Any predictions for 2011?

[b5]

Any predictions anyone willing to make about Alabama radio in 2011? Format flips? Personnel changes?

I'm more familiar with the Montgomery market and the first thing that comes to my mind is Y102. 3 PD's in one year and their morning show was moved to a sister station. I definitely think there is a need for a top 40 station in town but will it still be on 101.9? With a new market manager in town, who knows what to expect...could be some radical changes in store for the whole cluster.

 

[R.D.P.]

I see the following happening by years end:

W232AN 94.3 FM broadcasting from their new home, in Marion Alabama, atop the WJUS AM 1310 tower.  This station is now located in Suttle and is supposed to be on doing the WJUS rebroadcasting thing.

WVLV 106.3 FM signing on from Maplesville Alabama and doing the Classic Country/Southern Gospel thing.  (I can see Mr. Travis getting excited about that one.)

WRNF 89.5 FM in Selma Alabama getting their new CP built out.  They now have one to go both Vertical and Horizontal.  (I'm glad that my friend Brother Rob Moore and Moody Radio are still here, broadcasting the Gospel to my hometown.) (Happy Belated B-Day to WRNF.) (They turned three years old last month.)

R.D.P. <><

P.S. If God allows it, I can also see my Internet thing working out too.

 

[whit979]

Wow, I had no idea Y102 had those shakeups. It's a monster signal, so hopefully things can calm down there.

I wouldn't be shocked this year to see a format flip (or two) in Birmingham if Cumulus finds a way to buy out Citadel.

 

[StrayKats]

Perhaps the CHR in Montgomery might move to 95.1 and rock move to 101.9 - considerably more modern rock. Just the switch in frequencies might be worth the change.

I still think Clear Channel should remove country from floundering South/Rooster 106.1 and put in the GenX format to cover Columbus, Auburn, and Montgomery before any of these markets import it from somewhere else. If they want to stick with country, move it to WAGH. It's a waste of a big stick - perfect opportunity with a unique music format like they did when they brought gospel to Montgomery/Dothan on Hallelujah 104.3

Also, someone needs to claim the CP for 93.1 in Coosada (suburban Montgomery) and get it on the air by Summer 2012. Would be a good place for a full (albeit class A) power modern rock, an urban oldies a la WAPZ, or even a local sports FM non-translator.

The 105.1 unclaimed frequency in Rockford should be moved to Eclectic (or 80 miles from WZHT's tall tower) as city of license and someone could put in a station to cover Lake Martin and fringe on eastern Montgomery.

Living in a dream world.

May your pursuits of choice be profitable this 2011.

 

[Charles1]

Wow, I had no idea Y102 had those shakeups. It's a monster signal, so hopefully things can calm down there.

I wouldn't be shocked this year to see a format flip (or two) in Birmingham if Cumulus finds a way to buy out Citadel.

Can Birmingham really support three FM-talkers? Obviously, WERC is the big kahuna, and Crawford would rather switch to an all-Gregorian chant format that take talk off of WYDE. So, the question begs, can WAPI remain in their present format and remain successful? Or is their problem just a matter of having a stick too far away from Birmingham to really make a difference?

 

[tomservo]

Wow, I had no idea Y102 had those shakeups. It's a monster signal, so hopefully things can calm down there.

I wouldn't be shocked this year to see a format flip (or two) in Birmingham if Cumulus finds a way to buy out Citadel.

Can Birmingham really support three FM-talkers? Obviously, WERC is the big kahuna, and Crawford would rather switch to an all-Gregorian chant format that take talk off of WYDE. So, the question begs, can WAPI remain in their present format and remain successful? Or is their problem just a matter of having a stick too far away from Birmingham to really make a difference?

It didn't seem to have a problem supporting all three when two were on AM, so I don't know what difference being on FM will have, aside from a higher power bill.

I think Crawford's WYDE is irrelevant in the talk wars, just like it's always been. They will keep on keepin' on even if they're always a minor player in Birmingham. I don't know what else could be on 100.5/1070 that would garner higher ratings than what they have now, even if it is the 2nd string talk shows (and Richard Dixon, whose turn from Rock 99 morning show jock to actual talk show host has been a lot better than I think he gets credit for…)

Frankly, I expect 2011 to be a bit more low key than 2010. It doesn't seem like much has happened, but the movement has all been on the low end of the scale. Translators, AM/FM simulcasts, a few minor changes, nothing major. All the major markets in state are pretty stale, otherwise. At this point, I'll consider 2011 a big year if i100 ever gets around to fixing the delay problem with their HD feed. It's been the full 6 seconds off for a while. Not that I listen to that kind of music much, but it does catch my ear a hell of a lot more than WABB.

If there's any justice, WABB AM and FM will both make major turnarounds, but I wouldn't bank on it. They're both practically six feet under.

I do forsee a slight dropoff in the popularity of top 40 pop music, so maybe that will push WABB and Y-102 over the edge. We can only hope.

