104.9 Lake FM WTNQ hires local staff.

[ThomasFoolery]

Twitter has a much more entertaining selection of idiots to argue with.

I admire the owners willing stick their necks out and take on the risks. But not enough to put up with the stress anymore.

 

[BRice16]

Ban me? That's perfect. It doesn't take the truth away from my words. The stations are poorly programmed, no promotion, and, very few actual cash advertisers.

Show of hands. How many of you are currently employed or have an economic investment in the Knoxville radio market? I don't think a single person posting in this forum are actively employed in the Knoxville market, or have ever worked in the market as more than weekend or part time staff. True? Absolutely.

So I haven't posted in nine years, back when I was more of an enthusiast than a radio person, and since I started calling games for the Vol Network and WNML, I figured I shouldn't be active anymore. But I'm breaking that today to prove you wrong here.

As for the actual topic at hand, I want to applaud @ricki for what his group is doing here in Knoxville. They have formats that serve huge holes in the market, and I may be employed by another company, but 97.1 and106.1 are both presets in my car. I hope the rumor that Jump is not long for the world isn't true, because I like it, but 106.1 has filled a spot that has been missing since the X departed us back in 2015.

I also applaud him for coming here and outlining what he and his company are doing here locally. Radio is supposed to be fun. People sucking the life out of it and keeping it from being fun are what has hurt the industry so much.

There's plenty of money to go around here in Knoxville. In my format, we're the only sports station that shows up in the ratings at all. But Fan Run 1340 has an airstaff full of guys making a living doing sports. Jayson Swain and Tony Basillio are both making money doing shows on stations that don't rate. Obviously, music radio is a little different, but you don't have to be billing millions of dollars every year to be successful, particularly if you're not beholden to corporate boards of directors.

 

[Ktownradioman]

So I haven't posted in nine years, back when I was more of an enthusiast than a radio person, and since I started calling games for the Vol Network and WNML, I figured I shouldn't be active anymore. But I'm breaking that today to prove you wrong here.

As for the actual topic at hand, I want to applaud @ricki for what his group is doing here in Knoxville. They have formats that serve huge holes in the market, and I may be employed by another company, but 97.1 and106.1 are both presets in my car. I hope the rumor that Jump is not long for the world isn't true, because I like it, but 106.1 has filled a spot that has been missing since the X departed us back in 2015.

I also applaud him for coming here and outlining what he and his company are doing here locally. Radio is supposed to be fun. People sucking the life out of it and keeping it from being fun are what has hurt the industry so much.

There's plenty of money to go around here in Knoxville. In my format, we're the only sports station that shows up in the ratings at all. But Fan Run 1340 has an airstaff full of guys making a living doing sports. Jayson Swain and Tony Basillio are both making money doing shows on stations that don't rate. Obviously, music radio is a little different, but you don't have to be billing millions of dollars every year to be successful, particularly if you're not beholden to corporate boards of directors.

I'm glad to see your great response! I'm hoping that the Jump 97.1 call letter change was simply just that and the website issue is just a simple overlook. They are doing something that has never been done here in Knoxville before and I absolutely love them. As far as the other 2 stations go (106.1 and 104.9), even though their signals aren't perfect, they are filling voids and listeners probably aren't letting the signal stop them from listening. Ricki has a great group of stations.

 

[Megawatt]

So I haven't posted in nine years, back when I was more of an enthusiast than a radio person, and since I started calling games for the Vol Network and WNML, I figured I shouldn't be active anymore. But I'm breaking that today to prove you wrong here.

As for the actual topic at hand, I want to applaud @ricki for what his group is doing here in Knoxville. They have formats that serve huge holes in the market, and I may be employed by another company, but 97.1 and106.1 are both presets in my car. I hope the rumor that Jump is not long for the world isn't true, because I like it, but 106.1 has filled a spot that has been missing since the X departed us back in 2015.

I also applaud him for coming here and outlining what he and his company are doing here locally. Radio is supposed to be fun. People sucking the life out of it and keeping it from being fun are what has hurt the industry so much.

