Around The Treasure Coast

[Alex Browne]

This is just my recollection but there's PBS WXEL-FM. I didn't notice that appearing in the ratings. Maybe the station doesn't subscribe. Perhaps the station is no longer PBS. Again, I'm just remembering the calls. But WLRN is certainly dominant.

Hi John -- firstly, small correction from a guy who's spent a lot of time in public broadcasting, TV and radio. The TV stations are PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) members; the radio stations are NPR (National Public Radio) members. PBS and NPR are different companies. You're not alone: EVERYBODY makes this mistake.

WXEL-FM is LONG gone, and the eventual departure of NPR from the West Palm Beach market was quite controversial about 7 years ago. The frequency is 90.7, and it is now WFLV, a K-Love Christian Contemporary affiliate. The WXEL-FM you remember was owned and operated in its later years (1997-2011) by Barry University in Miami Shores. They sold the radio station (but kept WXEL-TV for awhile) in 2011 to Classical South Florida, which operated other classical stations in Miami (WKCP-89.7) and Fort Myers (WNPS-88.7). The WXEL-FM call letters were changed to WPBI in 2011, and the station operated as a full-time satellite of WKCP emphasizing classical music.

Public radio and classical music fans were quite angry when Classical South Florida sold the three stations, with seemingly no public notice or input, to the Educational Media Foundation in 2015, and flipped the format to K-Love. At that time, WPBI became WFLV, WKCP became WMLV, and WNPS became WDLV.

It goes to the discussion in your previous post about how the West Palm Beach radio market is served, to a certain extent, by public radio stations WLRN/Miami and WQCS/Fort Pierce. But many would argue, myself among them, that the West Palm Beach market is certainly large enough to have its own NPR station, not have to rely on stations in Miami and the Treasure Coast that don't consider WPB as their primary service area. (I haven't researched this, but it would be a fairly good bet that WPB is now the largest radio market in country without a hometown NPR affiliate.)

 

[drt]

Hi John -- firstly, small correction from a guy who's spent a lot of time in public broadcasting, TV and radio. The TV stations are PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) members; the radio stations are NPR (National Public Radio) members. PBS and NPR are different companies. You're not alone: EVERYBODY makes this mistake.

WXEL-FM is LONG gone, and the eventual departure of NPR from the West Palm Beach market was quite controversial about 7 years ago. The frequency is 90.7, and it is now WFLV, a K-Love Christian Contemporary affiliate. The WXEL-FM you remember was owned and operated in its later years (1997-2011) by Barry University in Miami Shores. They sold the radio station (but kept WXEL-TV for awhile) in 2011 to Classical South Florida, which operated other classical stations in Miami (WKCP-89.7) and Fort Myers (WNPS-88.7). The WXEL-FM call letters were changed to WPBI in 2011, and the station operated as a full-time satellite of WKCP emphasizing classical music.

Public radio and classical music fans were quite angry when Classical South Florida sold the three stations, with seemingly no public notice or input, to the Educational Media Foundation in 2015, and flipped the format to K-Love. At that time, WPBI became WFLV, WKCP became WMLV, and WNPS became WDLV.

It goes to the discussion in your previous post about how the West Palm Beach radio market is served, to a certain extent, by public radio stations WLRN/Miami and WQCS/Fort Pierce. But many would argue, myself among them, that the West Palm Beach market is certainly large enough to have its own NPR station, not have to rely on stations in Miami and the Treasure Coast that don't consider WPB as their primary service area. (I haven't researched this, but it would be a fairly good bet that WPB is now the largest radio market in country without a hometown NPR affiliate.)

Alex Browne said/scribed: “Public radio and classical music fans were quite angry when Classical South Florida sold the three stations, with seemingly no public notice or input, to the Educational Media Foundation in 2015, and flipped the format to K-Love. At that time, WPBI became WFLV, WKCP became WMLV, and WNPS became WDLV.”

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IIRC, there was some angry members of the board of Classical South Florida, as well; again if my memory serves me, it seems that 2 or maybe 3 board members who were against the sale, weren’t not notified timely of the board meeting to have the vote taken on the sale.

The only NPR OTA signal in Palm Beach county is a 250 translator, and of course that signal does not serve much of Palm Beach County and to the best of my knowledge just simulcasts WLRN, with no local inserts or coverage of the Palm Beaches. So whether OTA or streaming , there is no local service for Palm Beach county. Smaller Florida markets (i.e. Gainesville and Tallahassee) have NPR stations.

 

[John FL]

Alex, thank you for your clarification on PBS and NPR. "The TV stations are PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) members; the radio stations are NPR (National Public Radio) members. PBS and NPR are different companies." Guilty as charged. I've probably assumed both meant the same thing. Thank you also for your detailed analysis regarding Palm Beach County not having its own NPR station.

I received a few offline comments on this subject as well along with reminders that I promised certain topics but never got to them. Let's hope this isn't another issue I'm experiencing with Long Term Covid, which unfortunately I do have. Brain freeze is another problem so my fingers are crossed!

One thing I wanted to talk about was "Fail safe" systems for lack of a better expression. This is in regard to 1370 WZTA-AM/translates on 107.9. (Oldies 107.9 Vero Beach. )While distortions and occasionally being off the air are not uncommon for translators, I've also noticed occasional issues that seem to take a while to correct.

One was the top of the hour ID and the jock both talking at the same time. That went on for weeks before corrected. You'd think someone would have been aware of that. My question is "Are there systems in place that notify of issues?" On occasion I also noticed songs that would skip in similar fashion to playing old 45s. Some lyrics would repeat several times. A four minute song could wind up being 5 minutes long instead. I'm sure this screws up timing. For the listener experience, they probably tuned out after a while. Haven't heard this issue lately but it did exist a number of times in the past.

What causes issues like this where the song gets messed up? Again, is there a system in place that notifies someone that this problem exists?

I also mentioned a while back in posts of rumors that are occasionally heard in radio. Right now, I'm not sure if I want to discuss that. I have an email out to one of the people who reported this to me (Involves the Jacksonville market). If this is confidential info, I wouldn't want to get anyone into trouble. BTW, the rumor did not pan out. Anyway, I just don't like reporting on things that haven't happened but could have.

To the best of my knowledge, ratings for The Treasure Coast usually come out end of July so that one is a no-brainer.

 

[ScottBurns]

Much appreciated, Scott. For the benefit of the readers who are not familiar with the T.C., Jax, or perhaps radio in Florida in general, I will answer your questions and then some. But I will do it a story kind of way. Hopefully, this will make it more interesting while making comparisons between radio markets.

In this string, and there have been others, I've mentioned numerous times that there are radio markets that are simply better than others. Oh, there are so many reasons for that. What starts out as radio decisions that seem logical don't always pan out. But what we would all agree on is radio is in the business to make money. One of the key factors is the placement of the transmitter. Another is positioning the station in a bigger market.

