Ever since Millennium Broadcasting Corp. decided to trade frequencies for two of their stations (WPST and WNJO), I started thinking of the possibilities of other media conglomerates in similar situations. Of course, Millennium had other reasons for the frequency swap, but I was wondering if something like this could be beneficial to Access1 and their stations in the Atlantic City area.</P>
The 103.7 frequency, which is currently home to WMGM (a.k.a. The Shark, a Classic Rock station) brings in excellent ratings in its market, but despite its flamethrower of a signal, does not make any kind of impact in the Monmouth/Ocean market.</P>
Then there's the recently acquired 102.7 frequency, which broadcasts WJSE ("Your Rock", which is basically an Alternative station that also throws in the odd Guns N' Roses or AC/DC track. Despite a very weak signal, this station pulls in very respectable ratings.</P>
The way I see it, a frequency swap would give Access1 expanded reach into the Monmouth/Ocean market. We already receive several Classic Rock stations loud and clear in this market, but we don't have any Alternative stations whatsoever (maybe a Hot AC/Alternative hybrid, but that's it). They could reach about another 100,000 people with a format that's currently unavailable here, with programming that appeals to men under 50 (a demographic that isn't served at all here in Ocean County).</P>
Do you think that a frequency swap like this would be beneficial to Access1? It may be a risky proposition, but it's one that I definitely think would pay off for them if they tried it (which I doubt will happen, but a guy can hope, can't he?).</P>
The 103.7 frequency, which is currently home to WMGM (a.k.a. The Shark, a Classic Rock station) brings in excellent ratings in its market, but despite its flamethrower of a signal, does not make any kind of impact in the Monmouth/Ocean market.</P>
Then there's the recently acquired 102.7 frequency, which broadcasts WJSE ("Your Rock", which is basically an Alternative station that also throws in the odd Guns N' Roses or AC/DC track. Despite a very weak signal, this station pulls in very respectable ratings.</P>
The way I see it, a frequency swap would give Access1 expanded reach into the Monmouth/Ocean market. We already receive several Classic Rock stations loud and clear in this market, but we don't have any Alternative stations whatsoever (maybe a Hot AC/Alternative hybrid, but that's it). They could reach about another 100,000 people with a format that's currently unavailable here, with programming that appeals to men under 50 (a demographic that isn't served at all here in Ocean County).</P>
Do you think that a frequency swap like this would be beneficial to Access1? It may be a risky proposition, but it's one that I definitely think would pay off for them if they tried it (which I doubt will happen, but a guy can hope, can't he?).</P>