104.9 Lake FM WTNQ hires local staff.

[R.D.P.]

Excuse me sir. To say that people don't want to listen to a LPFM or Translator station, is hilarious indeed. I know of many small radio stations, outside of mine, that are also doing very well. We may not have the resources or signal to work with but we're serving a purpose and the people are tuned in and love what they're hearing. Matter of fact these stations are making money for the people that own them too. Now to say that we small radio stations don't serve a purpose or are a waste of resources is hilarious indeed. In most cases, we small radio stations are providing programming and musical styles that the big boys won't even touch and serving listeners that didn't have a voice on the radio to begin with.

Dan <><

P.S. As an example: The Translator stations we have in Selma, Montgomery, Marion and Clanton are doing very well for the owners of them. They may not have a big signal or budget but the programming is serving a purpose and in most cases is filling in a format hole that existed before they signed on.

In closing sir: My resources aren't being wasted. They're being used to keep the broadcasting running and the bills paid, when they come due. Also I can play those singers, songwriters and styles the big boys won't even touch. My goal is to also give the little guy a chance to be heard on here too. I don't mind playing the lesser known or the independent musicians. These people are looking for a voice on the radio and I'll give them one, since everyone else tends to avoid them on purpose.​

 

[R.D.P.]

In closing again, I know of two translator stations in Alabama, that are doing very well and do different types of programming once their AM counterparts sign off for the day. One relay is located, not far from you, in Rainsville/Fort Payne Alabama. During the day they rebroadcast the signal of their AM SG station WVSM. Once the AM signs off, they become Rejoice 103.1 and do a mix of Praise and Contemporary Christian styled music and believe it or not that presentation is actually working. Another example is located near me in Clanton Alabama. Between 5 A.M. and 5 P.M., the FM counterpart to WKLF AM does SG. Once the AM signs off, then Mr. Chris does a Classic Hits program. This set up is also doing very well for him.

WYLS AM York signs off at night but the FM counterpart continues with the Urban Gospel thing and it's working very well too. WJUS AM Marion Urban Gospel has a FM counterpart and it's working very well for Ms. Faye King.

Those sir are some fine examples of how a translator station is attracting listeners and having success.

Some other examples of Translators doing very well, are here in Selma and Montgomery where many of the relays are doing broadcasts of an AM counterpart or HD channel and those stations are having major success, because they're doing programming that's not being heard on their bigger counterparts. A great example is: 107.1 FM The Vault in Montgomery. (Relay of a WQKS FM HD Channel) They're playing the obscure rock tunes, the other players won't even touch. Believe it or not for a 38 watt signal the station is doing very well. Another is 104.9 FM The Gump Montgomery. That station is a relay of their AM 1170 counterpart and does Alt. Rock. The program is doing very well, despite its 99 watt signal. Despite it's 250 watt signal, The Possum 103.9 FM Montgomery is doing very well with its Classic Country format. (Relay of a WQKS FM HD channel) Despite its 80 watt signal, Yo! 100.5 Classic Hip-Hop is billing very well too. (A Relay of a WQKS FM HD channel) Here in Selma our relays are Jam 94.7 FM Adult Urban WJAM 1340 AM counterpart, Da' Bomb 96.3 FM Classic Hip-Hop A Relay of a HD Channel of WALX and Kix 101.5 Classic Country Another Relay of a HD channel of WALX. And yes...These presentations are doing very well for Mr. Paul and his family.

So sir there you have it. I just listed some very successful translator stations, we have in my area of the world and proved they actually work.