The proximity of the Treasure Coast to West Palm Beach has advantages. Earlier, thanks to your contributions, we learned that WLDI, iHeart's CHR Wild 95.5 is a popular station on the T.C. and WPB. The station's COL was once Ft. Pierce. Today it's Juno Beach in Palm Beach County. Despite the large number of listeners on the T.C., Wild is positioned as a West Palm station. Obviously, revenue has a much better potential in a larger market.

This all brings us to Renda Broadcasting and Jacksonville. Per your comments about WSOS-FM and its country format that was to your liking, this station was originally a St. Augustine radio station. It was a Hot AC owned by a small company. To many of the so called experts who post on the boards, Renda Broadcasting overpaid considerably to purchase the station. Under Renda's ownership, the station became a Soft AC. Despite its limited signal and difficulty to hear in a lot of Jacksonville, beauty contest ratings averaged in the low 3's. Obviously, listeners were drawn to the station.

And yes, what is now 99.9 Gator Country (WGNE) was once 99.9 KISS FM in Daytona Beach. I remember pulling in the station on my various trips up and down I-95. One clarification. Their moniker was not always Gator but it was "Froggy." After what was a considerable expense moving the station and transmitter, Froggy did not perform well in Jax at all. No doubt, that would raise lots of red flags.

But Tony Renda, the owner, was committed to the format. BINGO! Not every format/station receives that kind of top down vested in success attitude. WSOS-FM certainly didn't. Eventually, Froggy became Gator. Jacksonville eventually became a PPM market. There was a new PD. Lots of good moves to give the station a fighting chance. Again, not every station/format is afforded that. I mention PPM as well as a positive factor. Even years ago, WQIK was a heritage Country station and the thinking is there were diary mentions for WQIK that deserved to go to WGNE. Hard to prove but it shows just how important branding is to make positive impressions on listeners.

WSOS's fate as a Soft AC didn't work out as well. Again, Renda Broadcasting went through considerable time and expense relocating the stick to be more of a Jacksonville station, for enhanced revenue opportunities. TLC was not given to the station. Where there was once average shares in the 3s dropped to fractional shares.

When the move was complete, WSOS flipped to Classic Rock, a format that made absolutely no sense as the Jax market was saturated with rock formats. Renda obviously didn't want any competition to its cash cow AC WEJZ. But, unbeknownst to most of us, the station was being prepped for sale. Perhaps the thinking was Classic Rock would demonstrate decent revenue for the new owner.

WSOS's sister station 100.7 WMUV-FM was also on the chopping block. At that time it was Classic Country. Prior to that it was a rhythmic Urban kind of format. Hence the calls describing "Moving." Potential may have been there but there was little expenditure to give the format a chance. A (white) staff announcer who jocked at WEJZ and WGNE became the only jock on Urban oriented WMUV. Little made sense. That format didn't last long.

Prior to that Renda tried an early version of Classic Hits (60s, 70s) on 100.7. It was mostly a disaster despite getting what appeared half way decent beauty contest numbers for a signal that was not full market. The PD who programmed a rock oriented format branded as "Arrow" admitted to not knowing a thing about the format and never wanted that job in the first place.

It seemed there was one bad decision after the next. In the case of WSOS's sale, it sold for millions less than purchase price. I'm not sure if there was a loss with WMUV but for both stations whatever potential was there was lost. Virtually all the TLC went to WEJZ and WGNE. Renda wound up being a two station cluster in Jax down from four.

When Hubbard Broadcasting bought a cluster of stations in West Palm Beach, I marveled at how they appeared to give their stations a fighting chance. Many saw TV spots. To bring up their Classic Hits WEAT one more time, what they accomplished was not easy. While repetition can be an issue, they established an awesome brand. I suspect at Hubbard, they are vested in in the success of all their stations top down.

Simply, when owners and managers give up, you can't expect listeners to reward you with success. Apologies for being long-winded. A few thoughts about the new owner and more market comparisons to come. I've often thought, if only a company like Hubbard bought the entire Renda cluster in Jacksonville, I truly believe it would have been a great improvement for radio in Jacksonville.

Hello John. Thank you for your thoughtful analysis. I have much to which I will respond, and due to time constraints, it will be divided into several posts.

You are absolutely right about tower placement being such an important factor. 98.7 The Gater WKGR/Wellington was also once licensed to the Treasure Coast. The station has some legacy on the TC. As such, it has always had a big following from Stuart to PSL to Vero. As you pointed out, WLDI and WKGR have aimed themselves at Palm Beach County in order to chase the bigger ad dollars.

An interesting comparison is 97.5 WPCV/Winter Haven, which serves Lakeland and has had a Country format for decades. The station is owned by Hall Communications, which owns stations in several small markets. That station has a monster signal and reaches parts of Tampa nicely and covers Orlando almost perfectly (the eastern edges of I-4, however, see some fading). WPCV has never targeted the larger markets of Tampa or Orlando. Despite their signal strength in Orlando, they decided that there's more money to be made as the biggest fish in a small sea rather than a tiny fish in a large sea.

Thanks for the info about WSOS-FM. I had no idea it was once aimed at St. Augustine. You mentioned 100.7 WMUV. Isn't that station licensed to Brunswick? Despite my lack of interest in Christian formats on the commercial dial, I tested the signal strength in Jacksonville. South of the airport, it did not come in all that well. Does this station target the Golden Isles more than Jax?

I had high hopes when Hubbard came to West Palm Beach. And while they have definitely made improvements to the stations they have bought, there is still room for even more. They over-use their jocks (one morning jock hosts mornings on 850 WFTL, mornings on 107.9 Sunny FM, and does traffic at all the cluster's stations). Playlists are too tight. But I know this is the stuff that sells.

With that said, WEAT-FM really has evolved. At one point, probably 10 years ago, they were AC rather than Classic Hits. They moved in the Classic Hits direction to avoid competition with iHeart's Kool 105.5 (WOLL), which has a pretty broad AC format (Classic Hits stuff to softer AC of today). Even with the move to Classic Hits, WEAT-FM still leans more pop than most Classic Hits stations. They also don't play anything beyond 1990s music, probably to differentiate themselves from sister 97.9 WRMF.

Thanks for an interesting conversation, John!

 

[John FL]

Hello John. Thank you for your thoughtful analysis. I have much to which I will respond, and due to time constraints, it will be divided into several posts.

You mentioned 100.7 WMUV. Isn't that station licensed to Brunswick? Despite my lack of interest in Christian formats on the commercial dial, I tested the signal strength in Jacksonville. South of the airport, it did not come in all that well. Does this station target the Golden Isles more than Jax?

I had high hopes when Hubbard came to West Palm Beach. And while they have definitely made improvements to the stations they have bought, there is still room for even more. They over-use their jocks (one morning jock hosts mornings on 850 WFTL, mornings on 107.9 Sunny FM, and does traffic at all the cluster's stations). Playlists are too tight. But I know this is the stuff that sells.

With that said, WEAT-FM really has evolved. At one point, probably 10 years ago, they were AC rather than Classic Hits. They moved in the Classic Hits direction to avoid competition with iHeart's Kool 105.5 (WOLL), which has a pretty broad AC format (Classic Hits stuff to softer AC of today). Even with the move to Classic Hits, WEAT-FM still leans more pop than most Classic Hits stations. They also don't play anything beyond 1990s music, probably to differentiate themselves from sister 97.9 WRMF.

