Sheri Lynch has announced that WLNK (its flagship) has dropped the show, but it will still be syndication in a article. Under a paywall though. WLNK seems like a anomaly under Urban One and its ratings seems to be in decline. I have to wonder if this is a start of a format change to something that's more of a fit in UO's platform?
-
Get involved.
We want your input!
Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.
After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.
After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/
Thanks in advance and have fun!
RadioDiscussions Administrators
Bob & Sheri out at 107.9 The Link
- Thread starter MarquisP4
- Start date
Sheri Lynch has announced that WLNK (its flagship) has dropped the show, but it will still be syndication in a article. Under a paywall though. WLNK seems like a anomaly under Urban One and its ratings seems to be in decline. I have to wonder if this is a start of a format change to something that's more of a fit in UO's platform?
Very sorry to hear that Urban One is dropping the longtime flagship morning show at WLNK, the original station of the nationally syndicated program. Sounds like they are planning a format change, as the Hot AC ratings seem to be on the decline, and Bob and Sheri may not seem an ideal fit for the new format. But not sure how much better Matt and Ramona will adapt.
I wondered what changes would occur as a result of the Urban One takeover, as they historically appeal to African American and urban audiences, whereas WBT and WLNK represent more conservative white demographics. And I still wonder if they intend to trade or sell off WBT to another owner such as I-Heart or someone else, as that does not seem to be an ideal fit. Remains to be seen.
But Bob and Sheri seem to perform well in national syndication, as they have increased affiliates in recent months. And apparently they now own their own show rather than Entercom or now Urban One, which was a smart business move. So hopefully they will find another Charlotte affiliate, although losing WLNK represents the loss of a very strong signal. Only WNKS on 95.1 is similar to 107.9 in coverage area, as 96.1 is a bit more directional with a null to the east of Salisbury. Historically 107.9 has received listeners in fringe areas such as Greenville-Spartanburg and Winston-Salem, but in recent years newer low power signals have begun to interfere.
It would seem 102.9 the Lake or K-104.7 would be the best matched formats to acquire Bob and Sheri, but they may already have their own preferred programming in place. And would be nice to see them add a Greenville-Spartanburg affiliate, as they have enjoyed listeners over the years on 107.9 due to the strong signal.
But it seems like Urban One wants to maximize its newly acquired strongest signal on 107.9, as their other stations are much weaker, with 105.3 their only decent signal, but lower on the same tower from 107.9. So not surprised that changes are beginning to occur, although disappointed as I grew up with the old WBT-WLNK-WBTV as one big broadcast operation under Jefferson-Pilot. But new era as times change.
I wondered what changes would occur as a result of the Urban One takeover, as they historically appeal to African American and urban audiences, whereas WBT and WLNK represent more conservative white demographics. And I still wonder if they intend to trade or sell off WBT to another owner such as I-Heart or someone else, as that does not seem to be an ideal fit. Remains to be seen.
But Bob and Sheri seem to perform well in national syndication, as they have increased affiliates in recent months. And apparently they now own their own show rather than Entercom or now Urban One, which was a smart business move. So hopefully they will find another Charlotte affiliate, although losing WLNK represents the loss of a very strong signal. Only WNKS on 95.1 is similar to 107.9 in coverage area, as 96.1 is a bit more directional with a null to the east of Salisbury. Historically 107.9 has received listeners in fringe areas such as Greenville-Spartanburg and Winston-Salem, but in recent years newer low power signals have begun to interfere.
It would seem 102.9 the Lake or K-104.7 would be the best matched formats to acquire Bob and Sheri, but they may already have their own preferred programming in place. And would be nice to see them add a Greenville-Spartanburg affiliate, as they have enjoyed listeners over the years on 107.9 due to the strong signal.
But it seems like Urban One wants to maximize its newly acquired strongest signal on 107.9, as their other stations are much weaker, with 105.3 their only decent signal, but lower on the same tower from 107.9. So not surprised that changes are beginning to occur, although disappointed as I grew up with the old WBT-WLNK-WBTV as one big broadcast operation under Jefferson-Pilot. But new era as times change.
The Charlotte Observer report is on the front page of the Tuesday paper which is how I found out about this. (Yes you can still buy the Observer in Greenville-Spartanburg at Publix and Harris Teeter, although there is not much to it anymore).