Before I leave this discussion may as well tell you that Montgomery has five other successful translator stations too and here they are: Praise 96.5 FM Urban Gospel (Relay of WMGY 800 AM), 95.5 FM Classic Hits (Relay of WRBZ 1250 AM), 92.7 FM AFR (Relay of a HD Channel of WMRK FM Shorter), 99.3 FM Black Information Network (Another Relay of a HD Channel of WMRK Shorter) and The Big KD 94.1 FM Adult Urban, Blues, Southern Soul, Gospel, Talk and Old School. (A Relay of WZKD 950 AM)

Dan <><

P.S. If you still believe that people won't listen to a Translator station, is very hilarious indeed. Those examples have proved that these small radio stations are serving a purpose, do indeed have an audience and are billing very well for the owners of them.​

 

[davideduardo]

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

I know that there are multiple ways to make money with a radio station. With a big, full signal you can go after the ratings and major clients and agencies. With an AM or partial signal you can do niche formats or do religion or specialize in geographically concentrated ethnic or minority groups. You can even do brokered time sales. All are capable of making money.

I owned a station once in the nation's capitol. It was my 5th FM in a 45 station market, and all the "good" formats were taken. So I sold time blocks to the major embassies to do blocks about their country and news for their expats. At night, I programmed classical, mostly because I liked having a classical station to listen to... but overall, the station was very profitable yet took no significant work.

So there is an example of an unrated station in a large market that made money with no ratings.

 

[davideduardo]

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

That's my résume. You are taking my bio and citing places where there are stations or companies I have worked for. WKGN, WQBA, WHTT, Y-100, WSUA, WCMQ, WAQI, WAMR, KLNO, WERC, WERC-FM, WADO, WXNY and lots of others.

Your turn. Or we can play Stick a Pin on a Rand-McNally some more.

 

[R.D.P.]

I also know of several successful LPFM radio stations, in my area, that are billing very well and have many listeners, despite their signal issue. Here they are:​

WUMO-LP 94.5 FM Gospel Jazz, Talk and Info Montgomery
WKEM-LP 98.5 FM Urban, Gospel, Talk, News and Info Montgomery
WZAL-LP 99.9 FM Variety Hits Alabaster
WPLX-LP 93.3 FM Classic Hits Pelham
WLXY-LP 96.9 FM Variety Hits Chelsea

To say that no one will listen to a LPFM radio station is very hilarious indeed. These examples prove that a LPFM radio can have major success, if they play their cards just right.​

Dan <><

P.S. I also know of one other successful translator, that just signed on in Centreville, at 101.3 FM and it's doing very well too. It's a rebroadcast of the popular Daytimer WBIB 1110 AM SG station Centreville/Brent.

And...Now if my list doesn't prove to you, that we small radio stations can't have any form of success, then shame on you.​

 

[b-turner]

This is purely my opinion: Megawatt's claim is not true.

My reasoning:
1) Anyone that has done sales understands it's all about building relationships and trust. That takes time. Obviously the stations comprising his topic will rely heavily on direct to business sales. It takes time.
2) Anyone in radio for years and especially those that have worked their way up the chain realize just how small the radio universe is. You know burning bridges is not what you do if you intend to stay in the business. You might criticize your next boss.
3) Anyone in sales and management, as claimed, understands and respects the various pathways to success chosen by owner and they understand there are unknown or yet to be revealed portions of that plan that are not initially evident. In business it is not wise to show what you have up your sleeve.
4) If what you offer has value you needn't criticize others to make yourself look good. If your knowledge is credible, it can stand on it's own and be recognized by it's value.

From what I have observed, the transient state of radio, especially in the first half of my career, I came across some people with a pretty impressive resume but quickly learned they were critical of everything and generally were not employed long at any of those stations. Where I have worked stations that hired such a person quickly saw the staff turn against the new hire and it rarely took more than a month before they were gone. I'm not claiming Megawatt is one of these people but the posts I have read make a fairly good case.

In short, my opinion is Megawatt is not who he claims to be based on the above.

Last, I use my name, not a handle. I'm not saying using a handle is deceptive by any means but I am saying I am by user name and in real life the same. I don't know who Megawatt is. As I had said, I know a couple of folks in Knoxville. Megawatt seems to know Knoxville. If true, how about some call letters?