Thanks for an interesting conversation, John!

You are welcome!

This is committed to memory which may or may not be accurate. But I seem to recall when Jacksonville's 100.7 was WWRR. In the top of the hour the ID mentioned Brunswick/Jacksonville. Back when I recall all this the station brand was the Arrow, a rock format. My memories are loaded with superfluous stuff. I was very much an ELO fan for a long time. Yet, that station never or very rarely played ELO as the PD didn't like the group. Those were the days when music decisions were made by personal preferences..haha!

When I lived in Jax, I had no problem picking up 100.7 in the car. I never tried listening at home on a traditional radio. And I lived probably 20-25 miles south of the airport. Perhaps they have changed their signal since I was there.

Yes, WEAT-FM has a nice little history and it has evolved. Their playlist comes very close to where I see the format. In fact, it is their AC and pop lean that I especially find refreshing. But you know, I realize there's probably very few Utopia broadcasting companies. In my case, because I came from a radio market that had so many deficiencies, I look at Hubbard in a much more positive light. But I also understand your passion for more compelling and non-cookie cutter radio programing.

 

[ScottBurns]

We continue. When the sale of WSOS-FM and WMUV were announced with Chesapeake-Portsmouth Broadcasting Corporation, as the new owner, my heart sank. It wasn't necessarily that I had anything against the company but rather I realized it would be another case of limited resources guiding the decisions. But in particular, I was distressed that WMUV would now be a Christian music station.

While not all stations subscribe to Nielsen, Jax is loaded with religious stations so I thought, what a waste of a signal. WSOS-FM obviously flipped to the country format and from what you (Scott Burns) describe, shades of Classic Country is in the mix. But, as you appear to have high broadcasting standards, the fact that they are a bright spot is fine by me.

Just a little sidebar here, I refer to WSOS in Jax with the designation of FM because believe it or not, there's an AM WSOS in St. Augustine offered on FM via translator. For a city maybe just 25 miles away, I always thought two different stations using the same calls would be confusing. I believe WSOS-AM is some kind of hybrid oldies/classic hits forum. That's been the case for years but it's what I remember - that may have changed.

WOKV is not the only news format in Jax, besides NPR as well. WBOB (AM 600 & FM translator 101.1) is a conservative talk outlet with many of the familiar syndicated cast of characters. While they don't have anywhere near the operating budget of a WOKV, I think they do a decent job with what they got. When I lived there, I recall local talent, some from the old WAPE days gracing the airways at times, various listener promotions, and at least effort made to be a news/talk alternative.

But where I give the company kudos is they did their very best doing a hybrid oldies/classic hits format. This was on a frequency translating from iHeart's Urban AC WSOL-FM. I'm not sure if their programing was created in house or a subscribed service, but it wasn't bad at all. The only problem was the distortions and issues of being on air then not, was not only an impediment to listening but local advertisers were probably turned off by that.

Here on the T.C., iHeart offers a very well designed oldies brand on a translator signal that at times "acts up" but they have a good sales tool in place - iHeart AdBuilder that I've discussed in the past. Despite, Chesapeake-Portsmouth Broadcasting Corporation's best efforts, they had difficulties with the revenue end. Perhaps this is another case where the larger corporation has the advantage.

The format in Jax utilized on-air talent at times - those from the old WAPE days. It made a lot of sense, and I give the company credit for allowing sufficient time, but it just couldn't work out.

In your previous reply, you mentioned "Variety Hits" but what I was referring to was Jax needing a variety-based classic hits station, not Variety Hits strictly. This bring up a whole under subject so more on that later!

I actually tried to listen to WBOB's FM translator, but the reception was too scratchy, even in the car. I completely agree that Jax needs a variety-hits classic hits station. 96.9 The Eagle is essentially a Classic Rock station. How about something like Q105 WRBQ/Tampa? Something that leans more in the pop direction?

With that said, the powers that be, especially the big corporate ones, prefer the rock-leaning Classic Hits stations. The research tells them that younger listeners, who are more attractive to advertisers, are more likely to listen to rock-leaning Classic Hits rather than pop-leaning ones.

 

[ScottBurns]

Yes, 107.3 in Jacksonville became "Jack FM" in the spring (As I recall) of 2012. It lasted around 6 years or so, a far longer life than afforded its predecessor, "Magic 107.3" which was Classic Hits. For the record, I never was a fan of Jack FM. Boring to me but many radio pros swear to it. So be it.

As far as syndicated Jack FM programing goes, I have to wonder if there are different musical lean options. When Jack FM launched, there was a definite pop rhythmic lean with 90s songs such as "I wanna Sex You Up," "Rhythm is a Dancer," "Good Vibrations," (Monty Mark & The Funky Bunch, not the Beach Boys, haha) Y'all get the point. Then over time it got more rock-oriented and stayed that way. By time the format was called "The River" it was like they threw in the towel and it was more the rock-only (No Whitney Houston) Classic Hits type with significant song overlap with 96.9 The Eagle.

No matter, 96.9 The Eagle continued to chug along being the ratings juggernaut it has long been. If there's one thing we can all probably agree on, it's Eagle has never really deviated from its formula for success. Tight playlist, minimal jock banter, and a decluttered sound when non-music programing took over. But what's interesting is no one at iHeart in Jax, ever learned. Tweaking music is one thing but constant abrupt changes and focus is one of the main reasons its predecessor format Classic Hits Magic 107.3 had such a hard time.

There were many other factors. When senior management has bias against any format, its odds at success diminish. There's much we'll never understand in behind the scenes things. But, in Magic's short time, maybe 18 months, there was just one time "Eagle" dropped out of the Top 5 most listened to stations in the market. Eagle rebounded quickly but still, it showed Magic's potential. "Jack" never did that, nor came close. Unfortunately, it was at one of those times iHeart was on a downsizing initiative in 2012. So, a dedicated PD, morning & afternoon drive live and local talent, were too expensive a commodity. No one was willing to wait a little longer for a turnaround.

Treasure Coast connection wise, I never understood why Magic couldn't duplicate WQOL's playlist. It's long been a solid station with a uniform and consistent sound. A must for any format. In Magic's opening months, the music was picked and scheduled by the M.D at WOLL, the Palm Beach connection. Talent is talent. Whoever the individual was that did this deserves kudos. Magic was a top 5 station in 25-54 in its opening months. Unfortunately, music decisions and more fell into the hands of others. Whatever Radio 101 basics were out there, were thrown away with the bathwater.

As we know, the Treasure Coast has a "Jack FM." (WJKD 99.7) owned by mom & pop operators Treasure & Space Coast Radio. In that case, without sounding hypocritical, I can see why the company picked the format given the others in its cluster and the popularity of Classic Hits WQOL.

But seriously, the takeaway to all of this is I find radio on the T.C. and the Palm Beaches far less volatile than what I experienced on Florida's "First Coast." It may explain why iHeart in these parts earns more favorable comments from me than the company elsewhere. Lots to digest. More to come.

