So something isn't make sense to me on the 92.9 announcement and the source that said they tried leasing the Zone. This is another in interesting set of events over the last several moths.
On one side I see what is an overabundance of on-air talent. Rotating cast of 5 for their mid-day show. Moving Archer and Bell back soJohn Michaels can have a two hour show. That's a lot of talent for an AM station who has a limited potential for top-end ratings growth. Why so much? Perhaps expiring contracts or in the event of a lease situation, the more talent the more valuable the asset. They are not buying the station just the content so the financials are less relevant in that case so you could afford sucking up some salary and the drag on financials.
The LPFM they have now was a little bit of a strange move. A lot of speculation they would out the Zone on there but instead they lease it to Steve Hedgwood for Street94.5. If you are committed to the Zone wouldn't you want to give it an FM presence especially if you were in talks to lease to 92.9 then you knew what they were up to. Plus at any minute you know Cumulus can turn the switch for the Fan to go on FM. Why relegate the Zone to AM knowing the possibilities? Perhaps not known until after the lease to Hedgwood but still that was short-sighted.
If they stay on AM competing against two FM's how long can you really keep your talent if the rating start to slip? They will walk right across the street and for more money probably except for Steak because he sucks. So then what value do you have left.
I am thinking this is all a high stakes game of poker but to me LFM should strike the best deal they can and move on. Star stands to pickup bump anyway once the format shift happens at Dave so rid themselves of the Zone before it costs them and pick up a few more listeners for Star in the process.
Trade the Zone talent and Falcons briadcast rights for Mara and cash. Everyone wins and call it a day.
On one side I see what is an overabundance of on-air talent. Rotating cast of 5 for their mid-day show. Moving Archer and Bell back soJohn Michaels can have a two hour show. That's a lot of talent for an AM station who has a limited potential for top-end ratings growth. Why so much? Perhaps expiring contracts or in the event of a lease situation, the more talent the more valuable the asset. They are not buying the station just the content so the financials are less relevant in that case so you could afford sucking up some salary and the drag on financials.
The LPFM they have now was a little bit of a strange move. A lot of speculation they would out the Zone on there but instead they lease it to Steve Hedgwood for Street94.5. If you are committed to the Zone wouldn't you want to give it an FM presence especially if you were in talks to lease to 92.9 then you knew what they were up to. Plus at any minute you know Cumulus can turn the switch for the Fan to go on FM. Why relegate the Zone to AM knowing the possibilities? Perhaps not known until after the lease to Hedgwood but still that was short-sighted.
If they stay on AM competing against two FM's how long can you really keep your talent if the rating start to slip? They will walk right across the street and for more money probably except for Steak because he sucks. So then what value do you have left.
I am thinking this is all a high stakes game of poker but to me LFM should strike the best deal they can and move on. Star stands to pickup bump anyway once the format shift happens at Dave so rid themselves of the Zone before it costs them and pick up a few more listeners for Star in the process.
Trade the Zone talent and Falcons briadcast rights for Mara and cash. Everyone wins and call it a day.
:-*