like anything has changed.
I slipped out for lunch, sat in my car and though I'd check out the 107.3 translator. I heard a Contemporary Christian format called "J103" in downtown Sevierville. I thought it was odd that Midwest would put a redundant contemporary Christian format on the translator, but I suppose in a community that's still part Bible Belt it could be a companion format to A/C, both attracting the Soccer Mom demo. Top of the hour comes and the ID is for WJQZ Gatlinburg-Sevierville-Pigeon Forge, an LPFM. Needless to say the Knoxville translator won't be making it there.
So this LPFM is rebroadcasting a commercial FM? Something smells funny about that. For those who don't know, J103 is definitely commercial.
Ah, that makes sense. Your original point is true though about the translator's signal reach. There is a tendency to think these translators will be able to compete against the big guys but listeners on the outskirts aren't going to put up with such an inferior signal.
I think actually that 97.1 has the best translator coverage from way up there on Bluff Mountain. Can you imagine what their signal would be if they were the full 250 watts?
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