I very much enjoy FM DXing, and I once picked up 107.3 Jack FM from Boynton Beach, about 11 miles south of West Palm Beach. To me, and like you mentioned, the Variety Hits stations are hit or miss. Some really don't have wide playlists and they are just rock-leaning Classic Hits stations without jocks (or budgets). Others are excellent. Check out Audacy's Big 103 out of Boston (https://www.audacy.com/big103boston/listen#recently-played). They play everything from 70s Classic Rock to 90s Hip Hop, although the focus is definitely on the former. I don't remember 107.3 Jack FM well enough to comment on their playlist. 99.7 Jack FM, out of Vero, is too restricted to rock-based Classic Hits.

The WOLL MD that you referenced is Skip Kelly. He's no longer with WOLL. I am not sure if he is still with iHeart. He was with iHeart West Palm for a long time. In the early 2000s, iHeart had a Soft AC in West Palm called Classy 92.1. It did not last long. But I remember Skip Kelly being on that station too.

As we have discussed, the potential for better radio on the TC is with the smaller owners. They have more room to be creative. I hope that happens.

 

[ScottBurns]

You may have seen a string in the New York City board discussing Classic Hits WCBS-FM being #1 in 18-34. That's quite an accomplishment in the #1 market in the country. Honestly, I wasn't surprised. In fact, not to sound like I'm bragging because I'm not that way, but I talked about the potential of Classic Hits performing exceeding well with young people. This was in my time in Jacksonville and my attempts to get the format there. As usual, I was confronted with differing opinions and skepticism.

You see, there is power in the music. Of course, it involves careful music selection, rotations, and interpreting research not only correctly but in going even beyond research. It's knowing your market, your competition, lots of things. Then the logical question to ask is whether creativity and dynamic programing a thing for the big markets only where those especially talented programmers can be well compensated?

It would seem so. But in markets the size of The Treasure Coast and even West Palm, it appears to be more about staying the course and presenting formats that don't deviate much from established norms of what has worked elsewhere. Is there a place for people who see radio and formats in a different way? Well, the powers at WCBS-FM have demonstrated that but certainly we don't hear enough success stories like that.

There is something else at work and it involves seeing the potential in a format. If you notice, whenever a station flips formats, there's the usual press release banter that sounds like all those involved are the most brilliant people on the planet. They are all happy campers delighted in working together. Then we hear about that format's potential. A year or two later, it can be all over. People involved get fired. They move onto another market and the process starts all over again.

It's why I spent considerable time discussing the pitfalls of narrow-minded thinking in markets such as Jacksonville. Way back when during the time WCBS-FM flipped to Adult Hits Jack FM, the G.M. of Renda Broadcasting in Jax was beside himself. It was all justification for his decision to kill the 60's/70s format they had. But, he was nowhere to be found when the PPM showed the popularity and yes the "potential" of classic hits.

In my view, stations/formats that exceed expectations require exceptional skill sets of those involved, effective leadership and teamwork, and an intense desire to win. One of the jocks from Jax's now defunct classic hits Magic 107.3 said when he was released "We put in some effort." That says a lot and it explains the kind of thinking that exists in many radio markets, not just Jacksonville. No, it doesn't require SOME effort, it requires EXTRAORDINARY effort.

Anyway, many of us see things differently. Lucky are those who can work somewhere in radio where they are given some freedom and latitude to take a different course. Thanks for listening. I believe T.C. ratings will be out soon. Perhaps we'll use this string to comment if there are some surprises.

As I noted in a reply a few minutes ago, the research seems to indicate that young listeners like rock-leaning Classic Hits and Classic Rock. Perhaps that explains WCBS-FM's success. I have not heard the station much lately, but people say that the playlist is definitely rock-leaning and tight.

You are absolutely right about extraordinary effort being required. Unfortunately, for most stations, there needs to be a corporate commitment behind the effort. And that isn't always there.

Regarding West Palm, I think that the corporate owners see it as a smaller market than it really is. That's probably because it is in the shadow of Miami, where the ad dollars are far greater. There's also considerable bleed, I am sure, in "South County," or southern Palm Beach County, where the Miami stations are as clear as locals. And the wealthiest part of the county is the southern tip of it (Boca Raton).

 

[ScottBurns]

As we await T.C. radio ratings, there are some things I noticed about West Palm's latest numbers. Outside of WLRN-FM (PBS) there are no other Miami/Ft. Lauderdale stations that make a showing. Really, that's usually the case. But years ago, there were noticeable station mentions from the market to the south. The two ACs - WFEZ and WLYF. CHR WHYI. Rhythmic CHR WPOW and Classic Hits WMXJ to name a few. Interestingly, WMXJ (When it was Magic 102.7) appeared to do quite well in the Palm Beach book almost having the same shares.

I have to wonder if the beauty contest published numbers have just filtered out these stations. Both are PPM markets and I'd think especially for those living in the southern part of Palm Beach County that there would be more active out-of-market listening. This is just my recollection but there's PBS WXEL-FM. I didn't notice that appearing in the ratings. Maybe the station doesn't subscribe. Perhaps the station is no longer PBS. Again, I'm just remembering the calls. But WLRN is certainly dominant.

The elevator statement one can make about Palm Beach County ratings is that it's a market that rarely surprises. I've talked about the ratings there many times but what more can you say? The dominant stations are where they usually are. The same can be said about the middle of the pack and the bottom tier. There's lots of heritage stations that have been in their specific formats for decades.

Actually, it shows stability in the market. That's not a bad thing given some markets always seem in a state of flux. What actually impresses me the most are those top tier stations that continue to perform exceedingly well. I'd mention the top 5 but in this case I think a Top 6 will do even better. Establishing a great brand and keeping it on top for many, many years is not easy but still wonderful to see.

FMs WRMF, WOLL, WEAT, WMBX, WKGR, and WIRK are consistent winners. iHeart's Classic Rock WKGR comes in great even in the northern T.C. Occasionally I hear the station in businesses on the T.C. A few years ago when my complex was still building houses, the construction workers in the area were tuned to the station. Again, as mentioned earlier, it's a good listener experience to be able to pick up stations from other markets as that provides more choice.

Palm Beach County as is true with the Treasure Coast is experiencing incredible growth and people movement. Whether the formats in place are enough to reflect the people living in them is the question. But from what I can tell about both markets is they don't make a lot of erratic changes. A more cautious approach is taken. Perhaps in what I described earlier in a market to the north flipping formats like crazy is more the thing of the past. Still, it's always interesting when well thought out flips are executed.

I am not sure if this is the case, but the owners of the Miami stations might not be paying for their stations to be measured in West Palm Beach. That could explain it. I would guess that a huge chunk of southern Palm Beach County listens to Miami market stations. There are several reasons:
1. Several West Palm stations have inferior signals in the southern part of the county. WLDI, WKGR, WOLL, WIRK, and WMBX all have towers that sit north of Palm Beach County.
2. Several Miami stations have excellent reception in southern Palm Beach County. Kiss Country WKIS's COL is actually Boca Raton, for example.
3. Many Miami stations have included West Palm Beach in its top-of-the-hour-ID and contests and remotes. For example, Power 96 has long given its ID as "WPOW Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and the Palm Beaches."

