WTBC is one of the lowest-rated radio stations in Chicago, and it’s not hard to see why. I’m guessing that this station is aimed at white millennial women (correct me if I’m wrong) but they play a lot of rap/R&B. I’ve heard them play Bring Me to Life by Evanescence, which sticks out like a sore thumb on the playlist, and not exactly the kind of song that demographic would listen to. (Unless some of them had a very intense Goth/Emo phase) Another problem is the fact that most of the songs on WTBC can easily be heard on other stations. (A lot of the songs on their playlist can often be heard on WTMX and WLIT.) so there’s not much separating the station from their competitors. There’s really no song on that station that cannot be heard on other stations. WTBC needs to get their act together and change their format as soon as possible. Does anybody agree?
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What’s the deal with Throwback 100.3?!
- Thread starter Shadowkittin
- Start date
‘Bring Me to Life’ was a MAJOR pop hit in ‘03 (I remember when it was a current VERY well), so it makes sense to include it if you’re including the pop hits of that era. They’re emulating what B96 and Kiss (and to some extent, Mix) aired in those two decades, and Evanescence is included in that. Judging from what they’ve been playing, they’re pretty down the center mainstream-wise, not really leaning towards one side or the other.
Throwback, and whatever format 100.3 airs, will always serve as a complement to Mix, mostly as a sales partner. As long as Throwback brings in some $, they’re not changing. (Remember, it’s not always about ratings - it’s a revenue game as well.)
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I always thought Hubbard ran good, quality AC stations like Warm 106.9 in Sea. Kinda strange they pulled the plug on that here in Chicago. MAYBE they will revitalize one and bring some listeners over from Lite FM during the the holiday season. And yes have them also play Xmas music. A duel between the two stations would be fun and interesting lol
WTBC is there to protect WTMX. Money is Hubbard’s key since WTMX is the number one FM station in Chicago for revenue (not counting WCFS-FM). Adult Hits is 100.3’s closest format and I think that's the best format they can tweak to. I can actually see a bit of similarity between their playlist and WARH in St. Louis, just without the 80’s.
I would not see WTBC go Mainstream AC because WLIT is moving towards that lane. Especially since they played “Don’t Start Now” and “Pink Pony Club” earlier today.
I would not see WTBC go Mainstream AC because WLIT is moving towards that lane. Especially since they played “Don’t Start Now” and “Pink Pony Club” earlier today.
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I'm kinda surprised, but I guess WTMX has bounced back a bit from the morning show fiasco a few years ago.
I would have guessed The Drive was the primary cash cow in the cluster, but it's a good guess that both stations make very good money.
Just found out that they’re nominated for Best AC station in 2025
They ain't AC.
That's what I’m saying, they're more towards Adult Hits. I have no clue why they're listed as AC.
Sadly, I am in the demographic (and age group) for that crap. Everyone I tried to date, likes that song, that artist, and that band. My theory is, nostalgia and sudden interest in alternative (at least among those my age). It's interesting how you go from, Britney and boy bands, to that crap...in about 2-3 years (while growing up). And yes...100.3's shift away from solid AC (its loss), is 93.9's gain. Not a good idea for 100.3.
Pretty explanatory, we don't have a station in the market playing music from the 80s to now. They're also dominating the younger demographics.
From what I've seen on Lite FM's playlist since I've been tracking it, there's more currents & recurrents on there. They're still missing out on a few songs like Ordinary, Espresso, and Fast Car. They should be 100% mainstream by the time they flip back from their annual Christmas format, since I've seen them shift more uptempo.