A NEW FORMAT FOR A TRAID FM?

[CCX1]

My guess is Oldies 93. I have heard talk that they might switch to Country. Although they've been trying to get the station back on track, and it is sounding better, the revenue is off and their ratings are off. My first guess would have been WVBZ 100.3 The Buzzard, but if it's not a Clear Channel station, then WMQX would be my second guess. WIST 98.3 just changed to Traditional Country less than a year ago and they're doing really well with it, so can't see them changing. Actually, I'm having a hard time buying that anyone is going to switch. I really don't see any other strong candidates. It could be that WMQX is not REALLY going to switch, but maybe change their name and identity. I've heard that being "Oldies" is not setting well with the Baby Boomers who don't want to get "old". In fact, the more I think about it, the more I think that's exactly what's going to happen! They've been working on the music and I bet to get attention they're going to make a bit deal about changing their identity. Any bets?

 

[manwhore]

93.1 "adjusts" to Classic Hits.

 

[carlosswicegood]

but, this is a flip. not just a name change.

My bets are leaning a little more towards 98.7

 

[tropicanamedia]

but, this is a flip. not just a name change.

My bets are leaning a little more towards 98.7

AGAIN!!!!

 

[XTalker]

Ratings and revenue may be off a bit at 93.1, but the revenue ain't off that much! They have consistently been in the top four. And country is certainly not on the table! That would be disaster. My guess is Simon!

 

[goatboy]

still waiting for this format flip. would be weird to do it after the fall book has already started. would make more since to do it after the new year.

 

[carlosswicegood]

still no teaser, no rediculous montage of random songs.
and what I don't get is that 98.7's ratings weren't THAT bad. they've stayed above The Buzzard, for the past year

 

[CCX1]

I agree that 98.7's ratings aren't that bad. Plus, they spent a TON on marketing that station when it signed on. I can't see them abandoning it this early in the game. BUT, if they were going to change, what would the new format be? I can't really see any holes in the market. Surely they wouldn't go after WKZL, they've been there done that in a battle that lasted for years. Country would be very costly, but Entercom will put some bucks out on promoting their stations and lets face it, WTQR is vulnerable, and they're still producing a bunch in revenue. Brent Millar might just want a piece of that action. Plus, it would be a little payback for CC's coming after WQMG. A lot of markets manage to support two or more major Country stations, and this market is very heavily blue collar. Any thoughts?

 

[manwhore]

98.7 just had a disastrous trend, morning show virtually disappeared from the radar.Historically, they've picked the right format for the time and then executed it horribly. The pattern seems to be holding. Being the 3rd country in the market would be problematic, as 3rd stations in a format generally have about a 5 percent chance of success. But 98.3 is weak and there are a few FMX listeners looking for a new home. Too late for Spanish. Active rock and Alternative not being done and one done well could carve out a niche. WEND gets a couple shares by default. And of course there's CHR Rhythmic, which we've all seen will do between 3.5 and 4.5 consistently. And there's always "Polka talk", the hot new format from Warsaw.

 

[Mr Winston-Salem]

I heard a rumor today from a very good source that a Triad Station will soon drop it's long time format. No word yet on which station or what format but this could get interesting.

"Long time" is a clue. I would guess Rock 92 or Oldies 93. Entercom owns a lot of urbans in the market. What about Urban Gospel 93.1? It seems to go with what formats they have. Urban Gospel would be a cash cow and I'm surprised 98.3 WIST didn't try it.

Country doesn't have the same quality music it had 10 years ago. Any declines can be traced back to music quality and maybe the greater variety of music listeners have to chose from today. Also, Country was trendy back then and isn't now. I wouldn't go after WTQR. All attempts in the past failed and now the music isn't what it was, the fad is over, so new attempts will also fail. Urban Gospel is the last great format untried in the market. Who ever tries it will have a top 5 instantly, a loyal audience and lots of $$$ with little investment. I'm surprised CC didn't take 105.7 Gospel? It seems to work well, even with bad signals.

If it is oldies 93, 1380 WTOB should strongly consider oldies and use the 1470 signal to reach Guilford. I would start by advertising on TV and the newspaper, asking oldies fans to write to WTOB and ask to bring back the old WTOB. Have some fun with it and get oldies fans excited, thinking they are doing something to bring their music back. They will also be very aware of where oldies are going. Then make the flip "by listener request" to The Big 1380 WTOB and 1470 WWBG. Use the original PAMs and call the personalities "The Good Guys" with the top 30 songs of the week by listener request on their website. I'm sure WTOB (w/WWBG) would have their best book in years.

 

[Matt]

I'm sure we realize that since we're speculating about a 4th quarter format change, the likely scenario is that the station most likely to make such a change will probably go early into non-stop Christmas music, and postpone any such format change to either December 26th or January 2nd.

For all of you who are making such speculations, realize that the people "in the know" on this station are probably feeding you a line of BS, and laughing as they watch you gyrate into your wild assumptions.

I, for one, choose to just sit back and wait for whatever happens in the market to happen. After all, I might sell them some TV spots to promote the change.