Palm Beach County has been growing my entire life. However, it always has operated in the shadow of the Miami market. And that hurts the attention that the big companies give to it.

 

[John FL]

In all the years I've posted on Radio Discussions, I must say that I have never had a multi-post in depth analysis such as yours. Thanks, Scott Burns - much appreciated.

ScottBurns wrote: "The WOLL MD that you referenced is Skip Kelly. He's no longer with WOLL. I am not sure if he is still with iHeart. He was with iHeart West Palm for a long time. In the early 2000s, iHeart had a Soft AC in West Palm called Classy 92.1. It did not last long. But I remember Skip Kelly being on that station too."

I wanted to know that info for many years. But in typical fashion, ask a question on these boards and it's 50/50 you get an answer. But the more I think about it, the more it made sense. From what I know, Skip Kelly not only had a West Palm/Treasure Coast connection but he had a Jacksonville one as well. I believe he lived in Jacksonville at one time and then returned or something like that. I do know he was the PD at 107.3 The River after Jack FM. He was also associated with Jack FM as he sometimes would go on the air on certain occasions. He was probably the PD too if I recall correctly.

I can't keep up with all the downsizing initiatives at iHeart, but I seem to remember he was let go in the round or two after Mike Perry who hosted middays at WOLL was let go. A listener or two complained of Mike's departure on the station's social media page and said they'd never listen to the station again etc. Skip Kelly responded in a positive way basically saying there were good people at the station etc. and that Mike wouldn't want listeners to feel that well. It was a classy response I can't do it justice.

If my memory also serves me correct, he hosted morning drive on WQOL for a while. On my return trips from Broward to Jax, I always caught a part of his show. Yes, I also remember him on WOLL as well. Anyway, he did a great job IMO (in 2010) providing the playlist and scheduling the music in the opening months of "WJGH," (Jacksonville's Greatest Hits), the old Clear Channel's attempt with the Classic Hits format in Jacksonville.

You said a great deal about the classic hits format that I'd like to address in another post. I wanted to mention as well how WQOL is evolving.

Before addressing more of your detailed reply, I'd like to mention that last year a number of people told me iHeart in Jax was interested in bringing back Classic Hits. Of course, to your point: "I completely agree that Jax needs a variety-hits classic hits station. 96.9 The Eagle is essentially a Classic Rock station. How about something like Q105 WRBQ/Tampa? Something that leans more in the pop direction?"

As tempted as I was to post the return of Classic Hits to Jacksonville, I refrained in doing so. It was a good decision. I take my credibility seriously. Plus, as much as I know that market, I figured they wouldn't commit to something that simply makes a lot of sense. But, all it takes is someone high on the food-chain to see the merits of doing this and there's always the possibility it could happen.

That brings me to WQOL. Over the past week or so, I've listened to the station quite intently. What I have found I'll use to answer more of your questions in another post.

 

[davideduardo]

I am not sure if this is the case, but the owners of the Miami stations might not be paying for their stations to be measured in West Palm Beach. That could explain it.

55% of in-market listening is to out of market stations, mostly from the Miami MSA.

Few of them have any incentive to buy the book unless the same company has stations in both markets.

I would guess that a huge chunk of southern Palm Beach County listens to Miami market stations. There are several reasons:
1. Several West Palm stations have inferior signals in the southern part of the county. WLDI, WKGR, WOLL, WIRK, and WMBX all have towers that sit north of Palm Beach County.
2. Several Miami stations have excellent reception in southern Palm Beach County. Kiss Country WKIS's COL is actually Boca Raton, for example.

But those Miami full signals are in the area near the Broward / Miami Dade county line. All the COL indicates is that they have to provide a signal to that location, not have the transmitter there.

3. Many Miami stations have included West Palm Beach in its top-of-the-hour-ID and contests and remotes. For example, Power 96 has long given its ID as "WPOW Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and the Palm Beaches."

Sounds good, but what they are really trying to do is sound "big".

Palm Beach County has been growing my entire life. However, it always has operated in the shadow of the Miami market. And that hurts the attention that the big companies give to it.

It's no more of a shadow than Baltimore is to DC or Orlando is to Tampa. They are just adjacent markets. Like many adjacents that are smaller than "the other" market, there is no ad money to be had from a market that can't afford the bigger market rates.

Example; nearly all major LA full power FMs cover Riverside / San Bernardino as well as LA. But most don't even buy the Inland Empire book as there is no revenue to be had from the smaller market.

 

[ScottBurns]

In all the years I've posted on Radio Discussions, I must say that I have never had a multi-post in depth analysis such as yours. Thanks, Scott Burns - much appreciated.

ScottBurns wrote: "The WOLL MD that you referenced is Skip Kelly. He's no longer with WOLL. I am not sure if he is still with iHeart. He was with iHeart West Palm for a long time. In the early 2000s, iHeart had a Soft AC in West Palm called Classy 92.1. It did not last long. But I remember Skip Kelly being on that station too."

I wanted to know that info for many years. But in typical fashion, ask a question on these boards and it's 50/50 you get an answer. But the more I think about it, the more it made sense. From what I know, Skip Kelly not only had a West Palm/Treasure Coast connection but he had a Jacksonville one as well. I believe he lived in Jacksonville at one time and then returned or something like that. I do know he was the PD at 107.3 The River after Jack FM. He was also associated with Jack FM as he sometimes would go on the air on certain occasions. He was probably the PD too if I recall correctly.

I can't keep up with all the downsizing initiatives at iHeart, but I seem to remember he was let go in the round or two after Mike Perry who hosted middays at WOLL was let go. A listener or two complained of Mike's departure on the station's social media page and said they'd never listen to the station again etc. Skip Kelly responded in a positive way basically saying there were good people at the station etc. and that Mike wouldn't want listeners to feel that well. It was a classy response I can't do it justice.

If my memory also serves me correct, he hosted morning drive on WQOL for a while. On my return trips from Broward to Jax, I always caught a part of his show. Yes, I also remember him on WOLL as well. Anyway, he did a great job IMO (in 2010) providing the playlist and scheduling the music in the opening months of "WJGH," (Jacksonville's Greatest Hits), the old Clear Channel's attempt with the Classic Hits format in Jacksonville.

You said a great deal about the classic hits format that I'd like to address in another post. I wanted to mention as well how WQOL is evolving.

Before addressing more of your detailed reply, I'd like to mention that last year a number of people told me iHeart in Jax was interested in bringing back Classic Hits. Of course, to your point: "I completely agree that Jax needs a variety-hits classic hits station. 96.9 The Eagle is essentially a Classic Rock station. How about something like Q105 WRBQ/Tampa? Something that leans more in the pop direction?"

