97.1 The River Flooded the Competition in 2021

[MarkW]

95.5 The Beat had some really cheesy sounding processing.

The format seemed to perform reasonably well among young demos. I'm not sure how well it billed, though.

The format change that made little since to me is when 97.1 flipped from Oldies to Urban Hot AC. That was definitely the wrong format for that signal.

 

[jt99]

It took them awhile, but WIAD in Washington D.C. finally had a good year in 2021, being a consistent top 10 presence (with the ocassional top 5 appearance) in A25-54, A18-49, and even A18-34. Atlanta and D.C. are pretty similar demographically, so I'm sure a Classic Hits station like WIAD could work in Atlanta.

I've streamed WUBL-HD2 out of market, and I have enjoyed them. The Lake on 94.9 HD2 reminds me of KKHH here in Houston, not what one would call a "pure" Classic Hits station, but one that still mostly plays 70s/80s/90s pop/pop rock. It's done really well here ever since they came along 5 years ago in a market where it was previously thought anything resembling Classic Hits wouldn't work, so I don't see why The Lake wouldn't work in Atlanta if iHeartMedia put it on the WUBL analog channel.

The Country battle in Atlanta is very close, although neither is doing all that well in 6+, although WKHX-FM and WUBL might be doing better in the key demos. WSTR was a candidate for a flip to a Classic Hits type format, but that ship has likely sailed with them picking up traction recently in A18-34 and A18-49 with their current Rhythmic AC format. Therefore, I feel the only way anything resembling Classic Hits ends up in Atlanta is if one of the two Country stations goes way ahead for a significant stretch of time and the lower bows out, similar to how we got The Spot here in Houston, with CBS Radio bowing out of the Top 40 battle and flipping KKHH from Hot 95-7 to The Spot.

 

[MediaMan]

It is sad that none of the other former C signals in Atlanta still have full C protection.

92.9 C1
94.1 C0
94.9 C1
96.1 C0
98.5 C0
99.7 C0
101.5 C0
103.3 C0

If I remember correctly, everybody moved before the FCC deadline. Basically, it was a use it or lose it deadline. If you were not at the full HAAT of 2000 ft, then the protection was downgraded to actual facilities.

All of the stations (except 92.9) moved to towers to get the height to a C0 classification. If I remember correctly, none could get a full C in the city because of the airport.

92.9 got a C1 because they did not move from their tower that was on (this is fuzzy memory) the Life of Georgia Building?? I know their studios were in the old C&S Tower and from the studio they could see their broadcast tower. It was a financial issue. The removal of the tower was the responsibility of the station and was very expensive. The station did not feel the cost of moving was worth C0 so they settled for C1. At least that is what an engineer at the time told me.

I am not sure why 94.9 ended up with a C1 instead of C0.

As an added note, every other station in the commercial band is either a translator or a move-in signal.

Well, this was a trip down memory lane.

In order to maintain Class C status, the station must have a minimum height above average terrain (HAAT) of 450 meters or 1476 feet. If a Class C has HAAT over maximum 600 meters or 1969 feet, the station must reduce power below 100,000 watts. Class C0 HAAT is 300 meters (984 feet) to 449 meters (1473 feet). Unless a station accepts contour protection (73.215) vs. mileage separation, a Class C0 operating at 301 meters is afforded the same protection as if it had 449 meters. Most of the C0 FMs in the inner Atlanta market have a HAAT in the 300s. It is not possible to have a fully built 449 m C0 inner market FM due to the ceiling created by the Atlanta airport. So the C0 stations are still operating with a "cushion" of protection surrounding them. A C1 is a 100 kw station which can operate at full power up to 299 meters or 981 feet. There are handful of FMs in the area which became Class C stations prior to the FM spacing rules which were created in 1964. They are known at Pre-64 FM allocations. 95.5, 94.9 and 96.1 were all licensed prior to 1964 and can ignore each other from a spacing standpoint which is how 95.5 could move into the inner market. Their C1 and 73.215 contour spacing status was necessary in order to protect smaller power FM stations outside the Atlanta market.

 

[BarryATL]

In order to maintain Class C status, the station must have a minimum height above average terrain (HAAT) of 450 meters or 1476 feet. If a Class C has HAAT over maximum 600 meters or 1969 feet, the station must reduce power below 100,000 watts. Class C0 HAAT is 300 meters (984 feet) to 449 meters (1473 feet). Unless a station accepts contour protection (73.215) vs. mileage separation, a Class C0 operating at 301 meters is afforded the same protection as if it had 449 meters. Most of the C0 FMs in the inner Atlanta market have a HAAT in the 300s. It is not possible to have a fully built 449 m C0 inner market FM due to the ceiling created by the Atlanta airport. So the C0 stations are still operating with a "cushion" of protection surrounding them. A C1 is a 100 kw station which can operate at full power up to 299 meters or 981 feet. There are handful of FMs in the area which became Class C stations prior to the FM spacing rules which were created in 1964. They are known at Pre-64 FM allocations. 95.5, 94.9 and 96.1 were all licensed prior to 1964 and can ignore each other from a spacing standpoint which is how 95.5 could move into the inner market. Their C1 and 73.215 contour spacing status was necessary in order to protect smaller power FM stations outside the Atlanta market.

