Are Q104.3's Days Numbered?

[DToTheJ]

Let me start by saying, as a radio observer, I have no inside knowledge of any planned change at WAXQ whatsoever, nor do I take joy in seeing such transactions (even though the radio geek inside me always marvels at such moments). They're still doing relatively well, and I'm sure it would be interesting to see how they would perform in the rock-friendly PPM when New York adapts the technology.

With that said... I remember years ago, when Clear Channel had announced an initiative to offer more Spanish stations, starting around the time they flipped KLOL in Houston. Everyone was speculating which of CC's 5 FM stations would make the change in Hispanic-friendly New York City. With even the previously cursed signal at 105.1 FM performing well, not much discussion has been made of this proposal. Keep in mind that for a time, WAXQ owned the rock "monopoly" in New York, at least during the sixteen months 92.3 was WFNY-FM "Free-FM".

With a third rocker in the market in WRXP, and most people saying Q104.3 will get the short end of the stick due to its demographics... could this now happen sooner rather than later?

 

[LinoNYC]

Let me start by saying, as a radio observer, I have no inside knowledge of any planned change at WAXQ whatsoever, nor do I take joy in seeing such transactions (even though the radio geek inside me always marvels at such moments). They're still doing relatively well, and I'm sure it would be interesting to see how they would perform in the rock-friendly PPM when New York adapts the technology.

With that said... I remember years ago, when Clear Channel had announced an initiative to offer more Spanish stations, starting around the time they flipped KLOL in Houston. Everyone was speculating which of CC's 5 FM stations would make the change in Hispanic-friendly New York City. With even the previously cursed signal at 105.1 FM performing well, not much discussion has been made of this proposal. Keep in mind that for a time, WAXQ owned the rock "monopoly" in New York, at least during the sixteen months 92.3 was WFNY-FM "Free-FM".

With a third rocker in the market in WRXP, and most people saying Q104.3 will get the short end of the stick due to its demographics... could this now happen sooner rather than later?

If there is any group "underserved" by radio it's the hundreds of thousands of Asians here in NYC. Koreans, Filipinos, Chinese, [EDIT]
and even a smattering of Thais and Burmese. OTA radio is ignoring and ceding an affluent, highly employed potential listenership to internet radio. I have close friends in three of these groups and although their tastes are mainstream assimilated, I know that they do listen to online feeds as the only connection with the music of their home countries.

As for what happened to 101.9, I can pnly speculate two scenarios;

1) The Spanish market is pretty well covered, if Univision had not launched Mex formatted WQBU, that might have presented an opening at this point even with it's better signal, you'ld probably be slicing this demo rather thin with another FM added.

2) Both urban (read black) and Spanish formats are likely to remain problematic for accurate PPm readings.

Just from conversations with the staffs in my restaurant locations, I have found no interest in carrying around a recording device, even when I explain how it works. Most are Latino/Latina they seem uneasy with the system.

It's only speculation on my part, I do think that you'll see more format decisions based on what listeners are more inclined to be comfortable and reliable participants in PPM.

Lino


[EDIT-offensive content]

 

[RobRosen]

Q104.3 won't be going anywhere. They have fantastic PPM numbers. They are poised to make a whole bunch of money once the PPM data become currency.