There's plenty of money to go around here in Knoxville. In my format, we're the only sports station that shows up in the ratings at all. But Fan Run 1340 has an airstaff full of guys making a living doing sports. Jayson Swain and Tony Basillio are both making money doing shows on stations that don't rate. Obviously, music radio is a little different, but you don't have to be billing millions of dollars every year to be successful, particularly if you're not beholden to corporate boards of directors.

What's your expertise again? You're taking the side of a group which can't even be bothered to update their Facebook page regularly. They are dead in the water. The stations won't survive until this time next year without a major change in, well, everything. No matter how emotional energy you're putting into arguing with me, I'm still 100% correct.

 

[davideduardo]

I'm still 100% correct.

Radio is an industry where nobody is one-hundred percent correct. It's a business filled with "fuzzy logic" where two very separate program concepts can both succeed even if the creator of one thinks the other is rubbish.

You make absolute statements about an industry where nothing is absolute. And you make those "absolutisms" despite no evidence that supports your experience, knowledge and credibility.

 

[davideduardo]

...and since I started calling games for the Vol Network and WNML, I figured I shouldn't be active anymore.

Welcome. I worked with a famous Vols play-by-play announcer, George Mooney, and rode to several games in the Vol Navy!

As for the actual topic at hand, I want to applaud @ricki for what his group is doing here in Knoxville. They have formats that serve huge holes in the market, and I may be employed by another company, but 97.1 and106.1 are both presets in my car.

Different operational perspectives and ideas are needed, and that seems to be what they are doing. We should applaud that!

I also applaud him for coming here and outlining what he and his company are doing here locally. Radio is supposed to be fun. People sucking the life out of it and keeping it from being fun are what has hurt the industry so much.

Bravo!

There's plenty of money to go around here in Knoxville. In my format, we're the only sports station that shows up in the ratings at all. But Fan Run 1340 has an airstaff full of guys making a living doing sports. Jayson Swain and Tony Basillio are both making money doing shows on stations that don't rate. Obviously, music radio is a little different, but you don't have to be billing millions of dollars every year to be successful, particularly if you're not beholden to corporate boards of directors.

Well put. Thanks for returning to the board and I hope you participate often.

 

[gr8oldies]

Welcome. I worked with a famous Vols play-by-play announcer, George Mooney, and rode to several games in the Vol Navy!

Different operational perspectives and ideas are needed, and that seems to be what they are doing. We should applaud that!

Bravo!

Well put. Thanks for returning to the board and I hope you participate often.

The Vol Navy is a really cool tradition.

 

[b-turner]

It would seem if Megawatt had credentials we'd know by now. I'm guessing he has an axe to grind but no substance to back up his claims. I could be wrong but as I said we've asked and been ignored.

 

[davideduardo]

It would seem if Megawatt had credentials we'd know by now. I'm guessing he has an axe to grind but no substance to back up his claims. I could be wrong but as I said we've asked and been ignored.

There are many here who have either identified themselves or, through multiple posts with concrete facts, have established themselves despite remaining anonymous.

You are one of the first group, while BigA is in the second. We learn to trust and savor the comments and opinions of those who come with intelligence and experience.

 

[Team_SR]

So I haven't posted in nine years, back when I was more of an enthusiast than a radio person, and since I started calling games for the Vol Network and WNML, I figured I shouldn't be active anymore. But I'm breaking that today to prove you wrong here.

As for the actual topic at hand, I want to applaud @ricki for what his group is doing here in Knoxville. They have formats that serve huge holes in the market, and I may be employed by another company, but 97.1 and106.1 are both presets in my car. I hope the rumor that Jump is not long for the world isn't true, because I like it, but 106.1 has filled a spot that has been missing since the X departed us back in 2015.

I also applaud him for coming here and outlining what he and his company are doing here locally. Radio is supposed to be fun. People sucking the life out of it and keeping it from being fun are what has hurt the industry so much.

