SBS Buys KROI for $7.5 million

[davideduardo]

I have to disagree with you David every single person that I deal with on a daily from Univision to Estrella refers to what we play as Regional Mexican the Award shows at Univision or Telemundo also refer to it with the term Regional Mexican I understand in Mexico it might be referred to as grupero But not in the Usa and I'm not denying how much knowledge you have in the arena but the correct everyday term is regional Mexican and we can ask anyone you would like that is currently programming this format or genre and they will agree. Recently artists like Carin Leon wanted to change the term because this music is no longer regional but more worldwide, but the term continues. @Astros you can like it or not and I can like it or not, but Houston does have translators that cover enough people to be considered in the count of stations that play the same format.

Yes, that is the term used in an English dominant nation. That does not negate the fact that the name “Regional Mexican” came from “culturally illiterate” non-Hispanic people in the record retail business who gave that broad term to what really covers everything from the corridos of the Mexican Revolution over 100 years ago to the latest derivatives of Banda and norteña music.

I agree with Carín León that a better term should be used, but Regional Mexican is now so entrenched that even those of us who know it is imprecise and culturally wrong use it anyway!

As to translators, remember that the market consists of a whole bunch of counties and your “best” translator on
Y covers part of one of them. Those stations can never get enough audience to “show” well enough to be included on ad buys and will have to live on ads from auto repair shops, taquerías and night clubs… in the hopes that some of them even pay their invoices!

 

[Huff]

And, again, "Mexican Regional" is not a term used in México. It is a term created by non-Mexican and non-Hispanic record retailers decades ago so they could set up sections of their stores for different kinds of Latin Music.

And on the radio side, it was the shocking jump to 1st place for KLAX in Los Angeles after its flip to ranchera/banda at the end of 1992 that spurred Arbitron and the industry to revise format classifications. Prior to that, "Spanish" was the catch-all format term used for any Spanish language station, whether it was Regional Mexican, Contemporary, Salsa, etc. As David has correctly pointed out for decades on these boards, Spanish is a language, not a format.
Since the term "Regional Mexican" was not in use yet, Radio & Records described KLAX as a "Spanish-language 'Country'" station:

 

[dm2024]

Thanks for sharing! Pretty cool piece of History.

And on the radio side, it was the shocking jump to 1st place for KLAX in Los Angeles after its flip to ranchera/banda at the end of 1992 that spurred Arbitron and the industry to revise format classifications. Prior to that, "Spanish" was the catch-all format term used for any Spanish language station, whether it was Regional Mexican, Contemporary, Salsa, etc. As David has correctly pointed out for decades on these boards, Spanish is a language, not a format.
Since the term "Regional Mexican" was not in use yet, Radio & Records described KLAX as a "Spanish-language 'Country'" station:

View attachment 8113

 

[Identnut]

And on the radio side, it was the shocking jump to 1st place for KLAX in Los Angeles after its flip to ranchera/banda at the end of 1992 that spurred Arbitron and the industry to revise format classifications. Prior to that, "Spanish" was the catch-all format term used for any Spanish language station, whether it was Regional Mexican, Contemporary, Salsa, etc. As David has correctly pointed out for decades on these boards, Spanish is a language, not a format.
Since the term "Regional Mexican" was not in use yet, Radio & Records described KLAX as a "Spanish-language 'Country'" station:

View attachment 8113

Ironically, that's the most accurate way I've seen the press describe "grupera" music. Demographically and socially speaking, it is "country" music of Mexico.

 

[Astros2023]

KFNC? Significant?

For as long as I can recall, KROI has never been a prominent contender in the Houston market. Perhaps we should find humor in SBS's attempt to transform KROI into a competitive station also (I DON'T). Within the agency landscape and Nielsen ratings, once KROI and KFNC transition to new formats and are fully operational, they will be regarded with greater respect and viewed on a higher level. I believe it is unfair to criticize past ineffective formats and administrations without affording the new format changes the opportunity to prove their merit. I believe both signals, KROI and KFNC, have the potential to perform significantly better following a format change, regardless of what that change entails. KTJM LA Raza and KQQK El Norte has shown us it can be done.

