Another AMP to ALT...

[TheBigA]

With the ratings of WQMP now tanking, is Entercom planning a format flip for the station? What are your suggestions for WQMP?

If it was any other company, you might be right. But Entercom loves this format. They're sticking with it places that have similar ratings.

 

[davideduardo]

It has now been over a year since WQMP 101.9 flipped from CHR to an Alternate format. When it first came on the air, the ratings were relatively strong (in the mid to upper 3 shares ) but now the ratings have fallen to 2.1 share according to the latest February 2019 Nielsen Audio Ratings book for Orlando, an all time low for WQMP. The station is now one of the worst performing full market commercial FM radio stations in the Orlando market. With the ratings of WQMP now tanking, is Entercom planning a format flip for the station? What are your suggestions for WQMP?

This is the same problem that they have in Miami. Orlando is now approaching 40% Hispanic, and most of the Hispanic population is from Puerto Rico where the single rock hybrid station could barely get a 1 share.

Miami and Orlando are driven by the Hispanic populations, and alt (with the exception of a few individual artists) has never had any significant impact in Latin America.

Because both markets have such a high Hispanic population, peer group influence makes rhythmic music far more popular.

Unless there is a heritage station like a KROQ, there is not going to be the broad success for alternative music in communities with big ethnic populations.

 

[TheBigA]

Because both markets have such a high Hispanic population, peer group influence makes rhythmic music far more popular.

Interesting to me that a couple stations that once got huge shares, WWKA and WTKS, are now in the middle of the pack.

 

[nielsoncaetanosalmeron_19]

Interesting to me that a couple stations that once got huge shares, WWKA and WTKS, are now in the middle of the pack.

I noticed that Entercom is needing to flip WQMP from Alternative to another format, such as the revival of 102 JAMZ WJHM (Urban Contemporary), Soft AC as "Easy 101.9", Classic rock as "101.9 W-Earth", Smooth Jazz/Smooth AC as "101.9 The Oasis", Spanish CHR as "Mega 101.9 or 101.9 El Zol", or a Dance/EDM format as "101.9 The Pulse", even a conversion to a new "Channel Q" Orlando outlet.

 

[nielsoncaetanosalmeron_19]

Note: WQMP also deactivated their HD Radio signal, even 102 Gospel Jamz. Will HD Radio return on 101.9 with Channel Q on HD2?

There is also interference with an FM station on the same frequency from Fort Myers. Entercom might apply for a CP to move the station closer to Orlando and decrease the power? #AMPNoMore #RIP #RIP1019AMP

 

[nielsoncaetanosalmeron_19]

WQMP reactivates HD Radio signal

Note: WQMP also deactivated their HD Radio signal, even 102 Gospel Jamz. Will HD Radio return on 101.9 with Channel Q on HD2?

There is also interference with an FM station on the same frequency from Fort Myers. Entercom might apply for a CP to move the station closer to Orlando and decrease the power? #AMPNoMore #RIP #RIP1019AMP

UPDATE: 4/17/2019 WQMP had reactivated its HD Radio signal today due to maintenance. It is only simulcasting the analog signal on HD1.

 

[OrlandoGM]

UPDATE: 4/17/2019 WQMP had reactivated its HD Radio signal today due to maintenance. It is only simulcasting the analog signal on HD1.

From the information I got, there was a roof leak at the American Tower Site that WQMP is at, and it soaked their Tranasmitter Equipment. American Tower had to buy Entercom all new equipment, and it is now being installed.