 

[Poledo]

I keep expecting CC to put WNTM on at least one translator in Mobile or other parts of L.A. Cumulus seems dug in with WCOA in Pensacola, so I don't expect WNTM will get on the big stick, 107.3. If that did happen it would just slaughter Cumulus Pensacola.
Other than that, it's about time for 100.7 and/or 104.1 in Mobile to flip again. Maybe FM sports/talk on a 100kw for Mobile/Pensacola? The timing would be perfect now that Bama and Auburn football are back on top.

As for other markets... Dothan might, just might, have one too many country stations right now. It seems like they could use a good classic/southern rocker on a big signal.

 

[WBGR FM 93.1]

I wouldn't be surprised if Crawford took the talk format off WYDE, and switched formats with Southern Gospel WXJC, or either flipped to an Urban Gospel format, which could possibly snag some listeners in both Birmingham and Huntsville markets since neither has an FM outlet with that format... although it being on a rimshot signal. In addition, I wonder how much longer will 93.3 The Wolf go before they change formats. I could see a possible oldies format, or either WVNN FM moving to 93.3, and AM 730 The Ump simulcasting on 92.5.

And, by the way, I could see FM 106.3 in Maplesville airing Classic Country, or Southern Gospel

Happy New Years,

Travis

 

[b5]

Going urban gospel on 101.1 in Birmingham actually makes a TON of sense. Montgomery's 104.3 flipped to that format a few years back and haven't looked back. Consistently one of the top stations in the market. 104.3 is a slightly better signal than 101.1, but that's one of those formats that people will listen through a little fuzz in order to hear the music.

I wouldn't be surprised if Crawford took the talk format off WYDE, and switched formats with Southern Gospel WXJC, or either flipped to an Urban Gospel format, which could possibly snag some listeners in both Birmingham and Huntsville markets since neither has an FM outlet with that format... although it being on a rimshot signal. In addition, I wonder how much longer will 93.3 The Wolf go before they change formats. I could see a possible oldies format, or either WVNN FM moving to 93.3, and AM 730 The Ump simulcasting on 92.5.

And, by the way, I could see FM 106.3 in Maplesville airing Classic Country, or Southern Gospel

Happy New Years,

Travis

 

[jsu5381m]

Any predictions anyone willing to make about Alabama radio in 2011? Format flips? Personnel changes?

I'm more familiar with the Montgomery market and the first thing that comes to my mind is Y102. 3 PD's in one year and their morning show was moved to a sister station. I definitely think there is a need for a top 40 station in town but will it still be on 101.9? With a new market manager in town, who knows what to expect...could be some radical changes in store for the whole cluster.

I'm glad Y102 dumped Rick and Bubba in the morning. That show doesn't belong on CHR. If there is any way of getting WALX's signal to cover east Montgomery (at least to Mt. Meigs, Cecil and Waugh), that would be a great top 40 competitor to Montgomery. Actually make it a true CHR and not Hot AC leaning like Y102.

 

[R.D.P.]

Unless their audience and advertisers want it to happen, WALX will stay Classic Hits. This current presentation is doing very well for them. Besides when I need me some Rick and Bubba and/or Classic Hits, this is the place where I tune in.

I don't see Montgomery getting a second Top 40 station anytime soon.

Hope our prediction on WVLV in Maplesville is right, Mr. Tallred.

R.D.P. <><

P.S. 93.1 FM would be a great place for one of these things to happen:

(1) Roscoe Miller getting him a full powered frequency for his Montgomery station,
(2) The River getting them a second FM station, so that they can cover areas west of Montgomery, with their awesome format and/or
(3) The most logical one, The Gump snagging this spot, so that they can cover more ground with their Alternative Rock format.

 

[b5]

Actually, Y102 didn't drop Rick and Bubba. WLWI was a better fit and moving Rick and Bubba was a move to solidify WLWI against a surging Bama Country 98.9. It's important for Cumulus to keep WLWI as a top station. A lot of money and pride are on the line with that.

I wouldn't call Y102 HOT AC by any means, they are definitely CHR/Top 40. Here's a sample of the past hour:
YEAH 3X- CHRIS BROWN
RAISE YOUR GLASS- PINK
THE TIME (THE DIRTY BIT)- BLACK EYED PEAS
DON'T TRUST ME- 3OH3!
LIKE A G6- FAR EAST MOVEMENT
ALREADY GONE- KELLY CLARKSON
WE R WHO WE R- KE$HA
BABY- JUSTIN BIEBER

Any predictions anyone willing to make about Alabama radio in 2011? Format flips? Personnel changes?

I'm more familiar with the Montgomery market and the first thing that comes to my mind is Y102. 3 PD's in one year and their morning show was moved to a sister station. I definitely think there is a need for a top 40 station in town but will it still be on 101.9? With a new market manager in town, who knows what to expect...could be some radical changes in store for the whole cluster.

