SBS Buys KROI for $7.5 million

[lanceventa]

If SBS did indeed close on KROI yesterday, it makes the continued carriage of the Praise format even more strange.

Please stop over analyzing every minute of operation. Nobody is going to start operating a new brand on Thanksgiving Day. Even IF closing did happen and we have absolutely nothing on either side to go by, it is more likely SBS will begin operating on Monday. There is nothing strange about it. I've seen sales where the new operator waits weeks until implementing their new operations.

 

[gimmethemoldies]

Please stop over analyzing every minute of operation. Nobody is going to start operating a new brand on Thanksgiving Day. Even IF closing did happen and we have absolutely nothing on either side to go by, it is more likely SBS will begin operating on Monday. There is nothing strange about it. I've seen sales where the new operator waits weeks until implementing their new operations.

I think we’re all just really surprised that SBS didn’t drop Praise the moment they got KROI (if the sale did indeed close)

 

[lanceventa]

I think we’re all just really surprised that SBS didn’t drop Praise the moment they got KROI (if the sale did indeed close)

And put what on? If they're not locally staffed yet, would you fly employees to Houston to spend Thanksgiving putting on a placeholder format? There are likely equipment upgrades that will be done, getting the new studios ready, etc... You already have a filler format in place so why change it until you're ready to launch properly?

 

[gimmethemoldies]

And put what on? If they're not locally staffed yet, would you fly employees to Houston to spend Thanksgiving putting on a placeholder format? There are likely equipment upgrades that will be done, getting the new studios ready, etc... You already have a filler format in place so why change it until you're ready to launch properly?

To be honest, Thanksgiving music would’ve been a great filler format.

 

[101.9 La Kalle]

And put what on?

Another stunt like done with WPYO and WSUN?

 

[lanceventa]

Another stunt like done with WPYO and WSUN?

Read what I said before...

"If they're not locally staffed yet, would you fly employees to Houston to spend Thanksgiving putting on a placeholder format? There are likely equipment upgrades that will be done, getting the new studios ready, etc... "

To be honest, Thanksgiving music would’ve been a great filler format.

To what end? Alice's Restaurant will drive away the Praise audience and not retain anybody for the upcoming Spanish language one. The purpose of a stunt format is to generate buzz and attention before a brand launch to get listeners to sample it immediately.

 

[Mediafrog+]

Please stop over analyzing every minute of operation. Nobody is going to start operating a new brand on Thanksgiving Day. Even IF closing did happen and we have absolutely nothing on either side to go by, it is more likely SBS will begin operating on Monday.

I’ll agree with you on the “Monday” thought. By then we should have some sort of confirmation that the sale actually closed…or another amended APA filed.

There is nothing strange about it. I've seen sales where the new operator waits weeks until implementing their new operations.

The difference is that with a typical sale the new owner would continue the previous format (acquired intellectual property) of the station until they are ready to launch a new one. But in the case of KROI, SST has been using another separately owned station’s format as filler, and that format has kept the branding of its “home”, namely KMJQ 102.1 HD-2. It’s not as if SST has been running their own “computer-in-a-closet” format since taking control of KROI on 7/31/2023. That is what we are focusing on.

And put what on? If they're not locally staffed yet, would you fly employees to Houston to spend Thanksgiving putting on a placeholder format?

Why would you need to “fly employees to Houston” to run any placeholder format? We’re talking computer in a closet. And, as David Eduardo has pointed out before, a format can be run from anywhere…you don’t need a local presence. SBS could feed it from their existing facilities in NYC, LA, Miami, etc. until the Houston physical studio operation is ready.

There are likely equipment upgrades that will be done, getting the new studios ready, etc... You already have a filler format in place so why change it until you're ready to launch properly?

Urban One moved out of their old studios to the previous Cox facilities some time ago. Couldn’t SBS have been working on their own setup in the meantime? They can’t touch the transmitter or any programming aspects until taking control, but unless there is some legality I’m unaware of, studio construction/renovation can take place.

If the Brindis non-compete speculation is correct, I could see a full launch as early as Monday, December 16, with possible stunting starting Monday, December 2. But who knows.🤔😖

 

[JustinT]

The launch of SBS' new format on 92.1 is the most interesting move to happen in this market in ages. We've been waiting 18 months from the original article that Radio One had a buyer for the station. Closing the deal will mark the end of Radio One's long reign of error over the frequency. Excessive speculation is to be expected

 

[Astros2023]

Read what I said before...

"If they're not locally staffed yet, would you fly employees to Houston to spend Thanksgiving putting on a placeholder format? There are likely equipment upgrades that will be done, getting the new studios ready, etc... "


To what end? Alice's Restaurant will drive away the Praise audience and not retain anybody for the upcoming Spanish language one. The purpose of a stunt format is to generate buzz and attention before a brand launch to get listeners to sample it immediately.