 

[Mediafrog+]

For as long as I can recall, KROI has never been a prominent contender in the Houston market.

The 92.1 signal has had a few flashes of decent ratings; in the early days of the original incarnation of Praise (2006) it reached into the threes in 6+ numbers before falling back. They also got into the threes after the 2014 flip to the “Boom” Hip-Hop throwback format before the new car smell wore off. But most of its existence it has hovered in the sub-twos range, with plenty of time spent in the zeroes.

Perhaps we should find humor in SBS's attempt to transform KROI into a competitive station also (I DON'T). Within the agency landscape and Nielsen ratings, once KROI and KFNC transition to new formats and are fully operational, they will be regarded with greater respect and viewed on a higher level. I believe it is unfair to criticize past ineffective formats and administrations without affording the new format changes the opportunity to prove their merit. I believe both signals, KROI and KFNC, have the potential to perform significantly better following a format change, regardless of what that change entails. KTJM LA Raza and KQQK El Norte has shown us it can be done.

Agree with you here. The decent numbers shown by 98.5 and 107.9 are proof that a properly formatted rimshot signal can pull a respectable audience. And the 92.1 signal was re-engineered in 2021 with very noticeable improvement in reception over much of the market.

The only way 97.5 has a chance of succeeding as a commercial operation is with a Hispanic targeted format, and it appears we will get that in the near future. At least I would like to see it have the chance to fail. If the new format flops, then it will be time to sell the station at a fire sale price to a religious operator, or at least see what impending broadcast consolidation does to its potential value.

Two days away from the (presumed) KROI sale closing. Cautiously optimistic it will actually happen; currently thinking there is a 55% chance we hear a new format on 92.1 Thanksgiving morning.

 

[101.9 La Kalle]

For as long as I can recall, KROI has never been a prominent contender in the Houston market. Perhaps we should find humor in SBS's attempt to transform KROI into a competitive station also (I DON'T).

Apples to oranges. From what were hearing about KFNC is that the Power 105.3 crew will be operating it, meanwhile KROI is being bought by a major Hispanic broadcaster with 40 years of experience.

Within the agency landscape and Nielsen ratings, once KROI and KFNC transition to new formats and are fully operational, they will be regarded with greater respect and viewed on a higher level.

That will be determined by one factor, if they pass the test of time billing.

I believe it is unfair to criticize past ineffective formats and administrations without affording the new format changes the opportunity to prove their merit.

While the part about ineffective formats I agree with, I don't agree about the administrations part. I feel as if when you see the kind of administrations that Power, La Calle, La Mejor, La Nueva and La Grande have, the average person would say “Wow, those people shouldn't have a license.”

I believe both signals, KROI and KFNC, have the potential to perform significantly better following a format change, regardless of what that change entails. KTJM LA Raza and KQQK El Norte has shown us it can be done.

If it were anyone else, I wouldn't be as skeptical.

 

[lanceventa]

That was discussed on this forum last year when the logo first appeared, and the prevailing opinion was that it was fake.

You can replace the “KROI” part of the URL with another call and it still comes up with the same SBS website error message. The link was also was determined to be fake by posters here.

The “Ritmo” branding would suggest a Reggaeton format, rather than the Regional Mexican that seems more likely for 92.1. But who knows.

Three days until (the supposed) sale closing.

It's NOT going to be Ritmo...

 

[HTX]

For as long as I can recall, KROI has never been a prominent contender in the Houston market.

It was only fairly recently their signal got upgraded and I’m sure that’ll help out a lot

 

[Astros2023]

Apples to oranges. From what were hearing about KFNC is that the Power 105.3 crew will be operating it, meanwhile KROI is being bought by a major Hispanic broadcaster with 40 years of experience.

That will be determined by one factor, if they pass the test of time billing.

While the part about ineffective formats I agree with, I don't agree about the administrations part. I feel as if when you see the kind of administrations that Power, La Calle, La Mejor, La Nueva and La Grande have, the average person would say “Wow, those people shouldn't have a license.”

If it were anyone else, I wouldn't be as skeptical.

Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
SBS has already faced some embarrassment for failing to secure the funds for the purchase, revealing a stance similar to the 'some individuals shouldn't hold a license'." I believe SBS has the potential to perform well. However, operating with just one radio station in the market poses significant challenges, including a limited marketing budget, constrained personnel resources, and reliance on syndicated shows that primarily probably don't cater to the Houston market. Additionally, investing substantial funds into a new format,funds they likely cannot spare,combined with trading at 40 cents, further complicates their position. Regardless, the next three months will be intriguing as we observe the ratings and assess the impact SBS will have on the market.

 

[Mediafrog+]

I believe SBS has the potential to perform well. However, operating with just one radio station in the market poses significant challenges

With massive consolidation almost certainly on the way under a Trump FCC the stand-alones will be under tremendous pressure. Many will become pawn pieces in bigger overall deals. Impending format flips on KROI and KFNC could give way to further changes in the next two or three years. How soon will we be discussing the “next next” format for both stations?🤔🤪

 

[Identnut]

Let us not also forget that SBS isn't just in the radio business. They are in the concert business as well.

SBS bought in Central Florida because they already had mainland spinoffs of their music festivals in Puerto Rico.

 

[CTListener]

Ironically, that's the most accurate way I've seen the press describe "grupera" music. Demographically and socially speaking, it is "country" music of Mexico.

That's exactly why this gringo, a longtime country music fan, has always preferred grupera, Norteno, and, by extension, Tejano. to the more rhythmic Caribbean styles. Dwight Yoakam (who's got a new album out for the first time in 10 years) blended "Mexican country" with American country on his hit duet with Buck Owens, "Streets of Bakersfield," which also featured Tex-Mex accordionist Flaco Jimenez.

 

[Astros2023]

Let us not also forget that SBS isn't just in the radio business. They are in the concert business as well.

SBS bought in Central Florida because they already had mainland spinoffs of their music festivals in Puerto Rico.

Certainly, we will see the challenges and opportunities of entering a major market like Houston and striving to organize large-scale concerts, especially in the presence of established players such as Live Nation, Cardenas Marketing, Loud and Live, Latino Live, Mariana Escamilla, Promotores Unidos, as well as various local and regional promoters. The majority of bands and regional artists are already earning substantial incomes without relying on radio airplay. If SBS achieves significant ratings and success with its radio division in Houston and supports the artist's music, I can foresee them organizing events. However, despite having a major radio presence in the market, the competitive landscape in Central Florida differs greatly from that in Houston. Houston presents a unique challenge while it may appear to be an easy market to succeed in from an outside perspective, the reality is quite different.

 

[Mrtejano]

In the Royal and Ryan show there was a band that plays songs in English and they were playing Norteño music. And they classified themselves as Norteño.

EZ BAND

 

[davideduardo]

However, despite having a major radio presence in the market, the competitive landscape in Central Florida differs greatly from that in Houston. Houston presents a unique challenge while it may appear to be an easy market to succeed in from an outside perspective, the reality is quite different.

SBS does just fine with Regional Mexican in LA, SF and Chicago (despite a rimshot signal there). They should have no more problem in Houston with multiple competitors than they do in LA... where they have even more!

 

[radioislife2020]

For as long as I can recall, KROI has never been a prominent contender in the Houston market. Perhaps we should find humor in SBS's attempt to transform KROI into a competitive station also (I DON'T). Within the agency landscape and Nielsen ratings, once KROI and KFNC transition to new formats and are fully operational, they will be regarded with greater respect and viewed on a higher level. I believe it is unfair to criticize past ineffective formats and administrations without affording the new format changes the opportunity to prove their merit. I believe both signals, KROI and KFNC, have the potential to perform significantly better following a format change, regardless of what that change entails. KTJM LA Raza and KQQK El Norte has shown us it can be done.

Certainly, we will see the challenges and opportunities of entering a major market like Houston and striving to organize large-scale concerts, especially in the presence of established players such as Live Nation, Cardenas Marketing, Loud and Live, Latino Live, Mariana Escamilla, Promotores Unidos, as well as various local and regional promoters. The majority of bands and regional artists are already earning substantial incomes without relying on radio airplay. If SBS achieves significant ratings and success with its radio division in Houston and supports the artist's music, I can foresee them organizing events. However, despite having a major radio presence in the market, the competitive landscape in Central Florida differs greatly from that in Houston. Houston presents a unique challenge while it may appear to be an easy market to succeed in from an outside perspective, the reality is quite different.