There's plenty of money to go around here in Knoxville. In my format, we're the only sports station that shows up in the ratings at all. But Fan Run 1340 has an airstaff full of guys making a living doing sports. Jayson Swain and Tony Basillio are both making money doing shows on stations that don't rate. Obviously, music radio is a little different, but you don't have to be billing millions of dollars every year to be successful, particularly if you're not beholden to corporate boards of directors.

Well said Brian!...

 

[Megawatt]

To claim that a commercial, independent radio station can pay the bills with no advertisers is comical and very telling of the actual experience level for this group. Advertisers buy reach. Listeners, social engagement, any measurable proof of listenership. Loud's stations in the Knoxville market do not have enough of it, listenership, to make an impression. Why is this? Two reasons - (1) they have done an extremely poor job of promoting themselves, and, (2) those who have sampled the formats have found them displeasing to their palettes and have moved on. The formats will never succeed in this, or any market. To hold out hope for anything different is pure and simple stupidity.

To be honest, if this operator wants to make money, they should turn the whole thing off and save whatever they were going to haphazardly toss down the hole tomorrow.

 

[R.D.P.]

Let's get the wax out of our ears and pay close attention. I'm able to pay the bills and I don't sell ads. And yes...I'm a local independent LPFM radio station owner. The first one ever in Selma Alabama sir. Things are still going great for me, despite my signal issue. You don't have to be a big kid to have success. Us smaller types can have success and do what we love best. I've had a great time in the radio business so far and want to stay in it for years to come. I see a need to keep this LPFM radio station going. Want to see it reach its true potential and help fulfill the Great Commission. Just like Mr. Ricki, I too took a risk with this radio station and it has paid off for me. After 5 years, this broadcast is still growing, expanding and reaching the mass populace with a powerful uplifting message that we all need to hear from. And for some food for thought: I don't even take part in the local radio ratings either. I see no need to participate in them. All I need to do is let God have His way, follow His wishes, provide a wonderful mix of Music and Programming and do it right. If I do these things, the support I need and the listeners will come.

Dan <><

P.S. As some of the other posters have already asked, what kind of radio experience do you have sir? If you have none, then let's enjoy what Mr. Ricki is doing for his hometown and lay off with the insults towards him. After all, it's his money. So let him spend it as he wishes.

In closing: This LPFM radio station isn't a waste of electricity. What this broadcast has accomplished in the past 5 years has been remarkable and a true blessing from God Himself. I'm so thankful that He gave me a chance to have this radio station and help Spread His Word to this community. Every success, I've had so far, has been because of His blessings.​

 

[R.D.P.]

And...To Mr. Ricki, keep up the good work. Don't let the "Mad Haters" get to you. Just do what works best for you and keep at it.​

Dan <><

 

[Megawatt]

What experience do I have? Decades of the one thing clearly lacking in this group, sales and management. And as such I monitored Lake FM today and heard a giant lack of commercial advertising. A few barter, some network for their ABC News, which is quaint but repels advertisers, and a couple of Tennessee Lottery spots.

The programming was all over the road. No hint of an actual format. If you've listened to "Mid Century Radio" you know how bad it can be, well LAKE FM makes Mid Century Radio sound like WABC-AM. It's that bad.

And, "R.D.P.", clearly you've missed much of what I've said. Format, advertising, that's what it takes. You run an LPFM, broadcasting religious programming. Apples and oranges in the actual commercial broadcasting world.

 

[Megawatt]

LPFM is a giant waste of resources, FM translators rebroadcasting programming people don't want to hear in the first place, the entire AM band, religion and sports, all wastes of not only resources, but also the public's airwaves. Remember, the public owns the air. The public can take away that as well. Don't squander what you've been allowed.

 

[davideduardo]

What experience do I have? Decades of the one thing clearly lacking in this group, sales and management.

Gee, I guess owning, managing and being GSM for 13 stations including a 9-station single market cluster with 50% of the revenue in a 45 station market is meaningless. Or being GM in markets like Miami, or GSM in a top 12 market.