While I understand that launching a new brand/format on Thanksgiving might not be strategically sound, the fact remains that SBS has defaulted on closing this deal for over a year. This board exists for discussions sometimes overanalyzing, perhaps but always with the intent of fostering thoughtful engagement.
Much more was expected from a publicly traded company. From the moment SBS extended the closing date, they would have been fully aware that Thanksgiving and Christmas were fast approaching. This lack of urgency does little to instill confidence, especially when you consider the additional context.
For instance, the morning show has already been discussed supposedly with “Raúl” taking the lead. There have also been mentions of SBS hiring talent from Estrella Media, and if that wasn’t enough, we’re hearing reports of someone already having “boots on the ground” for weeks now at the Urban One radio facilities. All these rumors and movements paint a picture of readiness that makes their inaction even more baffling.
A full team/staff is not required to plan a stunt or implement a format change and travel to Houston. Remarkably, much can be accomplished from an office in Los Angeles or New York simply by uploading a few files with imaging and music onto a computer.
While it’s true that some new operators delay implementation for weeks after closing, the lack of clarity, combined with these ongoing developments, gives the appearance of disorganization or at the very least, a missed opportunity to build excitement or confidence in the market.

 

[fybush]

"Expected" by whom?

SBS is in this for the long haul. A few books down the road from now, none of their actual stakeholders will remember or care whether their new format began airing on Thursday afternoon or Friday or December 1 or whenever it actually starts.

Their starting line is going to be determined by what's best for their business, not by whatever arbitrary day they happen to get possession of the keys to the property.

 

[Astros2023]

"Expected" by whom?

SBS is in this for the long haul. A few books down the road from now, none of their actual stakeholders will remember or care whether their new format began airing on Thursday afternoon or Friday or December 1 or whenever it actually starts.

Their starting line is going to be determined by what's best for their business, not by whatever arbitrary day they happen to get possession of the keys to the property.

A fair point perhaps "expected" carries little weight for SBS or their long-term stakeholders, and I agree that a few books down the road, nobody will care whether the format launched on Thursday, Friday, or December 1. However, for a publicly traded company, the optics of how they handle this transition are hard to ignore. For SBS a company with the resources and reputation of an industry giant not being able to close on a $7.5 million deal feels like a missed opportunity. After all, we assumed they could raise the funds in a “New York minute.”
Of course, their timeline should align with what’s best for their business, but as industry veterans simply discussing radio, it’s hard not to question how this process reflects on them. If they’re in it for the long haul, wouldn’t it be wise to inspire confidence from the start?

 

[davideduardo]

While I understand that launching a new brand/format on Thanksgiving might not be strategically sound,

Not only is it not sound, it is a time of the year when all ad buys were done months ago, so there is no rush. Ans the season disrupts listening patterns, so, again, little to be gained.

Much more was expected from a publicly traded company. From the moment SBS extended the closing date, they would have been fully aware that Thanksgiving and Christmas were fast approaching. This lack of urgency does little to instill confidence, especially when you consider the additional context.

Actually, a smart decision. Talent usually is off for several weeks during the Holiday book, and kids are out of school and families have different listening patterns.

For instance, the morning show has already been discussed supposedly with “Raúl” taking the lead. There have also been mentions of SBS hiring talent from Estrella Media, and if that wasn’t enough, we’re hearing reports of someone already having “boots on the ground” for weeks now at the Urban One radio facilities. All these rumors and movements paint a picture of readiness that makes their inaction even more baffling.

Thre is nothing to be gained by getting on today or over the weekend. Monday would be fine, and the week has no disruptions.

A full team/staff is not required to plan a stunt or implement a format change and travel to Houston.

Nobody would plan and kind of event involving travel of key people at a holiday time.

While it’s true that some new operators delay implementation for weeks after closing, the lack of clarity, combined with these ongoing developments, gives the appearance of disorganization or at the very least, a missed opportunity to build excitement or confidence in the market.

Not in a holiday period with erratic listening and vacation schedules and the like.

Only once did I launch in this period, and I had everything ready in late November but, instead, waited until December 30 to launch with the new year. That, indeed, worked and we debuted #1in the first book in no small part by being the onlyexcitemen after the holidays were over.

 

[Astros2023]

Not only is it not sound, it is a time of the year when all ad buys were done months ago, so there is no rush. Ans the season disrupts listening patterns, so, again, little to be gained.


Actually, a smart decision. Talent usually is off for several weeks during the Holiday book, and kids are out of school and families have different listening patterns.

Thre is nothing to be gained by getting on today or over the weekend. Monday would be fine, and the week has no disruptions.

Nobody would plan and kind of event involving travel of key people at a holiday time.

Not in a holiday period with erratic listening and vacation schedules and the like.

Only once did I launch in this period, and I had everything ready in late November but, instead, waited until December 30 to launch with the new year. That, indeed, worked and we debuted #1in the first book in no small
Art by being the onlyexcitemen after the holidays were over.

