In that sense, it is like the Bloomberg-owned station in New York City: brand enhancement.
It is hard to put a value on "brand enhancement" but I'd say that if any station has such a quality, it is WSM's value to the Opry.
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650 WSM's long term future
- Thread starter Murfradiojim
- Start date
It is hard to put a value on "brand enhancement" but I'd say that if any station has such a quality, it is WSM's value to the Opry.
"Smoky Mountain Radio"---the old barker station in Sevierville
Now 930 is all "Jacked" up, but not using a Jack name
I remember that there was a consortium of country music performers (and I don't remember who all was involved in that, but maybe Gill was their leader) who didn't want the change. But when the counter-suggestion was made (buy the station, then you can do what you want with it) it was met with total silence. I get it; musicians are not businessmen. They have no idea how to run a station. And they likely wouldn't want the headaches, either. They just wanted to do it with O.P.M.
I tend to agree. That was a generation or so ago. And the people who believed that certain radio and TV stations were still jointly owned have largely died off by now. The City Paper thing is a possibility, but the out-of-towners and out-of-staters likely wouldn't have heard about it from there.
That was 20 years ago. Since then, the Opry went on a signing spree, signing the biggest names in country music, namely Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Blake Shelton. They got into the branded restaurant business, first with Blake Shelton, and more recently Luke Combs. That generated a ton of cash. Through Blake, they partnered with NBC Universal to form the Opry Entertainment Group. One of the brands in that group is WSM. So now, in that way, the artists own the radio station. Because their names and brands are now driving the company that owns it.
‘Grand Ole Opry’ Owner Sells Minority Stake to Atairos and NBCUniversal for Nearly $300 Million
Ryman Hospitality Properties has sold a 30% stake in Opry Entertainment Group, including the Ryman Auditorium, for nearly $300 million.
variety.com
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I should have clarified that i was talking about locals. I'd bet 50% (or more) current residents of the MSA couldn't tell you what WSM am is or was.
They also don't go to the Opry or CMA Fest. The last time they did anything that had 'opry' in it was when Opryland was open. They're all still mad about that.
What is it, Willard or something?
Watson 104.1, We Play Anything
Isn't that normal, though? I wouldn't be surprised if a good amount of Clevelanders have never been to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame despite it having been there for nearly 30 years.
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That's EXACTLY what happens. I'll bet there's never been a time when 1/3 of Nashville residents had been to the GOO. And it may be 1/4, 1`/5, or (maybe much) lower. I grew up in Springfield & NEVER have been to the Bell Witch Cave.
On the bright side, not only locally, but nationally, 12.5% of the nation's population has worked at McD's!
P.S. RFCC: There's not some guy on there that keeps saying "Vandy done me wrong" is there?
Could this be the reason why WSM-AM bought a ratings book? Lineup changes start on Monday, with management stating that more changes are coming.
radioinsight.com
WSM Revises Lineup With Eryn Cooper Moving To Afternoons & Lexi Carter To Overnights – RadioInsight
Ryman Hospitality Classic Country/Talk 650 WSM Nashville has announced the launch of two new shows to its lineup. Eryn Cooper, who joined WSM last October as part of the “Coffee, Country and Cody” morning show hosted by Bill Cody, Charlie Mattos, and Kelly Sutton, will become afternoon host from...
radioinsight.com
Could be.
But...
... beyond that:
My question is whether there can be a "lifestyle" format that involves traditional country (including newer songs that have at least two of the core three: steel guitar, banjo, fiddle) with chatty and friendly personality announcers. Lots of short visits by artists, lots of lifestyle tidbits without pandering.
If "your friend on the radio" still works in any format, I think it is this one. You have some key and almost unique elements there, too: WSM itself, Nashville and a music form that is synonymous with the town and its history.
If I had a spare 8-figure bank balance, I'd give anything to try to make that kind of station happen. But, just in case, I'd get it an FM but would only mention the old "clear channel 650" on the air for that sense of tradition and belonging. It's the kind of station I'd pack up and move to go and do!
My whole family is from Cleveland and only my youngest nephew has been.
I have a half brother who passed recently who also went, but he was with the local newspaper and had to go to all of those things.
Would you ever go or not?
The question is whether I would ever go to Cleveland. I worked very hard to leave that city when I was 16 and really don't want to go back unless I really have to.
The bank I have my investment accounts with is there, and they have invited us to go and to get the "private" tour (whatever that means) of the HoF but even that is not enough to go back there.
Cody reminds me a lot of Ralph Emery. Both great cheerleaders for the Nashville sound.
Next year is a BIG one as both WSM and The Grand Ole Opry celebrate 100 years together! The Opry on WSM is the longest continuously running program in radio history. I can imagine there will be alot of celebrating and events, with many Country artists joining in. I can't wait to see what they have planned... It should be a real hootenanny!