Classic Hits vs Classic Rock

[jabba17]

We talk a lot on this board about whether River is Classic Hits (as they bill themselves usually) or Classic Rock (as in "the largest library of Classic Rock in the Southeast"). We also talk about Classic Hits Star 94 HD2, and Classic Hits as a possible format for Star 94 itself. WRAS HD3 also does a Classic Hits format, as do Brenau's WBCX 89.1 (between scheduled programs) and occasionally WSB-FM HD2. And there is the mini network of "The Fox" stations in Atlanta's exurbs.

This article does a pretty good analysis of Classic Rock vs Classic Hits.

Classic Hits and Classic Rock - RadioInsight

When January PPM ratings were released Tuesday, Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) New York was second in the market, up 5.1-5.9 6-plus. As Ratings Expert Chris Huff noted, those were not just the highest ratings for Q104.3 (or the frequency), but for any rock station in New York ever. Right behind was...

radioinsight.com

 

[formerlyinATLradio]

River used to be Classic Hits. I would consider them Classic Rock now.

 

[jt99]

Radio Insight has actually identified them as Classic Rock for a while now, but they're still identified as Classic Hits by Radio Online. I'm curious if they still self identify to Nielsen as Classic Hits, or if that has now changed. Either way, I'd personally consider them a Classic Rock station as well.

 

[lanceventa]

Radio Insight has actually identified them as Classic Rock for a while now, but they're still identified as Classic Hits by Radio Online. I'm curious if they still self identify to Nielsen as Classic Hits, or if that has now changed. Either way, I'd personally consider them a Classic Rock station as well.

Most of Cox' Classic Rock stations still report to Nielsen as Classic Hits. Unlike the other trades, we use real world format classifications.

 

[TheBigA]

Mediabase also classifies WSRV as Classic Rock.

 

[pjc1961]

I'm curious if they (WSRV) still self identify to Nielsen as Classic Hits, or if that has now changed.

On Nielsen Audio's site for "top line ratings", WSRV's format is listed as Classic Hits.

 

[RoddyFreeman]

Radio Insight has actually identified them as Classic Rock for a while now, but they're still identified as Classic Hits by Radio Online. I'm curious if they still self identify to Nielsen as Classic Hits, or if that has now changed. Either way, I'd personally consider them a Classic Rock station as well.

When they first launched, The River used Classic Hits to state they stayed away from the hard stuff. But they since evolved to Classic Rock. They still use the Classic Hits positioner that established the station but say Classic Rock just about as often.

 

[acheron1982]

Really well written article. My issue with classic rock right now is the lack of depth. Maybe KSHE in St. Louis is an exception but most of the classic rock stations are rock hits and completely avoid progressive rock artists.

Speaking of KSHE, they actually played Golden Country by REO Speedwagon which was pretty impressive.

 

[davideduardo]

On Nielsen Audio's site for "top line ratings", WSRV's format is listed as Classic Hits.

Remember, Nielsen has a relatively limited list of accepted format names, and each station selects the best fitting one. There is little regulation of what a station actually does to justify that name, unless a competitor objects formally.

 

[RStacey1990]

Really well written article. My issue with classic rock right now is the lack of depth. Maybe KSHE in St. Louis is an exception but most of the classic rock stations are rock hits and completely avoid progressive rock artists.

Speaking of KSHE, they actually played Golden Country by REO Speedwagon which was pretty impressive.

They must be locally owned or owned by a smaller company. I love stations like that that dont play by the “rules”