Another new Cox translator for Greenville?

[carolinaradio]

There are a couple of semi-important talk hosts that are missing here that were mentioned earlier, but I don't see enough programming decent enough to fill a whole station. Would probably have no localization on a small signal like that. If that's indeed the format, I don't know how successful it could be. WORD is a horrible talk station, IMO (the local stuff at least), but people seem to like it and their audience is extremely loyal.

Alternative or any rock station would have more potential IMO.

 

[awp69]

I agree about WORD. Definately not a fan of it, but they do well in the ratings. The only one of the aforementioned personalities that could get a decent following is Clark Howard, but if memory serves me correct he was on WORD at one time (long ago).

Bortz wouldn't be that different than Mike Gallagher (who has local ties so that probably helps his ratings). What's funny is WORD's worst host (ignoring political preferences) is Bob McLain, who -- or at least was the last time I checked - is their PD as well.

I'd want alternative more than anything, but it seems like way too much of a coincidence that they registered that domain at the same time this looks to be going on.

 

[carolinaradio]

Clark Howard, Neal Boortz (who is leaving his show), Michael Savage, Laura Ingraham, and Mike Huckabee (whose new show seems like it'd be a hit out of the park for WORD's audience) are the only personalities that aren't carried at some time by WORD. They have the first-tier stuff. If that's your lineup and you have no localization, which I would doubt on such a small signal...ehhhh. A music format would add more value to the cluster.

Yes, Bob McLain is the PD. The morning show is not much better. Tired ramblings that sound like a small town church service, politics aside. The local content is so bad there, IMO, but looking at the ratings, I'm in the minority.

Sometimes broadcast companies use domains as a smokescreen/game with radio enthusiasts and broadcasters alike. Personally, I hope that's the case, but who knows. Could be hot talk like Cox's Bone in Tampa....

I would cut cartwheels if an Alternative station came. Very little overhead required, that's a format I can listen to without any DJ's.

 

[awp69]

Hope you're right. I'd jump for joy myself for an alternative station.

The way I look at it is that the only talk radio that's going to work around here is conservative-leaning. No matter how poor of a station it is, WORD has their audience so firmly entrenched that I think it'd be suicide to even try to take them on.

That's why I mentioned Clark Howard because his show is, for the most part, non-political. But there's not much to build around his show and a liberal-leaning station would also find little to no audience around here. Female talk has been done and failed miserably.

They could do something like The Link, where it's a mix of talk (more like morning radio on a larger scale) and Hot AC. With MY's ratings so far not being too impressive, I don't think that would work either.

So, at least theoretically, there's little good I could see of another talk station here. Hope Alternative or at least a better rock station is under consideration.

What sort of time-line would you think we'd be looking at for 98.5 to start broadcasting something? (I'm going to assume that it's not going to be locally run so that part of the equation should be moot).

 

[carolinaradio]

Agree. WORD owns talk and it would take a large signal with a heavy local emphasis to take them on. 98.5 won't have that. Also, 660/92.9 is conservative/Christian talk (forgot they carry Huckabee already). I don't see any kind of talk working on that signal. It needs a somewhat niche format. There is not enough decent national talk programming available to build a talker, unless there was local programming -- something I doubt on a limited signal.

If we go by the timeframe with 97.7, it could be 2-3 months I guess. I don't really know. Alternative would be very easy/cheap to run as I don't think it needs an air staff, necessarily.

 

[carolinaradio]

Something to talk about is coming...August 6th.

http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/netgnomes/58905/whats-cox-talking-about/

 

[awp69]

Something to talk about is coming...August 6th.

http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/netgnomes/58905/whats-cox-talking-about/

Well, that'll probably be their loss. Their are better genres to attack around here. Just don't see how it will survive no matter which talk format they go with. Time will tell.

...and dreams of an alternative station will live on.

 

[carolinaradio]

Cox may not be stopping yet. They apparently have the capability of a WJMZ-HD4, as they have a CP for a translator in Seneca (which could be moved in to Greenville) at 101.5 to relay WJMZ-HD4. Maybe their HD4 could be an Alternative station. I'll just keep my wishful thinking up...
I didn't know you could have so many HD channels.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what happens. I'm guessing 94.1 in Greer will simulcast 98.5 since they are both fed from WJMZ-HD2?

