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WKHX Beats The Bull

There are a lot of sunbelt and west coast cities that are “younger” yet support formats such as mainstream AC and classic hits. The difference with Atlanta is there is such a large urban component that the amount of signals that could program either format are limited. You could say the same with Spanish in some of these markers but I most don’t have 7 FM signals (not counting translators) dedicated to the format, plus they have more full market FM’s (another issue with Atlanta).
 
Remember that in the Sunbelt states of FL and GA and all from TX to CA, the factor that makes the median age seem a bit younger is the Hispanic population. Additionally, those cities with bigger Black populations like Atlanta, Charlotte, the large FL metros and Dallas and Houston have younger median age African Americans influencing the figure.

The non-Hispanic white population tends to be, within a couple of years, the same in Phoenix or LA as it is in Cleveland and Boston.
 
There are a lot of sunbelt and west coast cities that are “younger” yet support formats such as mainstream AC and classic hits. The difference with Atlanta is there is such a large urban component that the amount of signals that could program either format are limited. You could say the same with Spanish in some of these markers but I most don’t have 7 FM signals (not counting translators) dedicated to the format, plus they have more full market FM’s (another issue with Atlanta).
Also just the relative lack of full market signals in general. Denver and San Diego were mentioned as young markets where Classic Hits does well, but there are more full market signals in those markets for a Classic Hits station to take place and do well. There's not as many full market signals in Atlanta, and owners may not want to bother with a format that is meant to be mass appeal and needs a full market signal to succeed in a market where there aren't as many available.
 
Don't forget, radio is the only business where you can call your product "adult" without it being a euphemism for something naughty.
 
Also just the relative lack of full market signals in general. Denver and San Diego were mentioned as young markets where Classic Hits does well, but there are more full market signals in those markets for a Classic Hits station to take place and do well. There's not as many full market signals in Atlanta, and owners may not want to bother with a format that is meant to be mass appeal and needs a full market signal to succeed in a market where there aren't as many available.
This is a fact. Let’s take a look at the signals that are a bit weaker or further out.

104.1 is almost a rimshot for the whole market, but it can hit #1 due to the fact that It’s signal hits the areas it needs to for them to be successful.

105.3 - not a ratings beast, but same as above, the signal covers where its format will do best.

97.1 - covers the eastern portion of the market best, but does well because there’s plenty of ears in its coverage area.

104.7 - same as above.

The Urban One sticks aren’t good, but they cover the areas they need to. 107.5 is the best.

105.7 and 100.5 aren’t great signals but are somewhat central to the market.

For classic hits or possibly AC to work, it would likely require a powerful in-city signal or signal that favors the north and northeastern part of the market. 105.7 could fit that bill or ideally 94.1.
 
104.7 The Fish proves a move-in, one with lower power than most, can do well in the ratings. But its signal is not bad in Atlanta. On the other hand, 105.7 (which is not central to the market but north) has a poor signal. The coverage map shows it covers most of Atlanta with a good signal, but it doesn't. Its signal is strong to the north.

Also, 107.5, which is northeast of town, simulcasts with 97.5 on the south side. Together they cover Atlanta well.
 
104.7 The Fish proves a move-in, one with lower power than most, can do well in the ratings. But its signal is not bad in Atlanta. On the other hand, 105.7 (which is not central to the market but north) has a poor signal. The coverage map shows it covers most of Atlanta with a good signal, but it doesn't. Its signal is strong to the north.

Also, 107.5, which is northeast of town, simulcasts with 97.5 on the south side. Together they cover Atlanta well.
Oh yeah, 107.5 is a good signal. If it had a non urban format, it could probably do well on its own. 107.5 and 103.3 are really the only urban stations that hit the 85 corridor NE of ATL well.

I’ve never had issues in the car with 105.7 but I never really go south of downtown and I haven’t listened since the WiLD days. 96.7 helps to the south side a bit, I’m surprised they dropped the simulcast. I do feel 105.7’s coverage would be a good signal for adult hits or classic hits considering the suburbs and exurbs it hits like Smyrna, Woodstock, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta etc. AC would be a bit more of a problem due to the fact that it just doesn’t hit/penetrate a lot of buildings in office heavy areas like downtown, Buckhead, etc.
 
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I would imagine Adult Hits and Classic Hits get a lot of at work listening as well, so I don't think WBZY is a perfect signal for those two formats either.
 
I would imagine Adult Hits and Classic Hits get a lot of at work listening as well, so I don't think WBZY is a perfect signal for those two formats either.
Yeah, that’s why I don’t think AC would be a fit for that signal. You’re right about those being at work formats as well, but if iHeart were to change 105.7 their options are limited unless it were some kind of rock format. This of course assuming 105.7 will ever change formats which there’s no basis, just a hypothesis.

WBZY’s Longley-Rice coverage map shows decent building penetration starting above Vinings and around Dunwoody. It starts to weaken but still shows decent penetration down to about Buckhead roughly. I’ve always listened to 105.7 (which has been a decade) in the car and didn’t have any issue ITP, but it’s almost a semi rimshot that would do better if it were more to the east. Is there any possibility 105.7 can be upgraded or moved?

 
Oh yeah, 107.5 is a good signal. If it had a non urban format, it could probably do well on its own. 107.5 and 103.3 are really the only urban stations that hit the 85 corridor NE of ATL well.

I’ve never had issues in the car with 105.7 but I never really go south of downtown and I haven’t listened since the WiLD days. 96.7 helps to the south side a bit, I’m surprised they dropped the simulcast. I do feel 105.7’s coverage would be a good signal for adult hits or classic hits considering the suburbs and exurbs it hits like Smyrna, Woodstock, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta etc. AC would be a bit more of a problem due to the fact that it just doesn’t hit/penetrate a lot of buildings in office heavy areas like downtown, Buckhead, etc.
107.5 is on a tower near Jimmy Carter and I-85, right next to where the "Gwinnett Is Great" water towers used to be.
 
Don't forget, radio is the only business where you can call your product "adult" without it being a euphemism for something naughty.
adult board games?
 
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