AFR AC Network A Nice Surprise

[jegrant]

While it certainly isn't CHR, the AFR station in my neck of the woods, WQSG 90.7, has now switched to their AC network (except for one or two long-form programs, which I assume will leave when their contracts expire.) (FWIW, I do realize that a few long-form programs do run on the AFR AC format, but I found an airing of Ravi Zacharias that didn't match the website schedule - that is what I refer to above.)

The music mix is actually more like a K-Love or a Hot AC, compared to the only local competitors, WFRN 93.7's Soft AC / Inspo format and WGNR 97.9 // 91.7's Moody Inspo format.

The primary thing I question is the apparently heavy spot load. I am not complaining about too much paid underwriting, although they do have some, it is not problematic. But I have noticed that they repeatedly play the same ministry vignettes over and over again, and combined with their (obviously politically slanted) newscasts, it adds up to way too many minutes per hour that aren't playing music. Also, they run a surprising number of voter registration PSAs, considering we are quite far from the next election.

I used to listen to Air1 frequently, before EMF acquired them, and they had a nice balance of short ministry vignettes, and they were not overly repetitive nor did they cut into the music. IMO, they might lose their impact if listeners get used to tuning out (either to another station, or just mentally tuning out) during long talk breaks.

Also, the processing leaves a lot to be desired. They have obviously gone for "loudness," to the point where there is noticeable clipping of highs and the station sounds overcompressed as a result.

Does anyone else listen to the AFR AC format? What do you think? Any processing or programming comments? Have more AFR stations recently switched formats?

 

[neutralobserver]

Also, the processing leaves a lot to be desired. They have obviously gone for "loudness," to the point where there is noticeable clipping of highs and the station sounds overcompressed as a result.

Stations like these generally aren't looking to spend a lot of money on processing. In many cases, whatever was in the rack when it was purchased or started is still there. In many others, you'll find older boxes that were and are purchased used (in other words, getting "new" processing means catching a box you like on the used market). The result is an endless cycle of having processing that is 10-20 years old.

Although this doesn't (seem to) apply to the station you're talking about, some also have odd philosophical issues with processing, not believing in heavy processing or "absolutely confident" their listeners don't like certain frequencies. Some say it's their way to be "different" in the market or that they don't want to "cause fatigue" (believing they'll get longer TSL from that).

 

[jegrant]

Thanks for the info. Since the CP for WQSG was donated to AFR, I don't think it's a case of using what was there, but certainly, I could see used equipment from another AFR station being brought in. Since AFAIK, they were in somewhat of a hurry to get the station on air before CP expiration, it would have been expedient to bring in a bunch of equipment already on hand.

Also, I guess the AC format over the weekend was a mistake, as it seems the station has unfortunately returned to its standard Talk/Inspo format today.

Oh well - I will still check it occasionally to see if they go back to AC. Of course, they might even sell it to EMF, as they have done with a few other stations in Indiana recently.

 

[anotherguyTN]

AFR has an AC station in Jackson, TN, WAMP 88.1. Usually they will put the AC network in when they are able to get a second station in an area. The music mix is good, but they have the same "older" imaging between music sets that is on the inspo and Classic Gospel networks. It seems to me like they ought to go with a livelier sound for their bumpers like K-LOVE or WAY-FM and give the network a different name. They just call it American Family Radio and don't do anything to differentiate themselves from the more traditional networks. If you tune in when there is no music you can't tell which AFR network you're listening to if you didn't already know. Even the local Dove network in Jackson has better imaging than AFR's AC network. I think they want to reach a younger audience they need to make the AC network sound like it's geared toward them.

 

[jegrant]

I stand corrected. Apparently, the programs I heard may have been part of a Memorial Day special, as since that day, the station has gone back to the AC network. They also now appear to be simulcasting all three of their networks to do some fundraising this weekend.

I agree about the imaging - they need something a bit more up to date. One female DJ did mention something along the lines of "you're listening to AFR's AC Network" at one point, but it sounded like an off the cuff remark, not a planned promotional insertion (since I haven't heard it mentioned since).

AFR does not have two stations for the entire area covered by WQSG, but there may be some overlap to the north. My guess would be that there is a limited market for teaching and preaching programming since it is already offered by the Moody stations in this area, as well as WFRN. It is amazing though, how much brighter and more upbeat AFR's AC format is, as compared to WFRN's slower offerings.

One thing that does irritate though, and seems patronizing, are the underwriting announcements which are obviously done by voice actors and sound very commercial-like. They interrupt the flow of programming and don't seem to fit with the rest of the station. The one in particular that I am referring to is for Bible software. They even managed to work in a plug for this software while answering a question from a listener during the fundraising segment I just heard. It makes me wonder why they need to do so much fundraising, too, given the apparent level of underwriting support. Then again, even WFRN, while asking for money, explains they play "Limited Commercials."