 

[awp69]

Maybe their HD4 could be an Alternative station. I'll just keep my wishful thinking up...

I'll keep my fingers crossed for that as well. Now that I've looked at "The Bone's" website, I could see how that might actually work around here. While I personally haven't listened to any of their programs, it looks an awful lot like The Planet without music. Trashy, red-neck talkshows. And somehow The Planet stays alive so this could too. Could be wrong about the redneck leanings. But that's the impression their site gives.

 

[KyleSmith1988]

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what happens. I'm guessing 94.1 in Greer will simulcast 98.5 since they are both fed from WJMZ-HD2?

I'd rather see Hot 98.1 on all three frequencies,
but I hope that 94.1 someday moves into Downtown Spartanburg where it's badly needed.

Hot 98.1 Anderson
Hot 98.5 Greenville
Hot 94.1 Spartanburg

The reception would improve in Greenville on 98.5, which is 2 channels away from 98.1.

WHZT may lose some numbers if they give up the 94.1 simulcast,
adding new programming on an HD-4 on WJMZ may be a better choice,
but then again I still haven't found HD-3 for Chuck FM,
if they add an HD-4 wouldn't the audio quality start to degrade for everyone at that point...

 

[carolinaradio]

I'd rather see Hot 98.1 on all three frequencies,
but I hope that 94.1 someday moves into Downtown Spartanburg where it's badly needed.

Hot 98.1 Anderson
Hot 98.5 Greenville
Hot 94.1 Spartanburg

The reception would improve in Greenville on 98.5, which is 2 channels away from 98.1.

WHZT may lose some numbers if they give up the 94.1 simulcast,
adding new programming on an HD-4 on WJMZ may be a better choice,
but then again I still haven't found HD-3 for Chuck FM,
if they add an HD-4 wouldn't the audio quality start to degrade for everyone at that point...

Since Hot gets around the same numbers it did before the 94.1 signal was added, they might see more value in dropping the Hot simulcast from 107.3 HD2 and doing something different there to add more value to what they have. That's just my opinion.
As with any talk format, you can put it in mono and help the signal a little.

Talk programming can be low bitrate - so actually, 107.3-HD2 can be lower bitrate with talk than it currently is carrying Hot, depending on how they adjust it. If you look at the application for W271AJ in Seneca, it mentions broadcasting HD4. I don't get, though, why you'd upgrade a signal out there to 250w to broadcast a HD channel that doesn't exist currently...

 

[carolinaradio]

I noticed that a quick search brings up a Talk 98.5 Facebook page. Generic, but clearly indicates a conservative talk station.

The more I think about this, the more I think it's a bad decision (assuming talk will be the true format and that Cox isn't putting up a smokescreen). I mainly see it as a way for Cox to get their talkers like Neal Boortz, Clark Howard, and Herman Cain in to Greenville. Other than that, I don't see the benefit over a music format. Unless they try to snag some host like Glenn Beck (who airs weekends only on WORD) or Sean Hannity to be a draw, which is unlikely, none of these talk hosts that could potentially be carried have a fan base in Greenville as they've not been carried here in a long time, if ever, or have had limited coverage. There's nothing to draw the existing 106.3 listeners. Likely no local personalities, no local news or traffic. 106.3 is sub-par, but has "draws." Talk stations with second tier programming that go up against established talkers are almost always suicide if there isn't a strong local draw/emphasis.

Personal preferences aside, I just see more gain in a format like Alternative or AAA, Modern Rock, or even Classic Hits/Oldies. This market needs an alternative to The Planet, though.

 

[awp69]

I noticed that a quick search brings up a Talk 98.5 Facebook page. Generic, but clearly indicates a conservative talk station.