And I wonder if Bob and Sheri have mentioned the changes on 107.9 yet?
And I wonder if Bob and Sheri have mentioned the changes on 107.9 yet?
I don't know if there have been any announcement of the change on the air but Bob & Shari have made the announcement on their Facebook page. Much to the shock and dismay of course to the fans of the show posting there. Common threads were, long time listeners. from the beginning or at least 20 years. remembered when Bob hosted the show alone! Many made the most interesting comment: They enjoyed Bob & Shari as well as Matt & Ramona but describe the music using words like "filler", "junk", "dislike" and even "hate". So either the station is playing some really bad music or the shows format doesn't match the music they're playing, or maybe a combination of the two? Maybe this is reason enough for the change, after all the show had a very long and impressive run.
At one time when Pam Stone did mid days WLNK was almost all talk except at night and overnight. It was a hipper fun lifestyle talk format that I enjoyed and hoped would catch on but it didn't. I thought Pam Stone was really very good!
At one time when Pam Stone did mid days WLNK was almost all talk except at night and overnight. It was a hipper fun lifestyle talk format that I enjoyed and hoped would catch on but it didn't. I thought Pam Stone was really very good!
Bob and Sheri discussed their upcoming departure on the air this morning. Basically they were privileged to enjoy a nice long run, appreciated their loyal listeners, and understand the business decision. They hope to find another home in Charlotte.
But apparently a format change is forthcoming, but not sure how Matt and Ramona can squeak by but not Bob and Sheri.
But apparently a format change is forthcoming, but not sure how Matt and Ramona can squeak by but not Bob and Sheri.
This morning I went for the cell phone and started the Bob & Shari Oddcast for the first time. Bob related the Janis Ian song "At 17" to the kind of class system he has found himself in and the awkwardness in trying to relate to some of the women "with clear skin smiles, who married young and then retired". While it was well done "At 17" is now a 46 year old song.... Now I don't know if this is something they would do on the air. If a program director was looking for a show and heard this I think they would pass, unless they were looking for an oldies show. This is really a shame because as I said the Oddcast was very well done and I did enjoy it.
These changes at WLNK should not really come as a surprise. For the most part, Urban One historically and primarily operates urban format radio stations. They do not really target a conservative white demographic, but rather a more diverse audience. And their current signals in Charlotte are weak signals with smaller coverage areas. Acquiring WLNK gives them a big blowtorch and one of the strongest FM signals in Charlotte that extends into neighboring markets.
I could see them moving some of the 92.7 the Block programming over to 107.9. And perhaps move the Ricky Smiley morning show, which originates from their Atlanta station Hot 107.9. But I am curious how Matt and Ramona fit into this equation. Their format is not all that much different from Bob and Sheri, but I guess they are considered a bit more adaptable and perhaps appeal more to the younger demographic. Maybe move Matt and Ramona to midday and put new hire Cam Cooper in the afternoon.
And I guess since the current AC format at WLNK has dropped behind 104.7 and 102.9 in the ratings, a change was inevitable at some point. I am just sorry it had to be at the expense of Bob and Sheri after almost 30 years at the originating station. I hope they can move to another Charlotte signal, especially since they have been gaining stations in national syndication.
And then what will they do with WBT? Conservative talk radio is not really an Urban One format. But if they are generating revenue, they may hold on to them, but it has been speculated they may eventually trade or sell. It will be interesting to see what the coming months hold for changes at WBT and WLNK. What do you think?
I could see them moving some of the 92.7 the Block programming over to 107.9. And perhaps move the Ricky Smiley morning show, which originates from their Atlanta station Hot 107.9. But I am curious how Matt and Ramona fit into this equation. Their format is not all that much different from Bob and Sheri, but I guess they are considered a bit more adaptable and perhaps appeal more to the younger demographic. Maybe move Matt and Ramona to midday and put new hire Cam Cooper in the afternoon.
And I guess since the current AC format at WLNK has dropped behind 104.7 and 102.9 in the ratings, a change was inevitable at some point. I am just sorry it had to be at the expense of Bob and Sheri after almost 30 years at the originating station. I hope they can move to another Charlotte signal, especially since they have been gaining stations in national syndication.
And then what will they do with WBT? Conservative talk radio is not really an Urban One format. But if they are generating revenue, they may hold on to them, but it has been speculated they may eventually trade or sell. It will be interesting to see what the coming months hold for changes at WBT and WLNK. What do you think?