I'm glad Y102 dumped Rick and Bubba in the morning. That show doesn't belong on CHR. If there is any way of getting WALX's signal to cover east Montgomery (at least to Mt. Meigs, Cecil and Waugh), that would be a great top 40 competitor to Montgomery. Actually make it a true CHR and not Hot AC leaning like Y102.

 

[R.D.P.]

Amen to that one b5.

R.D.P. <><

 

[Dr voicetrack]

b5,

That's a CHR hour, for sure. Just out of curiosity, can you snag a sample hour of..let's say...1p?

 

[passtheword]

I wouldn't be surprised if Crawford took the talk format off WYDE, and switched formats with Southern Gospel WXJC, or either flipped to an Urban Gospel format, which could possibly snag some listeners in both Birmingham and Huntsville markets since neither has an FM outlet with that format... although it being on a rimshot signal. In addition, I wonder how much longer will 93.3 The Wolf go before they change formats. I could see a possible oldies format, or either WVNN FM moving to 93.3, and AM 730 The Ump simulcasting on 92.5.

And, by the way, I could see FM 106.3 in Maplesville airing Classic Country, or Southern Gospel

Happy New Years,

Travis

I would agree with b5...urban gospel would be a great fit for 101.1. I'm sure many of the former Hallelujah listeners would listen to the station. However, that makes too much sense. Therefore, it'll be something Crawford will most likely never attempt. I think any format would be better than the talk format they have now. WYDE continues to dwindle away into nothingness in the ratings. Somebody oughta take the hint...

I agree with tallred, though, about Crawford swapping the formats of their stations around and a southern gospel WXJC 101.1 being a more likely scenario, given Crawford's affinity of playing "ping pong" with all their stations' calls and formats.

 

[b5]

b5,

That's a CHR hour, for sure. Just out of curiosity, can you snag a sample hour of..let's say...1p?

That's the 6pm hour. They switched to the Billy Bush program at 7pm. Y102 puts the songs on the front page of their web site due to some integration between their automation software and their web site. If I remember, I'll try and snag something from another hour tomorrow.

 

[b5]

1) Roscoe might cease to exist because all his dreams in life would come true at that point.

2) I've been disappointed with The River. Just looking at 12+ numbers it hasn't been a success. The music has been a little mixed across the board...I would even go as far as to say it's a problem and every song needs to be evaluated. Jill and Larry have been voice tracking their shifts since day one and have been great at relating to the format and people. John keeps that station and The Ticket running and does a great job. If I had a oldies or classic hits format in town, John Norris would be the first person I would call because I know he would give 110%.

3) You mentioned the Gump...would love to hear if it's making Rick some money yet.

Unless their audience and advertisers want it to happen, WALX will stay Classic Hits. This current presentation is doing very well for them. Besides when I need me some Rick and Bubba and/or Classic Hits, this is the place where I tune in.

I don't see Montgomery getting a second Top 40 station anytime soon.

Hope our prediction on WVLV in Maplesville is right, Mr. Tallred.

R.D.P. <><

P.S. 93.1 FM would be a great place for one of these things to happen:

(1) Roscoe Miller getting him a full powered frequency for his Montgomery station,
(2) The River getting them a second FM station, so that they can cover areas west of Montgomery, with their awesome format and/or
(3) The most logical one, The Gump snagging this spot, so that they can cover more ground with their Alternative Rock format.

 

[tomservo]

Going urban gospel on 101.1 in Birmingham actually makes a TON of sense. Montgomery's 104.3 flipped to that format a few years back and haven't looked back. Consistently one of the top stations in the market. 104.3 is a slightly better signal than 101.1, but that's one of those formats that people will listen through a little fuzz in order to hear the music.

In keeping with the "it makes a ton of sense so it'll never happen" line of thinking, Crawford already has in house experience with gospel with KSTL in St. Louis, WEXL in Detroit and WYCA in Chicago, so it would be an easy switch.

The only down side is WAGG, despite being on AM, is pretty well entrenched. Didn't 105.9 go gospel at one pointand fail miserable? WYDE's signal in town ain't much better.

 

[Nate Wesley]

Predictions? Sure:

**WABB-FM & AM will be sold to new owners.

**WASG AM 550 (now licensed to Daphne) and its translator spouse in W239AP 95.7 will debut to Port City listeners. Don't pin me down on format, but ya'll were speaking of urban gospel on FM, I don't remember it getting tried in Mobile. ???

**101.5/97.5 WVRV The River either pivots its focus toward Troy/Pike County, or its 'dammed' (get it?) by a new format for the Trojan college kids. Not much rock to be heard in that neck of the woods, though perhaps something like Jack-FM would prove interesting.

 

[Stewy]

Clean the dust off the glass globe, shake it, let the snow settle into a pattern and it says, OH MY GOSH. Cumulus and clear Channel will exit the state except for Birmingham.