As tempted as I was to post the return of Classic Hits to Jacksonville, I refrained in doing so. It was a good decision. I take my credibility seriously. Plus, as much as I know that market, I figured they wouldn't commit to something that simply makes a lot of sense. But, all it takes is someone high on the food-chain to see the merits of doing this and there's always the possibility it could happen.

That brings me to WQOL. Over the past week or so, I've listened to the station quite intently. What I have found I'll use to answer more of your questions in another post.

Thanks for your kind words, John. I really appreciate it! I did some looking around, and Skip Kelly is still in West Palm Beach. He does afternoon drive at the True Oldies simulcast (both translators) at 95.9 and 106.9. I can't get either station where I am in the south-central part of the county, but I often tune in when I go to the beach at Singer Island. Here's his page: https://trueoldiesfla.com/on-air/wake-up-with-skip-kelly

Mike Perry was a staple at Kool 105.5 for many years. He was even a Premium Choice jock for AC formats across iHeart's network, and he used to be heard in several small markets across the country.

I do remember Skip Kelly hosting mornings at WQOL. If memory serves, he tracked mornings at WQOL while holding down afternoons at WOLL. This was probably in the early 2010s.

I'll be curious to see if iHeart Jax brings back Classic Hits. My guess is that it won't happen soon, however. Given the formats that they have in Jax, iHeart is probably more interested in complementing the CHR and Rhythmic stations they have, and a Classic Hits station would not accomplish that. I hope that I am wrong. A WQOL-type station would sound good in Jax. I am curious to see what you say about WQOL's evolution.

 

[ScottBurns]

55% of in-market listening is to out of market stations, mostly from the Miami MSA.

Few of them have any incentive to buy the book unless the same company has stations in both markets.

But those Miami full signals are in the area near the Broward / Miami Dade county line. All the COL indicates is that they have to provide a signal to that location, not have the transmitter there.

Sounds good, but what they are really trying to do is sound "big".

It's no more of a shadow than Baltimore is to DC or Orlando is to Tampa. They are just adjacent markets. Like many adjacents that are smaller than "the other" market, there is no ad money to be had from a market that can't afford the bigger market rates.

Example; nearly all major LA full power FMs cover Riverside / San Bernardino as well as LA. But most don't even buy the Inland Empire book as there is no revenue to be had from the smaller market.

Thanks for the reply. I learn a lot from you, sir.

I figured that the number of in-market listening in Palm Beach County to Miami stations was pretty high. Most people in southernmost Palm Beach County, at least that I know, listen to Miami stations. But part of the reason is because the Miami signals are better in Boca than some of the West Palm signals, whose towers are often located in Treasure Coast communities.

I did know that about the COL. I just meant to say that the signal in Boca is obviously very good if Boca can be used as a COL.

I know you're right about markets being in the shadow of others, but I would argue that Baltimore and Orlando have more local programming than West Palm. Thinking about iHeart, in particular, most of West Palm's programming originates in Miami or in other parts of the country. Orlando - particularly WXXL - has more local programming than WLDI. WPOC in Baltimore seems pretty independent of WMZQ in DC.

Interesting comparison to LA and the Inland Empire. I really miss KOLA. I should see if they stream.

 

[John FL]

Thanks for your kind words, John. I really appreciate it! I did some looking around, and Skip Kelly is still in West Palm Beach. He does afternoon drive at the True Oldies simulcast (both translators) at 95.9 and 106.9. I can't get either station where I am in the south-central part of the county, but I often tune in when I go to the beach at Singer Island. Here's his page: https://trueoldiesfla.com/on-air/wake-up-with-skip-kelly

Mike Perry was a staple at Kool 105.5 for many years. He was even a Premium Choice jock for AC formats across iHeart's network, and he used to be heard in several small markets across the country.

I do remember Skip Kelly hosting mornings at WQOL. If memory serves, he tracked mornings at WQOL while holding down afternoons at WOLL. This was probably in the early 2010s.

I'll be curious to see if iHeart Jax brings back Classic Hits. My guess is that it won't happen soon, however. Given the formats that they have in Jax, iHeart is probably more interested in complementing the CHR and Rhythmic stations they have, and a Classic Hits station would not accomplish that. I hope that I am wrong. A WQOL-type station would sound good in Jax. I am curious to see what you say about WQOL's evolution.

Good to hear Skip Kelly has found a gig and probably to his liking too. I'll check it out during the work week. Yes, I've long been familiar with Mike Perry having heard him during my many trips to and from South Florida. You probably know he voice tracked at the now defunct Classic Hits WJGH Magic 107.3 in Jax. That started in late 2010 and by the holiday season 2011 he was replaced.

As far as WQOL goes, I have no idea when I first found the station. But I suspect I liked what I heard from Day One. For more years than I can remember, 103.7 was a preset in my car. When I moved to the T.C. in February of 2018, WQOL was still branded as an oldies format. That would soon change. Music tweaks began to reflect the Classic Hits direction but it was all done in a slow and deliberate fashion. The station was in the right hands.

WQOL eventually became a fully programmed Premium Choice station. The old Magic in Jacksonville used Premium Choice programing part of the times, mainly at night, overnight and every other weekend. It was a bizarre arrangement and it made for programing inconsistencies. They probably had no choice in that they had to utilize the service. This was back in late 2010 to early 2012. Long story short, the programing wasn't as good as it is today. Certainly, the jocks have improved greatly as well.

WQOL's playlist that's 100% Premium Choice is vanilla but it's designed that way. No doubt, for all the stations utilizing this programing, there can't be obvious AC or Classic Rock leans as this can prove to negatively affect a sister station in a cluster anywhere across the country. WQOL's voice imaging has a subtle rock sound. As per your comments, the inclusion of rock titles does positively affect the money demo. IMO, there's a good balance with rock, pop, and even Motown/soul genre.

One type of music genre that was popular in the 80s is Freestyle. While there are markets with significant Hispanic population, airing these type songs makes sense. It wouldn't make sense in other markets.

In the market to the north, Orlando's Classic Hits Sunny 105.9 (WOCL-FM), Expose's "Come Go With Me," for example, is a frequently played song. It's the market for it. Then again, the morning show is like a radio version of Gutfeld! (Conservative Talk with jokes) I just don't get it. Orlando is an extremely blue city. While polling is showing Hispanics are leaving the Democratic Party in significant numbers, it's not the case for those who have migrated from Puerto Rico. So it's like you are shooting yourself in the foot. Maybe the music tests well among Hispanics but then the morning show will alienate a major part of your P1s who are of age.

But it's not the first time PD Rick Stacy has done off the wall things. Senior management at CBS Radio and now Audacy seem to give him a free reign. In all my trips up and down Florida, WQOL was always reliably consistent. As a listener, I liked that because I tuned in specifically to hear a certain mix of music and they delivered. On the other hand, on my usual 6-8 week junkets to S. Fla, there were times, I had to turn off Sunny off because I couldn't stand the music. There were significant changes. Their history shows many ups and downs in ratings.

