Re: 2006 is here, time for predictions
> There are at least a couple other boards possing the
> question about what will happen with radio in 2006, so why
> not bring it here.
>
> What do you think will/or you would like to see happen with
> station(s) in the Magnolia state during '06.
>
> Feel free to comment on certian markets or 'in general'.
>
> Happy New Year!
>
> Brady
>
I'll make a few comments on some Coast stations, since that is a MS market
I'm fimilar with.
WQYZ,WJZD,WOSM,and WCPR all appear/will roll through 2006 w/ their respective staus qou.
WBUV well preform decently overall and much better than WTNI. The key for the new talk format on BUV depends on how local they are with the programing.
The rest of the stations on the FM dail could change slightly or overall depending on what might happen (If it does) based on one format change and if another makes format ajustments.
The first is the country market on the Coast. A long time supporter of 2 dominant country stations, Triad has introduced a third country station to the market: Hank-FM, modern classic country form the 80s and early 90s. Despite the general trend of Triad not to be a major ratings holder, things could be very different in the case of Hank. It plays a format that many listners are fimilar with and while the playlist is Gold based, it is modern country from its heyday in the 80s, which was the begning of the country format we know today. If Triad plays its cards right, they might have found a format winner, and on the 967 frequency, (which is well known for its string of short lived formats). Should the Coast be endeared to HANK, the two major country outlets could stand to lose big time. It may end up being a radio-war between K99 and Kicker as to who would stay in the country game and complement HANK with current country. The last time the Coast had three country outlets was in the late, early 90s when US 98 was squeezed out by the arrival of Kicker and went active rock as WCPR. Stay tuned, things might get intresting with this one.
The second issue is the possibility of what will become of the AC market on the Coast. Once agian Magic is the only AC outlet; with nothing to compete or appeal to the more Hot A/Cish crowd Magic could stand to greatly benefit by going in a more hot A/Cish or Jack type of sound. They would give current and present listners what they want, grow the demo and remain steady or increase sales. Magic going with a Hot A/Cish image and a "We play anything/whatever" format. Magic could also pull a "Diva" type sound. If Magic goes this direction then there could be impacts for other stations. Coast 102 might feel an impact with Magic spinning a wider viratey of 70s/80s rock/pop. It might propel them to add 80s to their playlist, with a reduction in 60s. With a varity hits the Coast classic rockers might also feel an impact, if their listner's like the C/R mixed with other stuff, one of the classic rockers might lose out, more than likely sending one of them to varity hits, possibly with more focus on late 60s/70s/early 80s hits. If that folded out then Coast could stay in their current oldies arena. If Magic is more dance/Hot AC oriented then it 'could' possibly pull listner's form the Monkey, which could then easily face mandatory retooling, I'd wager they would go more rock/pop CHR with some dance.
Your thoughts welcome
Happy 2006
Brady