 

[R.D.P.]

I see this man as a troll. He thinks he's smart but in reality he doesn't get it. I've proved in several posts that a smaller sized radio station can succeed if done right but he wants to talk bad about them and say they're nothing but a "Blimp" on the radio dial and wasting space. If it wasn't for us smaller people, the radio dial wouldn't have the variety we have now. Thank God for the HD, Translator and LPFM stations. We're bringing a breath of fresh air to the airwaves and are doing well with it. True that our signals may not be very powerful and the coverage area is small but at least, we're trying to provide our communities with some great sounding radio and giving the people programming that otherwise wouldn't be heard on a big boy type of broadcast. I'm glad to be involved with the LPFM business anyway. With this broadcast, I get to do things and play songs that the big boys won't even touch. And in closing, the initials I use, are from my birth name. I use my middle name for my signature. After 5 years, I'm learning so much about the radio business and continue to enjoy working in it. Things are still going great for me and this LPFM station. Excited to see God continue using and blessing it.

Dan <><

P.S. Enjoy reading from your posts too, Mr. B-Turner and Dave. I've learned so much from them, over the years.​

 

[R.D.P.]

It's not often but people have thanked me for bringing this radio station to Selma Alabama.

Dan <><

P.S. Many of those other examples have experienced the same response from their listeners too.

In closing sir: I've heard many people on here and other places say we need more variety on the radio, over the years. Now that more is being offered, you still want to protest it. Glad to be among those who are bringing it to the radio dial. I may be a small potato but what I'm doing sir is actually working and having major success.​

 

[R.D.P.]

If these "Small Stations" are just "Blimps On The Dial" and "A Waste of Electricity and Resources", then why are some putting out spots on YouTube and/or through a TV commercial? Here are some great examples of "A Small Radio Station" having big time success. Enjoy. These stations are located in Montgomery Alabama and yes they do a rebroadcast of the HD channels from WQKS 96.1 FM, the last one is a rebroadcast of their sister station WGMP 1170 AM.

Dan <><

(This one features the owner speaking about the presentation)

If this is all too boring for you, then I have nothing further to say on this subject sir. You're just wasting all our time by posting nonsense on here anyway. This will prove once and for all, that a small radio station can have success if they do things right.​

 

[Megawatt]

My original point, and one which not a single person responding to it have been able to argue, is that this radio station has no chance of survival in this or any market without promotion or a format that listeners are willing to support. Neither of which do they have.

I have spent the entire day monitoring their signals in this market. 6a - 6p. Here are my thoughts, for free! Hey, free advise from a bona fide 50 year veteran with a proven track record.

LakeFM - There are very few advertisers and this "format" is all over the road. "My Heart Will Go On" into "Hot Legs," as just one example. The only bright spot is JJ Jeffries who actually understands what it takes to hit the intro properly. Frank Murphy sounds like he's recording his VT in the lobby of bus station and their morning show is forgettable. They need to have their playlist curated and have their music scheduling software either replaced or given to someone who might be able to set the rule parameters where the mix can be enjoyed. Doubtful either will happen.

106.0 - On the rock side, if that is what we're calling it, is nothing by atonal, angry, 40 year old men, screaming over a din of clipping audio signals creating an completely unlistenable concoction of pure noise. Want to buy some CBD (or stronger) or even get another in a long list of tattoos, these are your people. Nothing marketable here, and it's a shame. Again, no advertisers.

ABC News at the Top of the Hour. Apparently this is still a thing. I don't understand why in today's atmosphere anyone would think they needed to broadcast national news, but here we are, hitting the ABC news at the top of the hour, every hour. If I were in charge of these stations I would not admit it. At least to anyone who has the gift of hearing.

