70s Dance Music Weekends?

[Call Me Sherlock]

I don't listen a whole lot to Lite102.9 or K-104.7, but when I do it seems to be on the weekends while in the car.

Today, it was Lite and it was one "disco" or "dance" tune after another. While it's good to hear these songs along with other songs that were popular in the 70s and 80s, it seems to me what I heard today (and on other recent weekends) was overkill. They certainly can't crow about the "variety" of music they're playing -- at least on the weekends.

(And gee, it was really great to hear "Ghostbusters" again! )

Does someone have someone have some research that shows that the public is starving for a steady diet disco music from the past? It will be interesting to see the impact on the station's weekend ratings.

 

[hschutte]

I have a feeling 102.9 is trying to switch to an oldies R&B station. When are they going to change there call letters? They are certainly not a lite station any more. Disco 102.9 sounds better. Mix 106.1 should take those lite call letters.

 

[wmgcbs]

I don't listen a whole lot to Lite102.9 or K-104.7, but when I do it seems to be on the weekends while in the car.

Today, it was Lite and it was one "disco" or "dance" tune after another. While it's good to hear these songs along with other songs that were popular in the 70s and 80s, it seems to me what I heard today (and on other recent weekends) was overkill. They certainly can't crow about the "variety" of music they're playing -- at least on the weekends.

I don't get it either. Unless their weekend ratings are simply AMAZING, "variety" is not the word for what is heard on Lite 102.9, especially on the weekends. Other AC stations are doing 70's and 80's weekends like WLYT, but Lite seems to love the disco. It amazes me how people can listen to this station at work on the weekends. Outside of the weekends, I've been noticing the station sounding a bit better with less disco/dance emphasis.

I could see WLYT doing themed weekends; I remember last year, Lite did an "American Idol" weekend where songs sung on the show were highlighted. At least it was a different idea! When Lite was doing their "All-70's Flashback Weekends" back in '05, it still sounded like an AC station with nothing sounding out of place. It was also smart to pick up some former Magic 96.1 listeners (if that actually happened, I don't know). But the disco heavy Lite weekends are a big tune-out for me. If the weekends were used to highlight the music they play during the week with some different tunes added in on a limited basis, that's fine. But a different format for the weekend can be a big tune-out. Only the folks at Lite really know if it's getting them ratings.

 

[CrazeeCarroll1]

I know I may be crazy, but maybe Lite is testing their version of the Movin' format... They don't use the Alan Burns version, but a format simular to Kiss up in RDU would do very well in Charlotte... It would work very well for those who remember the music of the old Kiss 102 which for the most part is what Movin' is with a few new tracks thrown in to give it a hip feel... I dunno how well Lite is doing in the money demo 25-54, but it seems after the christmas kiss they fall off, but come back around during the late summer and fall... I don't think it would hurt WIBT either so it would be a win win situation for CC Charlotte... CC1

 

[vchimpanzee]

They need to do something. K-104.7 is playing the same thing as "Lite" during normal programming. Movin' sounds like a good idea.

Mix needs to be "Lite", because they're the only ones who are. Personally, I thought it would have sense, during the first Mix 106 Chimpanzee period, to trade letters and have Lite 106.1 and Mix 102.9.

 

[CrazeeCarroll1]

Remember we also have LFG who has two stations up for sale!!! Who will be the ultimate buyer... Would they keep the Personality AC on The Link or would they revert back to true Hot AC... Like I say a good Rhythmic AC format would do decent numbers in the QC... It would take time to build an audience, but it can be done... I don't think a R/AC would come to Charlotte unless it is on an HD2 signal, I Listened to Lite and K on their streams and for the most part it is the same music on both stations... I like K 104.7 a little better because the music seems to flow a little better than Lite does... If and I mean a BIG IF one of the two ever got out of the AC game either CC or CBS would get the golden goose which is why I don't see Lite changing unless like I say they are testing the waters...

 

[Mike Sheridan]

Rythmic A/C is an interesting format but I would think that could cut into CBS's WBAV V-101.9.

I have no research to back this but if I think both K and Lite could be attacked from the other end of the spectrum, a good soft A/C. Having been at Lite in the '90's there are allot of staples of the format that neither K or Lite are playing. No Kenny G, no Basia, and others which we had in rotation. I could probably come up with at least 100 decent titles that could be played.

Right now Lite is playing "Super Freak" by Rick James. Needless to say we would have never played that song when I worked there. I personally love it but I think there is a big hole in the market that a good soft A/C could do well.

 

[CrazeeCarroll1]

You know it is funny, but where I live we have a soft AC station in Janesville WI (WSJY) who still plays a lot of those Kenny G., Neil Diamond type songs... Remember that Lite has been around awhile now and for K is the new kid on the block so to speak... Like I said I really like the flow of K a lot better than Lite, but if the Fresh AC format takes off look for all of the clone formats to follow... Remember Jack FM which was big in Canada well now there is Crave FM which combines Hot AC/R/AC into one format and from some of the samples I have heard I really like the sound, the feel and the texture of how the station is set up... Of course with PPM ramping up in a few more cities we all may be surprised as to what formats are really hot and the ones who are really not... That will be when the land scape of radio will start to change... CC1

 

[Mike Sheridan]

I listened to Lite this afternoon and heard some songs that were a nice surprise. Some songs I hadn't heard in awhile.