It's true! this might just be a group of old radio enthusiasts sitting on the sidelines, overanalyzing and speculating whether this deal will be postponed yet again. That said, you’re absolutely right whether they launch today or January 1 ultimately makes little difference in the grand scheme.
What I find most intriguing is the potential impact of this transition, the format, the music, the sales team, ratings, the on-air talent, and the splash it’s expected to make in the Houston market. It’s not every year we see a major market signal change hands or flip to Spanish. These moments are rare, which is exactly why they’re so captivating to watch unfold, even if we’re guilty of overthinking them at times.

 

[xmtrland]

Hmm Really tough decision. Lets See?

On the one hand- Have one more station to worry and watch over during thanksgiving. Make sure things switch, logs are playing, whatever it takes to keep the station you now own, playing over Thanksgiving holiday weekend weekend. Maybe even pulling in staff (no holiday weekend for you!)

Or do nothing until Monday. One less station to stress about over the Thanksgiving day weekend. If you have a staff in town, already for a big format change, they get the Holiday weekend to spend with family and get ready for the Big Change! Best part is that even if the station goes off the air because of equipment failure you can say it was planned for the Big Change!!!!!

I vote do nothing till Monday start the week strong!

And whatever revenue you make till I take over on Monday is yours for not having to worry about the station. My 2cents.

 

[davideduardo]

While I understand that launching a new brand/format on Thanksgiving might not be strategically sound,

Not only is it not sound, it is a time of the year when all ad buys were done months ago, so there is no rush. And the season disrupts listening patterns, so, again, little to be gained.

Much more was expected from a publicly traded company. From the moment SBS extended the closing date, they would have been fully aware that Thanksgiving and Christmas were fast approaching. This lack of urgency does little to instill confidence, especially when you consider the additional context.

Actually, a smart decision. Talent usually is off for several weeks during the Holiday book, and kids are out of school and families have different listening patterns.

For instance, the morning show has already been discussed supposedly with “Raúl” taking the lead. There have also been mentions of SBS hiring talent from Estrella Media, and if that wasn’t enough, we’re hearing reports of someone already having “boots on the ground” for weeks now at the Urban One radio facilities. All these rumors and movements paint a picture of readiness that makes their inaction even more baffling.

There is nothing to be gained by getting on today or over the weekend. Monday is fine, as is any time in next few weeks.

A full team/staff is not required to plan a stunt or implement a format change and travel to Houston. Remarkably, much can be accomplished from an office in Los Angeles or New York simply by uploading a few files with imaging and music onto a computer.
While it’s true that some new operators delay implementation for weeks after closing, the lack of clarity, combined with these ongoing developments, gives the appearance of disorganization or at the very least, a missed opportunity to build excitement or confidence in the market.

The ad community will notice nothing during December. In fact, it is better to start after Christmas.

 

[Identnut]

Also, why do people assume that Raúl Brindis will be the morning host? SBS likes having national hosts, they have one with Terry Cortez, and Brindis is only known in one city, and even there he was kind of getting washed up.

 

[davideduardo]

Also, why do people assume that Raúl Brindis will be the morning host? SBS likes having national hosts, they have one with Terry Cortez, and Brindis is only known in one city, and even there he was kind of getting washed up.

In fact, efforts to introduce him in even nearby Texas markets were met with unimpressive results.

 

[101.9 La Kalle]

Also, why do people assume that Raúl Brindis will be the morning host? SBS likes having national hosts, they have one with Terry Cortez, and Brindis is only known in one city, and even there he was kind of getting washed up.

We're going off little pieces of info we already know, and while Brindis may be quite a stretch, we've heard him say he'll be back in Houston by the end of the year.

 

[jt99]

Also, why do people assume that Raúl Brindis will be the morning host? SBS likes having national hosts, they have one with Terry Cortez, and Brindis is only known in one city, and even there he was kind of getting washed up.

I had only ocassionally heard Raul's show in passing to really be able to comment on the changes that were being made to the show in the final year or so before he was fired by TelevisaUnivision, but based off what I've read on social media it seems like an increase in music wasn't the only thing that changed about the show.

It seems like Raul himself had changed as well, and I also read comments from listeners saying they were not fans of a show member nicknamed "El Borrego" and missed Rolis Contreras, who was let go in July 2023. If he is chosen to be the morning man at KROI, I don't expect him to do very well if he comes back with the same show he was doing during his final year at TelevisaUnivision, with the only change being a decrease in the music (with the increase in music allegedly being pushed by TU).

 

[txchipk]

I think we’re all just really surprised that SBS didn’t drop Praise the moment they got KROI (if the sale did indeed close)

If the sale closed late Wednesday, I would imagine there are logistics to transition operations from Radio One's studios to a new location where SBS has a studio and office, etc., which might be tough to do with people out of the office on a holiday. To Lance's point, there are probably working on getting something up after the holidays.

In terms of expecting a format change the moment the sale closes, LMN should have taught us all that doesn't always happen...