If I remember correctly, when all of this was going down, things were still being measured in feet. A full C used to bee 1500-2000 feet. Class A stations (before 80-90) were 3k HAAT at 300 ft. When we went to meters it became 326 ft.

Not sure when it was changed. I kept up with Broadcasting Yearbook in the late 70s and early 80s. In those I remember everything in feet. The classifications were listed in BY in feet. Now, I am not an engineer, so correct me if I am wrong.

 

[RockTheRadio]

I thought that Star would grab the "classic hits" format when they flipped, but they've seemed to have taken a rather narrowcast approach with their classic rhythmic format. Then again, 104.1 was successful with that for years until they moved to a more-successful currents format.

If you've never listened to Star 94.1 HD-2 it's classic hits, and a treat. Audacy streams it, so you can get it on a computer or phone as well. So they do know how to put together a good classic hits playlist. It centers on the 80s but with plenty of 70s and 90s material as well. Then there's Cox's 103.7 Chuck FM which is also classic hits, which can be received in the NE suburbs but not across the metro.

Audacy calls Star 94 HD-2 "the classic sound of Star". To be more accurate it's really "the classic sound of 94Q", but much of their listenership wouldn't get that.

I just discovered Star 94-1 HD 2 and have had it on the past 30 minutes. Really good station. What’cha Gonna Do, All That She Wants, Whip It …70’s 80’s 90’s. I love this station.

 

[RoddyFreeman]

It took them awhile, but WIAD in Washington D.C. finally had a good year in 2021, being a consistent top 10 presence (with the ocassional top 5 appearance) in A25-54, A18-49, and even A18-34. Atlanta and D.C. are pretty similar demographically, so I'm sure a Classic Hits station like WIAD could work in Atlanta.

I heard WIAD (94.7 The Drive) over Thanksgiving weekend. Atlanta does have such a station if you count an FM translator. It's 102.1 Fox FM (or WWPW HD-4). You said you're out of the market, and I believe Fox FM has an app. If you're interested, look for Fox FM or My Fox FM in the App Store or on Google Play.

 

[RoddyFreeman]

It is sad that none of the other former C signals in Atlanta still have full C protection.

92.9 C1
94.1 C0
94.9 C1
96.1 C0
98.5 C0
99.7 C0
101.5 C0
103.3 C0

If I remember correctly, everybody moved before the FCC deadline. Basically, it was a use it or lose it deadline. If you were not at the full HAAT of 2000 ft, then the protection was downgraded to actual facilities.

All of the stations (except 92.9) moved to towers to get the height to a C0 classification. If I remember correctly, none could get a full C in the city because of the airport.

Isn't this a moot point? The Atlanta C's have huge signals that well cover Atlanta and beyond.

 

[BarryATL]

Isn't this a moot point? The Atlanta C's have huge signals that well cover Atlanta and beyond.

Of course it is moot! I would guess half of all we talk about on these boards falls into that category.

 

[101tm]

The Country battle in Atlanta is very close, although neither is doing all that well in 6+, although WKHX-FM and WUBL might be doing better in the key demos. WSTR was a candidate for a flip to a Classic Hits type format, but that ship has likely sailed with them picking up traction recently in A18-34 and A18-49 with their current Rhythmic AC format. Therefore, I feel the only way anything resembling Classic Hits ends up in Atlanta is if one of the two Country stations goes way ahead for a significant stretch of time and the lower bows out, similar to how we got The Spot here in Houston, with CBS Radio bowing out of the Top 40 battle and flipping KKHH from Hot 95-7 to The Spot.

iHeart isn’t about to flip The Bull - it’s a format that if anyone knows how to make work (there are way worse markets for country than Atlanta), they do. Also, it generally outperforms WKHX, although just slightly at times, and iHeart has been quite patient with it over the years to make it as successful as it has been. Also, it gives them top 10 market clearance for Bobby Bones and their other syndicated programming in the southeast.

On the other hand, I don’t see Cumulus abandoning country on 101.5. They deserve credit for continuing to try. All of the recent changes at 101.5 have been driven by 94.9 beating them in the ratings. I could see a format like adult hits being placed on 105.7 if they ever abandon Spanish language programming.

I see 94.9 and 101.5 continuing to be semi-basement dwellers for the foreseeable future, similarly to how they’ve been doing. The Bull likely makes money and is beneficial for iHeart’s national agenda. 101.5 has a long history with the format, and Cumulus seems patient to try to make it successful again. Atlanta isn’t necessarily a market for country on two blowtorches that will both perform well anymore, but with 2 established stations neck and neck I don’t see either blinking.

 

[RadioDoogie]

95.5 The Beat had some really cheesy sounding processing.

The format seemed to perform reasonably well among young demos. I'm not sure how well it billed, though.