Later....
Matt Smith
WGSR-TV

 

[nuffsaid]

Everybody has an answer! Kind of like the Monday Morning Quarterbacks of America. There are some fine radio stations in the Triad and lots of folks trying to figure out what to do with them to increase market share. Market share and revenue are the only two things that count in today's modern radio. Beling slick on the air .. using old Pam's jingles .. calling the jocks "good guys" .. all cute and could produce a few share points out the gate but do not feel AM stations can compete in the music game. Personally I would find it refreshing to find a station with the stones to give it a try!

 

[johnqdoe]

I'm sure we realize that since we're speculating about a 4th quarter format change, the likely scenario is that the station most likely to make such a change will probably go early into non-stop Christmas music, and postpone any such format change to either December 26th or January 2nd.

For all of you who are making such speculations, realize that the people "in the know" on this station are probably feeding you a line of BS, and laughing as they watch you gyrate into your wild assumptions.

I, for one, choose to just sit back and wait for whatever happens in the market to happen. After all, I might sell them some TV spots to promote the change.

Later....
Matt Smith
WGSR-TV

awwwww now...Stop makin so much sense here. I mean...there are "SOURCES" quoted in this thread!

 

[berlin201]

NEXT WEEK ?? so this upcoming week? or the week after ? and so....
with all the CC's ruled out that leaves us with my new list and to be honest, the only ones that would be at risk:

92.3 WKRR (which won't matter to me, since WXLK's singal topples over Rock 92's out my way.)
98.3 WIST
98.7 WSMW

(but could there be a change in the Entercom group ?)
ahhh this is crazy.

Actually, 98-7 Simon (one of your picks) is an Entercom station. But didn't that station just flip to Simon a year and a half ago? ???
I'm not sure any of the Entercom stations will flip (unless they pull a Clear Channel and butcher Oldies 93); 102 Jamz is still solid in the market, and I don't see QMG being affected by WMKS.

In the meantime, we'll just have to see what happens; maybe whichever station flips formats will give KZL some competition, since CC didn't jump to that bait with WFMX/WMKS...

 

[Mr Winston-Salem]

770 WABC has done it on the weekends.

AM is where oldies is going these days. Bringing back oldies on an odd AM signal that never had music to begin with, will likely not do as well as bringing it back on an AM signal that was a big CHR/Top 30 back then. A lot of Triad residents are native North Carolinians and those who are old enough will remember the old WTOB. Efforts to bring back Music Radio 77 on Saturday in NYC have been met with great success and they do better in 25-54 than Jack FM (what replaced oldies on WCBS). I would use that as the model to bring back oldies on AM. And lets face it, If oldies moved to 880, you wouldn't have anywhere near the excitement to tell friends in the same age group. If it was WTOB, word of mouth would spread it more than any ad budget ever could. It would be more than just music that brings back memories. Everything would bring back memories. Babyboomers would love that. Most of these old AMs are reduced to nothing these days in market share. With some creativity, I doubt it would be a top 2 in 25-54 like Music Radio 77 on Saturdays, but it would do a lot better than the signal has in a long, long, long time. I think the personality expense though is what would likely keep it from happening. I think you can run it with a fun morning show of 2, have an afternoon personality and maybe a Saturday personality if the new format does well. Again, this is where Oldies is going. There's also the Winston-Salem advantage of being the only music outlet in the Triad's largest urbanized area. The almost untapped market.

 

[tropicanamedia]

October 3, 2006



Important Message to Our Valued Clients,



The radio landscape is changing forever in the Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point/Burlington market. Today at 9am, Entercom Greensboro began the process to launch a new radio station in the Triad.

WMQX will announce the new format soon. Although Oldies 93 was a viable station, we discovered through research that the Triad listeners want something different…something new…it is time to Move On.



We have reviewed and researched this decision for two years! We promise to deliver more listeners to you than ever before! We will do our best to protect YOUR interests throughout this process!

You will hear a special on-air countdown program designed to attract vast numbers of listeners as the anticipation grows about the new format. Then on Thursday, October 5, 2006, you will receive more information about the new station. Rest assured, we will keep you updated with the latest information as it happens. We want you to know first and more importantly hear it from us first to ensure you have accurate information!

We feel that because of all the attention this new and exciting venture will receive coupled with the hundreds of thousands of dollars we are investing, there has never been a better time to advertise your products and services on 93.1! For those of you who are currently advertising with WMQX, an Entercom representative will contact you today to follow-up with any questions you have during this exciting time.

Thank you for your continued support,



Brent Millar
VP/Market Manager
Entercom Greensboro

 

[vasser]

Interesting capitalization on "Move On" don't you think? Could be pointing to the "MOVIN'" format. OR it could be misdirection.

October 3, 2006



Important Message to Our Valued Clients,



The radio landscape is changing forever in the Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point/Burlington market. Today at 9am, Entercom Greensboro began the process to launch a new radio station in the Triad.

WMQX will announce the new format soon. Although Oldies 93 was a viable station, we discovered through research that the Triad listeners want something different…something new…it is time to Move On.



We have reviewed and researched this decision for two years! We promise to deliver more listeners to you than ever before! We will do our best to protect YOUR interests throughout this process!

