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Easy and X swap frequencies
- Thread starter MrRadio
- Start date
Excellent on all counts. When Easy 106.5 came on the scene at the end of September, 2015, I predicted in 18 months there would be a signal swap with 102.9. I couldn't see that full market signal for a format (Alternative) that has such limited appeal. I tried finding that specific post, perhaps it was embedded in another string that had little to do with "Easy." It took longer than 18 months but at least Cox Media sees the potential in this move. (As I did)
In the following string from October, 2015, I talked about the importance of a full-market signal for a softer AC. With a full-market signal, the hiring/budgeting for a good talent roster could happen as well. In this string, I mentioned X102.9 as a logical move.
https://www.radiodiscussions.com/showthread.php?690072-The-New-Easy-106-5-Jacksonville
One of my biggest frustrations was seeing the incredible success of South Florida's "WFEZ" to include a full roster of talent/personality radio. The Easy format has perfomed mightily well against the heritage and legendary WLYF. I kept asking, why not Jacksonville? With WEZI's former signal at 106.5, I saw a competition that really wasn't equal. Now that has finally changed.
I predict a more pronounced female presence with the hiring of female talent, especially for AM drive. They need to have a definite social media and community presence, similiar to what WFEZ does if they are to be most effective.
Truthfully, I've been hooked on Sirius/XM for so long now that I haven't paid attention to what was going on at Jax's Easy. Obviously, the company sees merit in making this change and I say it's high time. For the life of me, I've never understood the popularity of WEJZ. It's not a very good AC in my opinion, if one looks at programing and imaging in other markets. I also never understood why no one wanted to take them on directly. That is finally changing. I will be sure to check them out.
In the following string from October, 2015, I talked about the importance of a full-market signal for a softer AC. With a full-market signal, the hiring/budgeting for a good talent roster could happen as well. In this string, I mentioned X102.9 as a logical move.
https://www.radiodiscussions.com/showthread.php?690072-The-New-Easy-106-5-Jacksonville
One of my biggest frustrations was seeing the incredible success of South Florida's "WFEZ" to include a full roster of talent/personality radio. The Easy format has perfomed mightily well against the heritage and legendary WLYF. I kept asking, why not Jacksonville? With WEZI's former signal at 106.5, I saw a competition that really wasn't equal. Now that has finally changed.
I predict a more pronounced female presence with the hiring of female talent, especially for AM drive. They need to have a definite social media and community presence, similiar to what WFEZ does if they are to be most effective.
Truthfully, I've been hooked on Sirius/XM for so long now that I haven't paid attention to what was going on at Jax's Easy. Obviously, the company sees merit in making this change and I say it's high time. For the life of me, I've never understood the popularity of WEJZ. It's not a very good AC in my opinion, if one looks at programing and imaging in other markets. I also never understood why no one wanted to take them on directly. That is finally changing. I will be sure to check them out.
Cox seems to use the same on air "talent" for X, Eagle and to an extent, Easy & WOKV. All seem very young and fresh out of CSoB. Based on this, I can't see Cox spending money on talent for Easy.
One thing I did notice was more incorporation of gold alternative from the early to mid-90's. As current alternative continues to die a well deserved death, could the door be slowly opening for the addition to more active (or at least current) rock? There is so much new rock that is not being aired in Jax right now (and 97.3 doesn't cut it)...but will be featured at Welcome to Rockville. I still don't get it, either.
One thing I did notice was more incorporation of gold alternative from the early to mid-90's. As current alternative continues to die a well deserved death, could the door be slowly opening for the addition to more active (or at least current) rock? There is so much new rock that is not being aired in Jax right now (and 97.3 doesn't cut it)...but will be featured at Welcome to Rockville. I still don't get it, either.
ONLY because of the tinkering that Entercom is doing with some of its new properties. By no means is alt experiencing a resurgence, hence, one reason why X is now where it is. Jax is one of the youngest skewing audiences in the nation as far as large cities go. If alternative can't make it here, it's time to hang it up & bring back the rock!
https://news.****************/cgi-bin/rol.exe/headline_id=n34917
Here is the link.
Here is the link.
Which only goes to bolster my point.
A competing radio website stated last week that Alternative = CHR & has been for the last ten years. I must agree. So why have two separate formats chasing the same dollars, playing the same music?
In this market, the youngsters are being reach on 106.5, except St. Augustine.
Some observations.
First off, Easy 102.9 (WEZI) has an impressive voice imaging team. There’s a smart approach used familiarizing listeners with the new frequency, Christmas format, and what is to come. These two (a man and woman) sound familiar to me but I can’t place where I may have heard them. Does anyone know if they are the same duo who voiced the former (WJGL) Magic 107.3?
I admit to loving Christmas music. It’s the one time I don’t mind repetition, except of course for the tunes I’m not crazy over. The mix of Christmas tunes has been in a word – outstanding. There’s mainly the classics. Perhaps, it’s my own personal preference but I find traditional AC has gotten so contemporary that I much prefer the variety based Classic hits or Soft AC Christmas playlist. Easy is playing really good Christmas songs.
