CBS Radio-Entercom merger and AMP Radio

[miketheradioguy]

It would be interesting to see what Entercom plans to do with CBS' AMP Radio stations once they close the merger. I noticed most of the AMP stations aren't doing well against their respective iHeartMedia competitors. I know that CBS flipped 96.5 in Philly to AC a month before they announced their merger with Entercom. Although it would be interesting if Entercom could flip some of the AMP stations post-merger.

Here's a list predictions I came up with if Entercom plans to flip any of the AMP stations post-merger:

I would like to see Entercom flip 101.9 AMP in Orlando back to 102 JAMZ. Considering that the station is being reunited with its Piedmont Triad sister, it would be very interesting to see if 102 JAMZ could "bounce back" with the reunion.

In New York City, Entercom could flip 92.3 to a simulcast of either WCBS or WINS. Same goes for Detroit if Entercom plans to flip 98.7 to a simulcast of WWJ.

In Boston, 103.3 AMP may flip depending which stations Entercom is spinning since it's an overlapping market where Entercom will need to spin stations and if they plan to move one of the spun-off station's formats to 103.3.

In Dallas-Fort Worth, I did mention before that Entercom could move Jack to 103.7 and AMP to 100.3, although it's not likely going to happen. Another prediction would be if Entercom could just return the KVIL identity to 103.7.

In Los Angeles, since it's also another overlapping market, Entercom could move 100.3 or 93.1's format (depending which one will be spun) to 97.1.

 

[TheBigA]

I anticipate the programming decisions will be made locally rather than at a corporate level. Entercom seems to be run in a more decentralized way than CBS. They tend to leave format decisions to people in the local markets.

 

[davideduardo]

I anticipate the programming decisions will be made locally rather than at a corporate level. Entercom seems to be run in a more decentralized way than CBS. They tend to leave format decisions to people in the local markets.

"Amp" is just a name. Each iteration is a different station.

 

[miketheradioguy]

I anticipate the programming decisions will be made locally rather than at a corporate level. Entercom seems to be run in a more decentralized way than CBS. They tend to leave format decisions to people in the local markets.

OK, but do you still anticipate any of the AMP stations flipping post-merger?

 

[TheBigA]

OK, but do you still anticipate any of the AMP stations flipping post-merger?

I have no idea. I'm talking about the process. It really depends who will be making those decisions. If you look at how Entercom works, they don't have company-wide format brands. It's not what they do. So if it's up to one of their people, you may not see that brand for very long.

 

[davideduardo]

In Los Angeles, since it's also another overlapping market, Entercom could move 100.3 or 93.1's format (depending which one will be spun) to 97.1.

The error in that conclusion lies in the billings of KAMP: over $25 million. A format flip would wipe out the current billing, reducing it to nearly zero. It would take over a year, assuming equal or higher ratings, to get back to the same level.

And that is without taking into account the revenue issues that have affected the Top 10 markets where national is off considerably.

Better is to work on the product. In LA, Seacrest is losing ground in the morning and the KIIS brand is strong but vulnerable simply because it is so old.

Entercom can't do things that drop revenue in the transition period... it would tank the stock. They have to build on the existing foundation via programming improvements, sales efforts and cost control.

 

[miketheradioguy]

"Amp" is just a name. Each iteration is a different station.

The question is if any of the AMP stations could flip to new formats post-merger. I looked at the ratings for each of these stations, and they're well behind iHeartMedia's CHR stations in those markets.

If any of the AMP stations were to flip under Entercom's ownership, I personally think that the best one to flip is 101.9 AMP in Orlando and it would "bounce back" to 102 JAMZ.

Boston is questionable, because Entercom will need to spin two stations (or more if the DOJ requires Entercom to spin additional stations) and could possibly move one of the formats to 103.3. This depends on what Entercom's actual divestiture plan is.

 

[miketheradioguy]

The error in that conclusion lies in the billings of KAMP: over $25 million. A format flip would wipe out the current billing, reducing it to nearly zero. It would take over a year, assuming equal or higher ratings, to get back to the same level.

And that is without taking into account the revenue issues that have affected the Top 10 markets where national is off considerably.

Better is to work on the product. In LA, Seacrest is losing ground in the morning and the KIIS brand is strong but vulnerable simply because it is so old.

Entercom can't do things that drop revenue in the transition period... it would tank the stock. They have to build on the existing foundation via programming improvements, sales efforts and cost control.

I still wonder what Entercom's going to do about their divestiture in Los Angeles. I would assume most of the stations Entercom plans to spin will flip formats under the new owners.

 

[miketheradioguy]

I have no idea. I'm talking about the process. It really depends who will be making those decisions. If you look at how Entercom works, they don't have company-wide format brands. It's not what they do. So if it's up to one of their people, you may not see that brand for very long.

That's understandable. I was thinking that some of the spinoffs in Boston could have an impact on 103.3 AMP Radio if Entercom were to move one of the formats on the spinoff stations to 103.3.