You forget this is also an industry of relationships and the new Morning Show is very well connected with the artists and tour companies and agencies. 97.5 would try to get into the game with very little budget i mean I've never seen Power 105.3 on a billboard. The success of this station will be the on-air talents and top sales staff that has already been hired. This will for sure be an interesting December with Univision is gone on vacation and this new station is making noise. Let's remember that Both the morning show and pm drive are gone for December so timing will be key!

 

[Astros2023]

You forget this is also an industry of relationships and the new Morning Show is very well connected with the artists and tour companies and agencies. 97.5 would try to get into the game with very little budget i mean I've never seen Power 105.3 on a billboard. The success of this station will be the on-air talents and top sales staff that has already been hired. This will for sure be an interesting December with Univision is gone on vacation and this new station is making noise. Let's remember that Both the morning show and pm drive are gone for December so timing will be key!

I am not here to defend Power 105.3 FM. Your overly fixated on them? Were you fired by them? Have they done something to you? Power 105.3 FM continues to hold a limited presence within the Spanish/Urban market. If the rumors are accurate that the team at Power plans to acquire KFNC and transition to a full-market Mexican Regional format, given the likelihood of significant investment in these properties, it can be assumed they will have the resources to fund a TV campaign, promotional giveaways, billboards, and similar marketing efforts. I doubt millions will go into purchasing to only do things half ass. Allow me to reiterate: "La Grande 104.5" and "Power 105.3 FM," along with any translators, are not significant competitors in the Houston market. Translators act as minor placeholders that fail to sufficiently influence the market, Nielsen ratings, or agency purchases. Ultimately, success is not determined by the quality of the product alone, but by the ability to translate that product into revenue and profitability.

 

[Astros2023]

You forget this is also an industry of relationships and the new Morning Show is very well connected with the artists and tour companies and agencies. 97.5 would try to get into the game with very little budget i mean I've never seen Power 105.3 on a billboard. The success of this station will be the on-air talents and top sales staff that has already been hired. This will for sure be an interesting December with Univision is gone on vacation and this new station is making noise. Let's remember that Both the morning show and pm drive are gone for December so timing will be key!

If you are referring to the connections and influence Raul Brindis possesses, it seems you may not fully grasp the challenges and liabilities he brings to the table. Consider that his ego and personality are the primary focus, rather than the rest of the station. His show remains unchanged since 1999, and his ratings were slightly lower than those of "El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo." Keep in mind that Raúl will not receive backing from the leading Spanish television giant, Univision. He was at the forefront of market trends with legendary campaigns involving multi-million-dollar giveaways and prominent billboard advertisements, for many years, KLTN was synonymous with Raul. He was being outperformed by both of Estrella Media's Rim shot signals. I believe you may be attributing too much credit to him, considering the circumstances have shifted. This brings to mind Don Francisco's transition from Univision to Telemundo, which we can all agree was a significant misstep.

 

[Mrtejano]

I am not here to defend Power 105.3 FM. Your overly fixated on them? Were you fired by them? Have they done something to you? Power 105.3 FM continues to hold a limited presence within the Spanish/Urban market. If the rumors are accurate that the team at Power plans to acquire KFNC and transition to a full-market Mexican Regional format, given the likelihood of significant investment in these properties, it can be assumed they will have the resources to fund a TV campaign, promotional giveaways, billboards, and similar marketing efforts. I doubt millions will go into purchasing to only do things half ass. Allow me to reiterate: "La Grande 104.5" and "Power 105.3 FM," along with any translators, are not significant competitors in the Houston market. Translators act as minor placeholders that fail to sufficiently influence the market, Nielsen ratings, or agency purchases. Ultimately, success is not determined by the quality of the product alone, but by the ability to translate that product into revenue and profitability.

Why would the team that is running POWER 105.3 try to purchase a FULL FM and flip it? Would make more sense to more power to 97.5.


Power ahora con más Poder.