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97.3 The Wolf Drops DJ's

There's too much country on the local dial, especially now that 105.9 is back in the format. I wouldn't be surprised if K99.1 has gotten higher ratings in the Cincinnati market than the Wolf. If there's a format change, I wonder if Hubbard would go classic hits to try and challenge WGRR?
 
I've always wondered why Hubbard doesn't do a 97.1 The Drive type of station. It does really well in Chicago, granted it has a large following there. Of course Chicago is a bigger market than Cincinnati so they can spend the money they need to run the station.
 
It really is amazing to me that this format has lasted as long as it has, going back to when the station was owned by Bonneville.

Not sure what the intention was, given they also own WUBE in the same format.
 
Big A, B105 was exactly WHY the station lasted that long. It was meant to be a flanker and keep others out of the format. That didn't work out so well, did it? The combined audience of the two Classic Country stations would give it a 3.0 share and 187,900 cume. (Yes, I know they're not actually a simulcast.) That would place it just out of the Top 10, nearly equal to Nash in cume, higher in share. WYGY had a 1.0 share in November on a good signal. Not great, but good. So, how's that working out?

The Drive would be a fine idea, if it were more like a JACK type 80s and 90s format. And you can do it without jocks. There's no reason to go directly at The FOX, but taking a sideways swipe at WGRR (The #1 FM in the market) would be a smart move. Knock WGRR down a share or two and B105 is #1.
 
Duh. Because B105 is the focus. It didn't start out that way when they swapped the format with Cumulus. But it eventually got that way because they thought just being there would keep competitors away. It didn't.
 
But my criticism isn't that it was a failed flanker, but that it was a failed flanker that failed for so long.

Are they asleep over there? Did they forget they forget they owned this other station?

We know Cumulus isn't going away. And the classic competitors have been there over a year!
 
My guess is that they didn't believe Nash was anything to worry about. And, honestly, it hasn't been. But now that the Classic stations are in the game, maybe they've figured it's time to try something else. Or, maybe this is just another Hubbard layoff that doesn't mean anything's changing. Seems like a pretty good opportunity to try something else on a good signal, though.
 
I agree with the consensus; a new format is long overdue for this signal! Or maybe Hubbard just sell it to a non-commercial broadcaster?

Soft AC, Real Oldies, a more adventurous Classic Rock format than what 92.5 offers, Variety Hits, or even Alternative (a return of the Sound?) are all options that should be evaluated.
 
How about a Q102 classic format, 80s 90s music with original sounding sweepers and jingles they used back in their golden era. Make it very Cincinnati live and local.
 
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They just made a lot of cuts, so I wouldn't count on any local talent. Variety Hits is very successful with no jocks, and this isn't the best signal in town to be investing a lot of talent dollars. It's good. Not great. And, WGRR is the perfect target. A retro-Q102 format is not a sustainable long term format. The novelty would wear off and then you've wasted time trying to build a brand that eventually fades. As long as you can keep from cannibalizing 94.9, an 80s/90s Variety format would hit WGRR right in the younger end sweet spot.
 
They all sound way too old to me.
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Variety Hits and Alternative are too "old" ? Ummm...okay. To each their own.

You might be surprised by the strength Soft AC - if programmed correctly - is exhibiting in Adults 25-54 and even Adults 18-34 these days.

Bill from White Plains makes some great points. I would probably choose the same format as the one he recommended.
 
MarkW said:
Variety Hits and Alternative are too "old" ? Ummm...okay. To each their own.

You might be surprised by the strength Soft AC - if programmed correctly - is exhibiting in Adults 25-54 and even Adults 18-34 these days.
Click to expand...

I have seen no data on a soft AC attracting 18-34. If you have, post it. What we're seeing in Seattle and Chicago is mostly to the higher side of 25-54.

Variety Hits is also on the higher side of 25-54. Alternative? Not really a big money maker regardless.

You also suggest Real Oldies and "adventurous" classic rock, How about a format that plays currents?
 
You wouldn't do a currents-based format because Q102 already does that. MIX 94.9 does it, too, as a Hot AC. So, why would you cannibalize two of your well performing stations? The goal is to strengthen the cluster. Variety Hits would potentially grab some of the younger end 25-54 away from WGRR, which is still playing Elvis and the Beatles.
 
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