 

[Megawatt]

If these "Small Stations" are just "Blimps On The Dial" and "A Waste of Electricity and Resources", then why are some putting out spots on YouTube and/or through a TV commercial? Here are some great examples of "A Small Radio Station" having big time success. Enjoy. These stations are located in Montgomery Alabama and yes they do a rebroadcast of the HD channels from WQKS 96.1 FM, the last one is a rebroadcast of their sister station WGMP 1170 AM.

Dan <><

(This one features the owner speaking about the presentation)

If this is all too boring for you, then I have nothing further to say on this subject sir. You're just wasting all our time by posting nonsense on here anyway. This will prove once and for all, that a small radio station can have success if they do things right.​

Reading comprehension. Find some.

 

[R.D.P.]

I detest what you stand for Mr. troll. You come on here and harbor hate for those who are trying to bring more variety to radio dial. After many examples of me proving that us small radio station providers are doing very well with our broadcasts, you still want to say that we're nothing more but a "Blimp" or "A Waste Of Electricity and Resources". I've come too far with this LPFM radio station, to let the likes of you attempt to destroy it. You may not like what I stand for and wish for me to go away but I'm not leaving. Been in this game too long now, to walk away. I still enjoy doing what I love best. This radio station is still a dream come true for this 50 year old something. The signal may suck but hey I'm doing something different and exciting. The people are still tuning in, telling me they love the broadcast and thanking me for bringing it here. Some have even give a love gift to help me pay the bills. Anybody that has real experience in radio wouldn't come on here and attack those who are trying to bring more variety to the dial. That person would say bravo Mr. Dan, for doing it and support my efforts. The music I play may not appeal to everyone (Contemporary Christian and Southern Gospel) but many people are listening and telling me how much these songs have touched their lives. I'm not going to let any troll tell me that I'm just "A Waste of Resources or Electricity" or "Just A Blimp". I know this radio station is serving a purpose and is working very well. There are many more people, like me, who enjoy working in radio broadcasting and don't see a problem with a smaller radio station setting up shop and doing things they might not do themselves. I'm finished responding to you sir. Gonna sit back and let all the other posters have at it. It's apparent to me that you're not a big fan of the smaller styled radio stations and wish for their ultimate demise, since the programming apparently doesn't appeal to you.

Dan <><

P.S. To Mr. Ricki, you have a friend and big time supporter in me. Keep up the good work sir and don't this "Mad Hater" discourage you. Do what you know works best and keep at it.​

 

[Megawatt]

I detest what you stand for Mr. troll. You come on here and harbor hate for those who are trying to bring more variety to radio dial. After many examples of me proving that us small radio station providers are doing very well with our broadcasts, you still want to say that we're nothing more but a "Blimp" or "A Waste Of Electricity and Resources". I've come too far with this LPFM radio station, to let the likes of you attempt to destroy it. You may not like what I stand for and wish for me to go away but I'm not leaving. Been in this game too long now, to walk away. I still enjoy doing what I love best. This radio station is still a dream come true for this 50 year old something. The signal may suck but hey I'm doing something different and exciting. The people are still tuning in, telling me they love the broadcast and thanking me for bringing it here. Some have even give a love gift to help me pay the bills. Anybody that has real experience in radio wouldn't come on here and attack those who are trying to bring more variety to the dial. That person would say bravo Mr. Dan, for doing it and support my efforts. The music I play may not appeal to everyone (Contemporary Christian and Southern Gospel) but many people are listening and telling me how much these songs have touched their lives. I'm not going to let any troll tell me that I'm just "A Waste of Resources or Electricity" or "Just A Blimp". I know this radio station is serving a purpose and is working very well. There are many more people, like me, who enjoy working in radio broadcasting and don't see a problem with a smaller radio station setting up shop and doing things they might not do themselves. I'm finished responding to you sir. Gonna sit back and let all the other posters have at it. It's apparent to me that you're not a big fan of the smaller styled radio stations and wish for their ultimate demise, since the programming apparently doesn't appeal to you.