Of course, I identify the stations and dates in my profile here. You don't.

And, "R.D.P.", clearly you've missed much of what I've said. Format, advertising, that's what it takes. You run an LPFM, broadcasting religious programming. Apples and oranges in the actual commercial broadcasting world.

His point is solid. I have owned stations with limited ratings that got excellent sales. Some stations go for ratings, other look for profitable niche positions.

 

[davideduardo]

LPFM is a giant waste of resources, FM translators rebroadcasting programming people don't want to hear in the first place, the entire AM band, religion and sports, all wastes of not only resources, but also the public's airwaves. Remember, the public owns the air. The public can take away that as well. Don't squander what you've been allowed.

There are many wasted LPFM assignments, but there are more that provide niche services and local programming to a community. Zuma Hans' LPFM in Malibu, CA, is a terrific service and professional operation. So is the traditional oldies station in Lancaster, CA which does some thing commercial radio can't do. There are many more cases like that.

And there are plenty of well rated translators. Whether they rebroadcast and HD channel or an AM or a national or regional non-com, there are many, many of these that have very competitive ratings and many more that provide additional format options.

I pulled one medium sized top 50 market, Austin. There are 7 HD channels repeated on translators that get a 0.1 or more and four of them have a 0.9 or more and one has a 1.4 share. They are obviously filling needs... niche ones, perhaps, but they are not wasted as they all seem to present formats not available elsewhere, from classic Hip Hop to dance to LGBTQ programming.

Few listen to AM any more... in many markets, less than 5% of AQH listening goes to AM stations. Long ago it was proven that music formats (with the exception of ethnic niche opportunities) can't attract listeners. AM was allocated in the late 20's and early 30's and most markets have outgrown their signals while man made noise has reduced coverage; that is not stations' fault.

Yet we have hundreds of AM stations serving Persian, Chinese, Korean, Vietnames, Russian and other language based groups who otherwise would have not radio service; we even have AMs in areas with smaller Hispanic populations serving that group which now approaches 20% of the US population.

And the "public" does not own the air. The government regulates OTA broadcasting as a trustee for the nation, and has a set of regulations it feels preserve order and provide services to the public. And you have not mentioned a single thing that disqualifies any licensee.

 

[b-turner]

Megawatt said "What experience do I have? Decades of the one thing clearly lacking in this group, sales and management."

Your foot is nicely inserted in your mouth. 43+ years for me including almost 26 years as GM in the #6 market. I began behind the microphone, then programming, sales and management. My preference now is small market because I can work on-on-one with clients and local groups. Not an expert but I've seen a bunch.

I presume you've worked the Knoxville market. I know a couple of folks that were or are in the market. Care to share some call letters?

I can imagine you'd think all the big boy format flips playing 10,000 songs without a commercial should save the electricity and go dark.

 

[Megawatt]

Gee, I guess owning, managing and being GSM for 13 stations including a 9-station single market cluster with 50% of the revenue in a 45 station market is meaningless. Or being GM in markets like Miami, or GSM in a top 12 market.

Of course, I identify the stations and dates in my profile here. You don't.

His point is solid. I have owned stations with limited ratings that got excellent sales. Some stations go for ratings, other look for profitable niche positions.

Then you should know what it takes? Why are you pretending you don't?

 

[Megawatt]

Megawatt said "What experience do I have? Decades of the one thing clearly lacking in this group, sales and management."

Your foot is nicely inserted in your mouth. 43+ years for me including almost 26 years as GM in the #6 market. I began behind the microphone, then programming, sales and management. My preference now is small market because I can work on-on-one with clients and local groups. Not an expert but I've seen a bunch.

I presume you've worked the Knoxville market. I know a couple of folks that were or are in the market. Care to share some call letters?

I can imagine you'd think all the big boy format flips playing 10,000 songs without a commercial should save the electricity and go dark.

Knoxville, Miami, Birmingham, Dallas, New York City... NEW YORK CITY! Yes. And more.