The more I think about this, the more I think it's a bad decision (assuming talk will be the true format and that Cox isn't putting up a smokescreen). I mainly see it as a way for Cox to get their talkers like Neal Boortz, Clark Howard, and Herman Cain in to Greenville. Other than that, I don't see the benefit over a music format. Unless they try to snag some host like Glenn Beck (who airs weekends only on WORD) or Sean Hannity to be a draw, which is unlikely, none of these talk hosts that could potentially be carried have a fan base in Greenville as they've not been carried here in a long time, if ever, or have had limited coverage. There's nothing to draw the existing 106.3 listeners. Likely no local personalities, no local news or traffic. 106.3 is sub-par, but has "draws." Talk stations with second tier programming that go up against established talkers are almost always suicide if there isn't a strong local draw/emphasis.

Personal preferences aside, I just see more gain in a format like Alternative or AAA, Modern Rock, or even Classic Hits/Oldies. This market needs an alternative to The Planet, though.

Agreed. Don't understand the reasoning behind this. Chuck at least brought something "new" to the plate in the Upstate. Don't know how well it's doing financial wise, but putting a small signal against a well-established station -- especially talk where people have grown accustomed to the localization (however bad it may be) -- sounds like a really bad business decision. I can see outlying areas like Anderson, for instance, having their own talker with an even more local focus. But this does, as you say, sound like suicide.

 

[ATOMO]

If the fine folks at Cox are about to launch a talk station - it is for only one reason...to pull WORD down a notch...'er two. Thus, possibly effectively taking them out of the top 5 or at least clearing a valid competitor for the top spot out of the way of Jamz - their major money maker. They most certainly are not looking for 'something the market needs.' You could argue Chuck is something the market needed but it was more of a way to scoop up what CC left behind with MY and chisel down WSPA-FM while they were at it. Once again, paving the way for Jamz. I am not slamming Cox by any means - very smart moves but very business moves plain and simple.

 

[carolinaradio]

If the fine folks at Cox are about to launch a talk station - it is for only one reason...to pull WORD down a notch...'er two. Thus, possibly effectively taking them out of the top 5 or at least clearing a valid competitor for the top spot out of the way of Jamz - their major money maker. They most certainly are not looking for 'something the market needs.' You could argue Chuck is something the market needed but it was more of a way to scoop up what CC left behind with MY and chisel down WSPA-FM while they were at it. Once again, paving the way for Jamz. I am not slamming Cox by any means - very smart moves but very business moves plain and simple.

Good point, Craig. I can only speak for Chuck, but IMO it was a win for Cox, and definitely a win for the market. By listening to them, I would think it's been a success. They came out of the gate with a 1.8 share 12+. That's pretty impessive for 250w and almost twice of what Shine has ever done in 5 years. They're not running 5-6 minute breaks twice an hour, I wouldn't expect them to...but they seem to have been pretty successful selling spots for it. I don't think they're helping WROQ either.

WJMZ almost always gets #1 in 12+ except for the rare WSSL #1 finish. Cox had better cross their fingers that nobody ever tries to bring another Urban in, or the #1 party's over.

 

[carolinaradio]

8 days away, still very little details on 98.5, but they have put a video up criticizing (and, rightly so) Russ Cassell of WORD on the talk985.com homepage. Could be taken as sort of a promotion, or having fun with Entercom.

Absolutely pathetic that that guy is the only morning talk show host in this market. Typical. What a crab.

 

[SayHey]

8 days away, still very little details on 98.5, but they have put a video up criticizing (and, rightly so) Russ Cassell of WORD on the talk985.com homepage. Could be taken as sort of a promotion, or having fun with Entercom.

Absolutely pathetic that that guy is the only morning talk show host in this market. Typical. What a crab.

Agreed, and hopefully that will change with the addition of the new station. Still very little known about it, but with the addition of the Russ Cassell audio, they might be sending a signal that they're gonna take on Russ and Lisa in the morning. It'd be a nice breath of fresh air to have another local morning talk show host in this market.

As for Russ, he may very well be out the door soon...or maybe that's just wishful thinking. But from what I hear, the people over at Entercom are none to happy with his "whack-job" comments that he made about the victims of the Dark Knight Rises shooting. They already made him issue a company statement about it on Wednesday. Now I know that at least 1 major advertiser of their's is reviewing the audio and deciding what course of action to take. I'd encourage anyone else that was disgusted with Russ' comments to contact their advertisers. The sooner he's off the air, the better.