The 100,000 watt signal will be a boost. But as we’ve seen with X’s departure, you can have the best signal in town but if the format has limited appeal, that great signal does not always mean big numbers.
What’s next? It will be interesting to see but I believe there are some clues already revealed. In the station’s promotional spots, listeners hear a snippets of a few songs that will resume after Christmas. I haven’t heard any 70s songs. Granted, I can’t listen all the time but the music sweet spot will probably be the 80s, 90s and occasional 21st century. It's all about 25-54 but you still have to offer listeners something different.
Can the new Easy 102.9 position itself differently than the heritage WEJZ? If there is considerable music overlap, I don’t believe Easy will gain a lot of traction. What is WEJZ’s target audience? I’m assuming it’s woman 25-54. I would think WEZI’s would be woman 35-54 but that’s just a guess. So, Easy has big challenges ahead to attract sizeable numbers of listeners given that new powerful signal. Full market signals are a double edge sword. The pressure is on to deliver. You can no longer site limited signal for small numbers.
I wasn’t too impressed when “talent” first appeared on WEZI. That has changed. Per Upstate29651's earlier comments regarding talent who are on a number of stations, it’s not something I agree with but I get how companies do more with less. As a side note, Upstate has good knowledge of the Jax market so he may be right. One of my biggest gripes was no one identified themselves. I’ve now heard the midday guy announce who he is. This is Matt Ray or Rey. He’s quite good. Based on his banter, it seems he is a long time Jax resident. That’s a good thing. I find he’s a perfect match for the format and as a nice voice to get you through some of the work day. Some of my friends have heard of him.
You can put this on my holiday wish list, but I hope with a new year and a new budget, CMG will hire a familiar female voice for AM drive. I’ve always wanted to ask this question so I might as well do that now. Ballpark, how much would it cost to hire a live/local talent for AM drive on a station like Easy? It’s a critical daypart and I just can’t see the station remaining automated then. Listener impressions made then will carry forward throughout the day.
I also have to add social media. If talent/the station does not engage with listeners in social media, they are foolish. That friendly voice on the radio simply has to interact with listeners, post memes, perhaps even do a weekly FB Live feature, and especially with morning drive talent.
First off, Easy 102.9 (WEZI) has an impressive voice imaging team. There’s a smart approach used familiarizing listeners with the new frequency, Christmas format, and what is to come. These two (a man and woman) sound familiar to me but I can’t place where I may have heard them. Does anyone know if they are the same duo who voiced the former (WJGL) Magic 107.3?
I admit to loving Christmas music. It’s the one time I don’t mind repetition, except of course for the tunes I’m not crazy over. The mix of Christmas tunes has been in a word – outstanding. There’s mainly the classics. Perhaps, it’s my own personal preference but I find traditional AC has gotten so contemporary that I much prefer the variety based Classic hits or Soft AC Christmas playlist. Easy is playing really good Christmas songs.
The 100,000 watt signal will be a boost. But as we’ve seen with X’s departure, you can have the best signal in town but if the format has limited appeal, that great signal does not always mean big numbers.
What’s next? It will be interesting to see but I believe there are some clues already revealed. In the station’s promotional spots, listeners hear a snippets of a few songs that will resume after Christmas. I haven’t heard any 70s songs. Granted, I can’t listen all the time but the music sweet spot will probably be the 80s, 90s and occasional 21st century. It's all about 25-54 but you still have to offer listeners something different.
Can the new Easy 102.9 position itself differently than the heritage WEJZ? If there is considerable music overlap, I don’t believe Easy will gain a lot of traction. What is WEJZ’s target audience? I’m assuming it’s woman 25-54. I would think WEZI’s would be woman 35-54 but that’s just a guess. So, Easy has big challenges ahead to attract sizeable numbers of listeners given that new powerful signal. Full market signals are a double edge sword. The pressure is on to deliver. You can no longer site limited signal for small numbers.
I wasn’t too impressed when “talent” first appeared on WEZI. That has changed. Per Upstate29651's earlier comments regarding talent who are on a number of stations, it’s not something I agree with but I get how companies do more with less. As a side note, Upstate has good knowledge of the Jax market so he may be right. One of my biggest gripes was no one identified themselves. I’ve now heard the midday guy announce who he is. This is Matt Ray or Rey. He’s quite good. Based on his banter, it seems he is a long time Jax resident. That’s a good thing. I find he’s a perfect match for the format and as a nice voice to get you through some of the work day. Some of my friends have heard of him.
You can put this on my holiday wish list, but I hope with a new year and a new budget, CMG will hire a familiar female voice for AM drive. I’ve always wanted to ask this question so I might as well do that now. Ballpark, how much would it cost to hire a live/local talent for AM drive on a station like Easy? It’s a critical daypart and I just can’t see the station remaining automated then. Listener impressions made then will carry forward throughout the day.
I also have to add social media. If talent/the station does not engage with listeners in social media, they are foolish. That friendly voice on the radio simply has to interact with listeners, post memes, perhaps even do a weekly FB Live feature, and especially with morning drive talent.
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