I heard a little bit of Delilah tonight and a few nights ago. I keep hearing songs that seem to be outside of what you would play on a "Love Songs" show. When I did it there were songs that were only played during "Love Songs" and there were other songs that were in the regular rotation that I didn't play.

 

[hschutte]

I'm amazed how mix 106.1 has changed their format. I think they are sounding much better. Lots of oldies and original songs by artists. Are they still considered Adult standards or are they now just AC?

 

[CrazeeCarroll1]

Has Mix dumped Citadels Stardust format??? Also does Lite do their own music for Delilah or is it all from the bird? I remember it all coming from the satellite the last time I was visiting... CC1

 

[Mike Sheridan]

I'm amazed how mix 106.1 has changed their format. I think they are sounding much better. Lots of oldies and original songs by artists. Are they still considered Adult standards or are they now just AC?

Personally I'd like to hear more of the Streisand, Sinatra, Nat King Cole classics but as it's been pointed out that audience is getting older and less desirable. I'm hitting my mid 50's but I have always appreciated older music than most of my generation. I don't like it when Mix plays something that all the other A/C's are playing.

Mix is using an ABC satellite format. Some time ago they combined two of their older formats into one. Timeless Classics was one and I don't remember the name of the other. Satellite formats are often programmed to appeal to station management and since most satellite formats are used in smaller markets where there are fewer stations the music tends to be a little broader in scope.

To answer your question I think they would still be considered Adult Standards or maybe A/C Oldies. Keep in mind the labels stay the same but what is considered Oldies, A/C and Adult Standards changes with the times.

 

[CrazeeCarroll1]

Sounds like a combo of Stardust and the Memories format... CC1

 

[vchimpanzee]

I'm amazed how mix 106.1 has changed their format. I think they are sounding much better. Lots of oldies and original songs by artists. Are they still considered Adult standards or are they now just AC?

If you go to the standards board they call that music soft AC, but I don't think so. There's not enough contemporary music. However, I don't care for it and I wish they'd just change it back.

At least where I live I can hear the good adult standards. The station was Memories (what Timeless Favorites is trying to be) but it's real standards now (at least when they do it by satellite), with just enough AC to fool young people.

 

[wmgcbs]

Has Mix dumped Citadels Stardust format??? Also does Lite do their own music for Delilah or is it all from the bird? I remember it all coming from the satellite the last time I was visiting... CC1

From what I heard this past week while visiting Charlotte, it seems Delilah is still off the satellite on WLYT. There are very few stations which schedule the music for her show in-house. WLTW/New York and KBIG/Los Angeles come to mind.

 

[amfmradio1]

According to R&R, AllAccess, & Arbitron, Mix106 is Adult Standards.

Really enjoy listening to them.

IMHO, Lite102.9's Radio Hosts/Personalities have more ad-lib freedom than K104.7. The ones @K are "that was that, here is this on K104.7".

Posters might complain of Lites' 70's & 80's Flashback Weekends & the Disco Inferno w/Jim Shafer on Fri. PM Drive, but at least it's variety, even if there is some repetition.

K is the same, 24/7.

 

[wmgcbs]

IMHO, Lite102.9's Radio Hosts/Personalities have more ad-lib freedom than K104.7. The ones @K are "that was that, here is this on K104.7".

I know... the last time I heard K doing its regular AC format before my last trip down there this past week was the previous July. Over Thanksgiving, it was Christmas K, and I don't really remember much about it that time. The personalities have really toned it down a bit since then. But, I believe there is a certain consultant involved who probably made this decision. I remember hearing Scarlet C talk up "The Game of Love" by Santana and Michelle Branch last year. I was like, "WOW! THAT is what I want to hear on an AC station!" Oh, well. I guess not too many think like I do. K's music is still good -- I posted a while back that they had moved away from the 70's gold emphasis, but this emphasis seems to have returned.

Lite seems to be somewhat lost. They no longer use the slogan "The Best Variety of Yesterday and Today." They don't seem to have a slogan. But, their music mix is equally impressive outside of the Disco and 70's and 80's weekends. The Retro Lunch... not a bad idea. I just can't listen on weekends or Friday afternoons.

I enjoy both AC stations in Charlotte more than I do WLTW and WWFS here in NYC. WKQC and WLYT don't overplay the currents and only choose the currents that fit in well. As AC stations, both Lite and K should be commended. Not bad at all. Both have their strong points, and each have some weak points as well.

 

[vchimpanzee]

According to R&R, AllAccess, & Arbitron, Mix106 is Adult Standards.

R&R is not reliable. And I try to get them to correct formats and they won't do it.

Someone needs to find a new term for what Mix is doing, but it's not standards.

 

[wmgcbs]

Someone needs to find a new term for what Mix is doing, but it's not standards.

From what I heard last week, Mix is a Soft AC format. It reminds me of WLTW's HD-2 channel, called "Classic Lite." 60's through the 80's with some standards thrown in.

 

[amfmradio1]

Comparing #1 NYC to #33 Charlotte!

I love legendary, heritage 106.7/LiteFM (especially Valerie Smaldone).

In Charlotte, I enjoy Lite102.9 - it's like the LiteFM of Charlotte.

K104.7 is like Fresh in NYC - boring & predictable.