Dan <><

P.S. To Mr. Ricki, you have a friend and big time supporter in me. Keep up the good work sir and don't this "Mad Hater" discourage you. Do what you know works best and keep at it.​

Show me what I have said that is incorrect. Show me where they are climbing the ladder to prosperity. Show me a list of advertisers. Ratings. A cohesive playlist. LAKE FM is nothing more than someone attempting to do a "Jack" or "Alice" format but without knowing a thing about programming, management or promotion. They are supposed to understand engineering, but then why are the signals so much worse than before? And, any adult male who spells their name with an "i" and lists "coffee enthusiast" on their professional biography isn't here for the hunting.

I stand firmly by my statements. They have no promotion. No advertising. No format and no hope of survival.

See ya'll at the auction. peace, I'm out, as they say.

 

[R.D.P.]

Good riddance! Now it's time for me to get high off this "Waste of Electricity and Resources" and "Blimp" of a radio station and enjoy me the music we cater to. Excited to be a part of this LPFM radio business. Glad that we have this type of radio station here. It was something we had a real need for. Praise be to God for blessing, using and touching this broadcast for the past five years of its existence. I'm also Praising Him for allowing to Selma to have it, as well.​

Dan <><

P.S. To all my fellow small radio station owners, I'm rooting for you to have continued success too. You have a friend in me. I support what you're bringing to the radio dial. Keep up the good work and have a nice day.​

 

[davideduardo]

Show me what I have said that is incorrect. Show me where they are climbing the ladder to prosperity.

And how do you know that they are not right on track to meet their business plan?

Show me a list of advertisers. Ratings.

We already went over how a suburban or partial signal can't sell on ratings... they work on relationships and those are hard to make when we can't visit clients in person for 18 months.

A cohesive playlist. LAKE FM is nothing more than someone attempting to do a "Jack" or "Alice" format but without knowing a thing about programming, management or promotion.

Everyone said the same about "Jack" when it began. Suddenly, with the ratings, it seemed that divergent formats could sometimes work. Same went for Smooth Jazz at the start.

They are supposed to understand engineering, but then why are the signals so much worse than before? And, any adult male who spells their name with an "i" and lists "coffee enthusiast" on their professional biography isn't here for the hunting.

I have not heard from a real engineer about the signals. Where did you take your engineering courses? I can tell you where I took enough of them to pass the P.E. exam in another country. Your turn.

And lots of people take alternate spellings... many of us got names in college or school that we kept for the rest of our lives.

I'm a coffee enthusiast... Alto Grande is my pick. I'm proud of it. And saying that shows the poster and station owner has a sense of levity and humor.

I stand firmly by my statements. They have no promotion. No advertising. No format and no hope of survival.

Name a station that has had any promotion during the pandemic. We are at a "wait it out" stage now.

As to the format, that's you opinion. You have not proven that you are a Ron Jacobs or Kent Burkhart or a Lee Abrams or Scott Shannon or any other recognizable consultant.

See ya'll at the auction. peace, I'm out, as they say.

Don't let the door hit you on the way out, Festus.

 

[b-turner]

I still do not feel Megawatt has any real radio experience. He has said nothing meaningful.

 

[davideduardo]

I still do not feel Megawatt has any real radio experience. He has said nothing meaningful.

Agree. In his counter to multiple requests for his work experience, he named a group of markets where I had worked. He's enacting a long game troll personality to see how long we can swallow his stuff.

Like the several word games on this site, we'll play as long as it is fun. But he is starting to repeat his points over and over, and that ISN'T fun...

 

[R.D.P.]

Don't let the door hit you on the way out, Festus.

Amen!

Dan <><

 

[ThomasFoolery]

Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. — Mark Twain

 

[Megawatt]

This just in... Loud Media is actively looking for a buyer. Towel thrown in. Knoxville soon to be in their rear view and once again all the weekenders on this forum are wrong and out of touch.