You will hear a special on-air countdown program designed to attract vast numbers of listeners as the anticipation grows about the new format. Then on Thursday, October 5, 2006, you will receive more information about the new station. Rest assured, we will keep you updated with the latest information as it happens. We want you to know first and more importantly hear it from us first to ensure you have accurate information!

We feel that because of all the attention this new and exciting venture will receive coupled with the hundreds of thousands of dollars we are investing, there has never been a better time to advertise your products and services on 93.1! For those of you who are currently advertising with WMQX, an Entercom representative will contact you today to follow-up with any questions you have during this exciting time.

Thank you for your continued support,



Brent Millar
VP/Market Manager
Entercom Greensboro

 

[carlosswicegood]

Interesting capitalization on "Move On" don't you think? Could be pointing to the "MOVIN'" format. OR it could be misdirection.

October 3, 2006



Important Message to Our Valued Clients,



The radio landscape is changing forever in the Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point/Burlington market. Today at 9am, Entercom Greensboro began the process to launch a new radio station in the Triad.

WMQX will announce the new format soon. Although Oldies 93 was a viable station, we discovered through research that the Triad listeners want something different…something new…it is time to Move On.



We have reviewed and researched this decision for two years! We promise to deliver more listeners to you than ever before! We will do our best to protect YOUR interests throughout this process!

You will hear a special on-air countdown program designed to attract vast numbers of listeners as the anticipation grows about the new format. Then on Thursday, October 5, 2006, you will receive more information about the new station. Rest assured, we will keep you updated with the latest information as it happens. We want you to know first and more importantly hear it from us first to ensure you have accurate information!

We feel that because of all the attention this new and exciting venture will receive coupled with the hundreds of thousands of dollars we are investing, there has never been a better time to advertise your products and services on 93.1! For those of you who are currently advertising with WMQX, an Entercom representative will contact you today to follow-up with any questions you have during this exciting time.

Thank you for your continued support,



Brent Millar
VP/Market Manager
Entercom Greensboro

I was thinking the same. It's gonna be either the Movin' format, or it will take on 107-5 with a CHR. any other guesses now, that we have it narrowed down ?
and, btw, what is the program that the 'countdown' stunting is using? sounds alot like that of the electronic voice that Microsoft uses when you set Windows up for voice recognition. ;D

 

[vchimpanzee]

Just to touch back on the success of Oldies 93... I think the whole reason they're so successful is because they're the single most energetic station in the Triad. They're always upbeat, they're always out there promoting themselves, and I've never heard a dull moment on that station. Even KZL and 102 slow down every once in a while, but not Oldies 93. I don't think it would matter how much "newer" (relatively speaking) material they add to the playlist... as long as they keep that energy going, they're still going to be a hugely popular and successful station.

I agree with you. Not my taste, but I couldn't believe what I just heard.

Whatever happens, it will be Thursday at 3.

 

[o409]

October 3, 2006



Important Message to Our Valued Clients,



The radio landscape is changing forever in the Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point/Burlington market. Today at 9am, Entercom Greensboro began the process to launch a new radio station in the Triad.

WMQX will announce the new format soon. Although Oldies 93 was a viable station, we discovered through research that the Triad listeners want something different…something new…it is time to Move On.



We have reviewed and researched this decision for two years! We promise to deliver more listeners to you than ever before! We will do our best to protect YOUR interests throughout this process!

You will hear a special on-air countdown program designed to attract vast numbers of listeners as the anticipation grows about the new format. Then on Thursday, October 5, 2006, you will receive more information about the new station. Rest assured, we will keep you updated with the latest information as it happens. We want you to know first and more importantly hear it from us first to ensure you have accurate information!

We feel that because of all the attention this new and exciting venture will receive coupled with the hundreds of thousands of dollars we are investing, there has never been a better time to advertise your products and services on 93.1! For those of you who are currently advertising with WMQX, an Entercom representative will contact you today to follow-up with any questions you have during this exciting time.

Thank you for your continued support,



Brent Millar
VP/Market Manager
Entercom Greensboro

There's a pretty hefty quote I noticed...

"We promise to deliver more listeners to you than ever before!"

WOW!! That's a huge promise that I hope they follow up on. I mean, let's break it down... in the Winter of 2006 they scored a 5.3 share 12 plus making them a top 5 station. In Spring of 2006 they scored a 4.6 share 12 plus making them number 7 in the market. Not too bad in my opinion.

However, has anyone thought of an Adult Contemporary format (AC)? Something to take on WMAG. Let's think for a moment... Clear Channel moves Country WFMX in to the Triad and changes the station to an R&B format that takes on WQMG, an Entercom station.

Now, if you ask me, a very vulnerable station Clear Channel has is WMAG. There's no other like it in the market. If you think about it, you really wouldn't turn away the "oldies" demographic, if anything, you'd add to it. As it stands now, WMAG posted a 5.2 in the Spring of 2006 from a 6.0 in the Winter of 2006. Couple WMQX ratings with some shares that you would take off of WMAG... Bingo! You'd have a station with more listeners than before!

Just a thought..

409