 

[carolinaradio]

Agreed, and hopefully that will change with the addition of the new station. Still very little known about it, but with the addition of the Russ Cassell audio, they might be sending a signal that they're gonna take on Russ and Lisa in the morning. It'd be a nice breath of fresh air to have another local morning talk show host in this market.

As for Russ, he may very well be out the door soon...or maybe that's just wishful thinking. But from what I hear, the people over at Entercom are none to happy with his "whack-job" comments that he made about the victims of the Dark Knight Rises shooting. They already made him issue a company statement about it on Wednesday. Now I know that at least 1 major advertiser of their's is reviewing the audio and deciding what course of action to take. I'd encourage anyone else that was disgusted with Russ' comments to contact their advertisers. The sooner he's off the air, the better.

Assuming Cox does go talk on 98.5, I've always wondered what they would do in the morning. Do you spend money on a morning show for a translator signal? If there is no localization and just second rate programming, I don't know if they'll make much impact on 106.3. I hope I'd be wrong. It's just sort of funny that they're keeping it under wraps so much.
I'm glad it's not being ignored. I've long thought 106.3 could have much better local talent, and needs somebody fresh instead of people that have been here for ages. Sounds to me like Russ has gotten a little too comfortable. Any political view aside, who can stomach 4 hours of that every morning?

Side note: has anyone noticed that 97.7 sounds bad? The audio is low and sounds unprocessed. They've always sounded on par with the big signals.

 

[awp69]

Assuming Cox does go talk on 98.5, I've always wondered what they would do in the morning.  Do you spend money on a morning show for a translator signal?  If there is no localization and just second rate programming, I don't know if they'll make much impact on 106.3.  I hope I'd be wrong.  It's just sort of funny that they're keeping it under wraps so much. 
I'm glad it's not being ignored.  I've long thought 106.3 could have much better local talent, and needs somebody fresh instead of people that have been here for ages.  Sounds to me like Russ has gotten a little too comfortable.  Any political view aside, who can stomach 4 hours of that every morning?

Side note: has anyone noticed that 97.7 sounds bad?  The audio is low and sounds unprocessed.  They've always sounded on par with the big signals.

As much as I'd like to see 106.3 go down -- I was at one time a reporter for the Greenville News about 15 year ago and Russ (or was it Ralph?) didn't like me very much even though I thought I went out of my way to make my articles as neutral as they could be, so there's a little personal reasoning there too -- I just don't see it happening. The conservative community around here is just pretty fanaticaly about his show (and political tastes aside, I have know idea why). Speaking of Ralph Bristol, I believe I was living in Atlanta and when I came back, he was gone. Was he fired? Or just moved on to greener pastures?

I listened to 97.7 today and it sounded pretty good to me -- Woodruff Road area.

 

[carolinaradio]

As much as I'd like to see 106.3 go down -- I was at one time a reporter for the Greenville News about 15 year ago and Russ (or was it Ralph?) didn't like me very much even though I thought I went out of my way to make my articles as neutral as they could be, so there's a little personal reasoning there too -- I just don't see it happening. The conservative community around here is just pretty fanaticaly about his show (and political tastes aside, I have know idea why). Speaking of Ralph Bristol, I believe I was living in Atlanta and when I came back, he was gone. Was he fired? Or just moved on to greener pastures?

I listened to 97.7 today and it sounded pretty good to me -- Woodruff Road area.

Ralph now does afternoons on 99.7 WTN in Nashville, a mostly local talk station. I thought he was much more talented than Bob McLain, who he replaced. Cassell is most definitely opinionated, and doesn't come across as a very "nice" person, to me. Russ and Lisa do have a very loyal following, though, particularly among older listeners (notice how 106.3 does decently in 12+ overall ratings, but last in the important demo, 25-54). I can't judge, as I haven't seen/heard what they plan on doing, but I think it will be a non-starter against 106.3.

I was in the Woodruff Rd area near I-85 and noticed that 97.7 was just flat and not as loud as 98.9, 101.1, 102.5, 93.7, etc., as it typically is. No "punch" like it normally has. Not a big deal, but I just wondered what happened.