I am in no way an expert but I would say the WLNK situation as you described is accurate. WBT's fate depends on what happens after Rush. WBT could stand to improve their cume I think but again I'm no expert. They certainly don't dominate the market as they once did. Since I moved here I have seen all the out of town FM's improve their signals and basically become Charlotte stations.
Bob & Sheri Unlinking From WLNK - RadioInsight
radioinsight.com
Also, I subscribe to The Charlotte Observer and I'm amazed they would cover this news. How much would I be able to share? Seems like ever since Mark Washburn retired the Observer doesn't care what's happening in radio. And yet they've had excellent reporting on TV and radio for the nearly 50 years before Washburn's departure from writing regular articles.
I wonder what AC listeners will do? K-104.7 seems to be focusing more on older music than most ACs. They make a point of saying they play the 80s, though at the time I was in a store playing their music, it could have been a special hour of 80s music or something.
102.9 the Lake seems to be the one station with a full-power signal playing some older songs. 95.7 the Ride plays mostly rock.
On the other hand, 96.1 FM seems to be doing poorly with 12-plus and why does Charlotte need two CHRs?
Bob is old enough to be in a retirement home. What is he doing on a show that seems to target young people?
She still writes a newspaper column which I can read with my library card.
I haven't gotten around to looking at the actual newspaper. I'll do that tomorrow. It's a habit that hasn't changed since I was in college.
No, there's not much to it. As a subscriber I can supposedly see something called the Extra Extra but I'm trying to reduce time spent on the computer. And I don't think much of it is local except maybe sports.
Yeah, I saw it on the weekend. In my post above I was referring to the entire newspaper.
Looking at the music format, K-104.7 would be the most likely match, if they were willing to move whoever the morning host is or are. I would have said 96.1, but Ace and TJ are syndicated and very popular. Although based on the type stations i have seen doing the show, 96.1 could move to fill the format gap if K-104.7 chose to continue emphasizing older songs.
Looks like 95.1 has pulled ahead of 96.1 in the ratings. Perhaps make a change from CHR at 96.1, but they are the home of Ace and TJ so I doubt they would be dropped from the flagship station. But then again that's exactly what happened to Bob and Sheri at 107.9.
As for 104.7 in Charlotte, they have a weak limited signal due to same channel interference from Columbia, so they are not really received in Spartanburg. I can get 102.9 the Lake with a better signal, but past I-26 there is a Low Power station in Greenville that begins to interfere. So that's when I switch over to the similar iHeart format on 102.5 the Lake. Maybe iHeart could pick up Bob and Sheri for both Lake formats on 102.9 in Charlotte and 102.5 in Greenville.
If it were up to me I would put WBT on 107.9 & 1110 and then a simulcast maybe for 99.3 and 92.7 or 100.9 or something new for 99.3
That would not be a good move. WBT is doing fine the way it is, any audience gain would not offset the loss in revenue from less available commercial inventory. A unique format on 99.3 won't help anyone, 99.3 isn't strong enough to stand on it's own. It's doing fine filling in holes to the west for WBT. 92.7 and 100.9 with signals that cover Charlotte are a perfect match for an Urban format since the city has a large Black population. What other format would you run on these stations? They might not beat the big guns but should be able to carve out a successful piece of the media pie.
I'm sure Ace & TJ won't be dropped in favor of Bob & Shari, different audience.
104.7 and 102.9 are questionable because it would give the programming departments a bit less control over content and believe me if it's one thing they like it's to exercise total control. Right now 102.9 seems to be doing fine as a jockless jukebox void of any personality.
While it's true K-104.7 has some signal issues due to being short spaced with WNOK Columbia, SC it really doesn't matter that they can't be heard in Spartanburg, that's outside the market. They just need to cover Charlotte, Monroe, Shelby, Gastonia, Rock Hill, Concord and Kannapolis. I believe they do that.
Believe it or not 104.7 is stronger than 102.9. WKQC has a tower in North Charlotte and runs 96,000 watts at 1,870 feet above sea level while WLKO runs 30,500 watts at 2,316 feet above sea level from Alexis, NC.
Unless I'm wrong (and I hope I am) this leaves Bob & Shari out of the Charlotte market.
- Status