The format change that made little since to me is when 97.1 flipped from Oldies to Urban Hot AC. That was definitely the wrong format for that signal.

I was going to post this earlier but when 95.5 WSB was playing Christmas music on Christmas Eve (last month), the processing sounded just as good as the other Cox stations in Atlanta. I was amazed the processing was so good for a news/talk station.

 

[101tm]

I was going to post this earlier but when 95.5 WSB was playing Christmas music on Christmas Eve (last month), the processing sounded just as good as the other Cox stations in Atlanta. I was amazed the processing was so good for a news/talk station.

Salem’s talker 94.5 WGTK in Greenville has the stereo pilot on and the rare times they play music it sounds PHENOMENAL.

 

[secondchoice]

I was going to post this earlier but when 95.5 WSB was playing Christmas music on Christmas Eve (last month), the processing sounded just as good as the other Cox stations in Atlanta. I was amazed the processing was so good for a news/talk station.

I am sure WSB has a up to date audio processor chain. Changes on modern equipment is easy and fast. Especially for WSB because they have a choice of "in house" (97.1, 98.5, and 104.1) settings to copy.

 

[jabba17]

Salem’s talker 94.5 WGTK in Greenville has the stereo pilot on and the rare times they play music it sounds PHENOMENAL.

I remember when 94.9 and 106.7 had sports, and listening to the PXP in stereo was fantastic. They had it miked and mixed perfectly. Dickey has to turn off the stereo on 93.7 to get the better mono coverage.

 

[jabba17]

iHeart isn’t about to flip The Bull - it’s a format that if anyone knows how to make work (there are way worse markets for country than Atlanta), they do. Also, it generally outperforms WKHX, although just slightly at times, and iHeart has been quite patient with it over the years to make it as successful as it has been. Also, it gives them top 10 market clearance for Bobby Bones and their other syndicated programming in the southeast.

On the other hand, I don’t see Cumulus abandoning country on 101.5. They deserve credit for continuing to try. All of the recent changes at 101.5 have been driven by 94.9 beating them in the ratings. I could see a format like adult hits being placed on 105.7 if they ever abandon Spanish language programming.

I see 94.9 and 101.5 continuing to be semi-basement dwellers for the foreseeable future, similarly to how they’ve been doing. The Bull likely makes money and is beneficial for iHeart’s national agenda. 101.5 has a long history with the format, and Cumulus seems patient to try to make it successful again. Atlanta isn’t necessarily a market for country on two blowtorches that will both perform well anymore, but with 2 established stations neck and neck I don’t see either blinking.

Country is like CHR in that the format goes back and forth from being hot to being not. I'm sure Cumulus doesn't want to be left out the next time it gets hot.

 

[BarryATL]

I am sure WSB has a up to date audio processor chain. Changes on modern equipment is easy and fast. Especially for WSB because they have a choice of "in house" (97.1, 98.5, and 104.1) settings to copy.

Also, I have been told that Cox Radio has some of the best engineers in the market.

 

[101tm]

I remember when 94.9 and 106.7 had sports, and listening to the PXP in stereo was fantastic. They had it miked and mixed perfectly. Dickey has to turn off the stereo on 93.7 to get the better mono coverage.

I wonder if the Dickeys will ever be able to get The Fan on a true FM signal. The band dies more every day and the market has lost a ton of ears with WSB simulcasting on FM and WGST’s long decline that led to its demise.

I’m surprised when Cumulus was hard for cash and selling off large market properties they didn’t try to get 100.5.

 

[jabba17]

I wonder if the Dickeys will ever be able to get The Fan on a true FM signal. The band dies more every day and the market has lost a ton of ears with WSB simulcasting on FM and WGST’s long decline that led to its demise.

I’m surprised when Cumulus was hard for cash and selling off large market properties they didn’t try to get 100.5.

680 has a great sound and signal...at least during the daytime. But it's still AM and subject to all of the RFI that that entails. Night is a different story.

I wonder if Cumulus floated 100.5 but didn't get any takers for what they wanted.

 

[101tm]

680 has a great sound and signal...at least during the daytime. But it's still AM and subject to all of the RFI that that entails. Night is a different story.

I wonder if Cumulus floated 100.5 but didn't get any takers for what they wanted.

The long term issue for 680 is that it’s on a terminally ill band that in Atlanta has lost most all similar content or it’s gone to FM. FM simulcasts haven’t helped a lot of news talk stations as they don’t gain many new listeners just from changing bands (unless the signal on AM had issues) but they have helped sports stations considering their better demographic and reach via FM. The Game being on 92.9 has a massive advantage over 680. If the Dickeys are concerned about the future, or even a few years from now, I’d hope they’re considering options to get The Fan on FM, more than just the 93.7 coverage area.

I’d think a lot of these big market Cumulus stations would still be for sale at the right price. 100.5 has been such a mess as a rock station and has never had a true identity but it’s apparently done well enough since they’ve been with the format in different variations for well over a decade.