WQOL has been a reliable station, always among top tier stations and deservedly so. Perhaps now, the readers will understand why I saw merits for Jacksonville to have incorporated WQOL's programing. Just like Sunny's frequent music tweaks, the same thing happened in Jax. Sometimes the station sounded like Eagle, sometimes AC WEJZ. From what I know, there was lots of interference in running the station and that never works. WQOL is the epitome of slow and steady and staying on course. Simply, they are a well-managed station and have always been.

I've talked about WQOL's midday host, Heath West, in the past. I continue to be impressed with his style, communication skills, and energy. He also hosts sister country station, Wave 92.7 (WAVW) in afternoon drive. I recently discovered he is a known radio quantity in these parts for 25 years. He was born in West Palm, grew up in Okeechobee County, and got his first radio gig at 16 years of age and never looked back. Today he lives in Vero Beach and certainly knows the territory here.

While WQOL doesn't have a dedicated PD, they have known quantities with Mo & Sally in mornings at Heath West in middays. I'd say they are doing their best with what they got.

As far as Jacksonville goes in bringing back the Classic Hits format, I've seen similar formats in the cluster in other markets. If they want to do it, they will. We can talk about selling this format along with that format, but I continue to be impressed with what iHeart has created with their Classic Hits format. While song overlap exists among many formats, I also see songs WQOL plays that Eagle certainly doesn't. The ball is in their court but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Battenkill50]

Did any of these stations in Indian River county ever go for HD? I can hear about 5 or 6 usually here in Melbourne....
I know WQCS has it....

KTW

 

[John FL]

I promised a discussion about ratings for the Treasure Coast. But it's kind of anti-climatic. Lots of N/A's on the list. Here's a look: Radio Industry News, Radio Show Prep, Radio Promotions, Radio Station Data, Podcast News

Earlier in this string, it was mentioned that companies can opt out of paying for ratings in another market. It looks like that's what Hubbard has done. It also appears our own local cluster owner, Vero Beach Broadcasters, has done the same. With their Soft AC WOSN being off the air for about a week, I would have been curious to see the impacts. Earlier in this string, we talked about the need for them to update their playlist.

Just from casual listening, I noticed a new batch of songs have found their way into rotation. Eliminating the expense of subscribing to Nielsen is no doubt a logical move for mom & pop operators. I can just imagine the tough time they are experiencing. With inflation, local businesses are also looking to cut back on expenses. It's a much easier pill to swallow to perhaps put an ad on a local circular than radio advertising.

In the past, I talked about how companies such as Vero Beach Broadcasters who are also known as Treasure & Space Coast Radio, can be ripe for the picking of a larger company buying them out. I hope that doesn't happen. But it is what it is.

The dominant, most listened to stations on the TC are CHR WLDI that we discussed earlier, Classic Rock WKGR, NPR WQCS making a nice rebound, Classic Hits WQOL, and Country WAVW. It's also obvious that signal strength plays well into being among the most listened to stations in the market.

WZTA-AM is still listed incorrectly as a news/talk format. With it's FM translator on 107.9, this is an oldies format. (Oldies 107.9/1370 Vero's Real Oldies) Given the crappy signal and very limited coverage area, the station has earned near a 1 share. For a while now, I've talked about the great product iHeart has produced. It's obvious to me that for those who can pull the station in, they are mentioning the station in the radio diary.

I sometimes think about all the effort that iHeart has put into that format including a really good airteam. It's probably a good bet that virtually every station the format is available on is not the best signal in town. Perhaps the strategy has more to do with the increasing popularity of streaming. Anyone anywhere can hear the station. Perhaps that's a good selling point too.

Oldies 107.9 is also seeing an increase in spots. No doubt, iHeart's 'Ad Builder' has had a positive influence on this little station. I've heard both local and national spots. Obviously, the national spots are heard in all the markets iHeart airs the format. Those who are responsible for the format probably do their best influencing decision makers to consider the format. BTW, in that Jax rumor I mentioned earlier, I was told the oldies format went along with Classic Hits as possible format options.

There is no doubt companies such as iHeart have strength because of its size. I like to think of it like a mom & pop business who can't negotiate great pricing for products like the big guns. In listening to Classic Hits WQOL, business appears to be very good. Like what we see elsewhere, their stopsets seem to go for an eternity. They are loaded with both national and local spots. Heath West, who I mentioned earlier, is the voice behind a good number of the local spots. It's the business of radio. The average listener hates commercials but they pay the bills and no doubt their TC properties are holding their own even in these times.

The aforementioned WOSN has from what I can tell has about half the commercial load. Perhaps a good experience for the listener but not very good for the bottom line. A good and strong economy no doubt benefits radio too.

Radio is constantly evolving. It's also obvious that there are markets that are managed better than other, even along the same company lines. I believe this string demonstrated that. Those who just go through the motions will eventually be replaced by those who put forth extraordinary effort. Sometimes these things take time. But what is a constant is the general public. They know a good thing when they hear it. Satisfy them and the rest falls into place.

 

[John FL]

Based on the no response from the last several posts, I'd say this subject has reached its conclusion. When I first thought about doing yet another topic involving radio on The Treasure Coast, I figured it would be another case where I was basically talking to myself. It's so much more interesting when there is participation. And we had a lot of it in this string. Thank you! I also learned some interesting things about the market I never knew.

Over in nearby Orlando, there was tremendous buzz about a new format. From what I can tell, most of the posters liked what they heard. It seems like a great launch. And that's the thing, when you get it right on Day One, it increases odds listeners will like what they hear. In the past I've wondered about other flips and the obvious unpreparedness. Then again. there's much about the business of radio that can prove over time to be illogical.

The one remaining topic I had has to do with a communities identity. When I first moved to the T.C. I didn't believe we had much of that. I've since changed my mind. For the new arrivals, they are either moving in from the counties to the south or from somewhere up north. But what unites them, I believe, is the desire to live here. So, that's the sense of community and I think it's pretty strong.

Our local news channels obviously devote most of their stories around West Palm. The population centers, by nature, have most of the events that turn into covered news stories. Then again, I'm noticing more and more T.C. inclusion, especially weather-related stories.

I'm not sure when this started but our local NBC affiliate, WPTV, presents a half hour news program "Treasure Coast News" each weekend. Included is inland Okeechobee County. Interestingly, some definitions do not consider Okeechobee County as part of the T.C., but others do. Then again, it probably makes sense as the whole idea is to present a news show that doesn't run stories about Palm Beach County.

If any area has an identification problem in feeling left out, it probably is Okeechobee County. I know very little about that place to be honest.

I'd also like to clarify a post I made earlier. The wording didn't come out the way I wanted it to so I gave an incorrect impression. In regard to Classic Hits returning to Jacksonville, I meant to say a "tweaked version" of WQOL would work and not the exact programing of WQOL. Now, in the past, that was a totally different situation. But with WQOL's definite rock-lean, no.

Then again, a dedicated P.D. and programmers being given the latitude to put together a playlist that has some of the core elements of the brand along with unique titles that no one else in the market is playing, that's certainly is more in line with what JVC Media is doing with their new "Orlando's Hottest Hits" and Fly 103.1. Doubtful in a market such as Jacksonville would such an approach for any format be made. That has to be especially true for Classic Hits.

For obvious reasons, the T.C. will not see specialize formats but rather the traditional ones that have a good track record. You know, that's not so bad either. My views on what a good Classic Hits station should sound like differ significantly from reality. But son of a gun, between the T.C. and West Palm, such a station exists. There's Soft AC WOSN, Classic Hits WQOL and WEAT along with Oldies WZTA. There's elements of all 4 stations that if I were the master of radio universe could be one helluva interesting and unique classic hits station.

But in the meantime, we push buttons, but at least the T.C. has those buttons to push if older music is your thing.

 

[ScottBurns]

Based on the no response from the last several posts, I'd say this subject has reached its conclusion. When I first thought about doing yet another topic involving radio on The Treasure Coast, I figured it would be another case where I was basically talking to myself. It's so much more interesting when there is participation. And we had a lot of it in this string. Thank you! I also learned some interesting things about the market I never knew.

Over in nearby Orlando, there was tremendous buzz about a new format. From what I can tell, most of the posters liked what they heard. It seems like a great launch. And that's the thing, when you get it right on Day One, it increases odds listeners will like what they hear. In the past I've wondered about other flips and the obvious unpreparedness. Then again. there's much about the business of radio that can prove over time to be illogical.

The one remaining topic I had has to do with a communities identity. When I first moved to the T.C. I didn't believe we had much of that. I've since changed my mind. For the new arrivals, they are either moving in from the counties to the south or from somewhere up north. But what unites them, I believe, is the desire to live here. So, that's the sense of community and I think it's pretty strong.

Our local news channels obviously devote most of their stories around West Palm. The population centers, by nature, have most of the events that turn into covered news stories. Then again, I'm noticing more and more T.C. inclusion, especially weather-related stories.

I'm not sure when this started but our local NBC affiliate, WPTV, presents a half hour news program "Treasure Coast News" each weekend. Included is inland Okeechobee County. Interestingly, some definitions do not consider Okeechobee County as part of the T.C., but others do. Then again, it probably makes sense as the whole idea is to present a news show that doesn't run stories about Palm Beach County.

If any area has an identification problem in feeling left out, it probably is Okeechobee County. I know very little about that place to be honest.

I'd also like to clarify a post I made earlier. The wording didn't come out the way I wanted it to so I gave an incorrect impression. In regard to Classic Hits returning to Jacksonville, I meant to say a "tweaked version" of WQOL would work and not the exact programing of WQOL. Now, in the past, that was a totally different situation. But with WQOL's definite rock-lean, no.

Then again, a dedicated P.D. and programmers being given the latitude to put together a playlist that has some of the core elements of the brand along with unique titles that no one else in the market is playing, that's certainly is more in line with what JVC Media is doing with their new "Orlando's Hottest Hits" and Fly 103.1. Doubtful in a market such as Jacksonville would such an approach for any format be made. That has to be especially true for Classic Hits.

For obvious reasons, the T.C. will not see specialize formats but rather the traditional ones that have a good track record. You know, that's not so bad either. My views on what a good Classic Hits station should sound like differ significantly from reality. But son of a gun, between the T.C. and West Palm, such a station exists. There's Soft AC WOSN, Classic Hits WQOL and WEAT along with Oldies WZTA. There's elements of all 4 stations that if I were the master of radio universe could be one helluva interesting and unique classic hits station.

But in the meantime, we push buttons, but at least the T.C. has those buttons to push if older music is your thing.

I’d like to keep the conversation going, John, if that’s OK with you. I haven’t had time to respond in a few days, but will make it a priority!

 

[John FL]

I’d like to keep the conversation going, John, if that’s OK with you. I haven’t had time to respond in a few days, but will make it a priority!

Have at it Scott. I enjoy your take on all things radio. No need to ask permission. I'm not King, although I wish I had more influence!

 

[drt]

Based on the no response from the last several posts, I'd say this subject has reached its conclusion. When I first thought about doing yet another topic involving radio on The Treasure Coast, I figured it would be another case where I was basically talking to myself. It's so much more interesting when there is participation. And we had a lot of it in this string. Thank you! I also learned some interesting things about the market I never knew.

Over in nearby Orlando, there was tremendous buzz about a new format. From what I can tell, most of the posters liked what they heard. It seems like a great launch. And that's the thing, when you get it right on Day One, it increases odds listeners will like what they hear. In the past I've wondered about other flips and the obvious unpreparedness. Then again. there's much about the business of radio that can prove over time to be illogical.

The one remaining topic I had has to do with a communities identity. When I first moved to the T.C. I didn't believe we had much of that. I've since changed my mind. For the new arrivals, they are either moving in from the counties to the south or from somewhere up north. But what unites them, I believe, is the desire to live here. So, that's the sense of community and I think it's pretty strong.

Our local news channels obviously devote most of their stories around West Palm. The population centers, by nature, have most of the events that turn into covered news stories. Then again, I'm noticing more and more T.C. inclusion, especially weather-related stories.

I'm not sure when this started but our local NBC affiliate, WPTV, presents a half hour news program "Treasure Coast News" each weekend. Included is inland Okeechobee County. Interestingly, some definitions do not consider Okeechobee County as part of the T.C., but others do. Then again, it probably makes sense as the whole idea is to present a news show that doesn't run stories about Palm Beach County.

If any area has an identification problem in feeling left out, it probably is Okeechobee County. I know very little about that place to be honest.

I'd also like to clarify a post I made earlier. The wording didn't come out the way I wanted it to so I gave an incorrect impression. In regard to Classic Hits returning to Jacksonville, I meant to say a "tweaked version" of WQOL would work and not the exact programing of WQOL. Now, in the past, that was a totally different situation. But with WQOL's definite rock-lean, no.

Then again, a dedicated P.D. and programmers being given the latitude to put together a playlist that has some of the core elements of the brand along with unique titles that no one else in the market is playing, that's certainly is more in line with what JVC Media is doing with their new "Orlando's Hottest Hits" and Fly 103.1. Doubtful in a market such as Jacksonville would such an approach for any format be made. That has to be especially true for Classic Hits.

For obvious reasons, the T.C. will not see specialize formats but rather the traditional ones that have a good track record. You know, that's not so bad either. My views on what a good Classic Hits station should sound like differ significantly from reality. But son of a gun, between the T.C. and West Palm, such a station exists. There's Soft AC WOSN, Classic Hits WQOL and WEAT along with Oldies WZTA. There's elements of all 4 stations that if I were the master of radio universe could be one helluva interesting and unique classic hits station.

But in the meantime, we push buttons, but at least the T.C. has those buttons to push if older music is your thing.

John, I for one appreciate your posts on Treasure Coast radio; I have had some kidney issues for the last 2 months; culminating in surgery last Friday; so even posting a ”like” has been difficult as times! Not to mention the fact I don‘t live in or near the Treasure Coast. ( I’m about midway between Orlando and Tampa) So please continue; I have yet to see a boring post by you!

Now time for my last mild pain killer.

DRT