High Desert Bishop: Morning talent buys KIBS/KBOV

[michael hagerty]

The interesting part about KIBS is they have translators in nearby Nevada. KSRW and KRHV don't. Lack of interest, I would guess. And the fact that the Tonopah and Hawthorne residents are likely listening to SiriusXM.

Those translators are actually intended to fill gaps in KIBS’ California coverage, not Nevada—-along U.S. 395. Though, when they were first brought on, they did have listenership in the area because of a lack of other listenable signals.

In fact, unless something has changed, KIBS’ main transmitter is in Nevada, on Silver Peak.

 

[fybush]

Those translators are actually intended to fill gaps in KIBS’ California coverage, not Nevada—-along U.S. 395. Though, when they were first brought on, they did have listenership in the area because of a lack of other listenable signals.

In fact, unless something has changed, KIBS’ main transmitter is in Nevada, on Silver Peak.

Point of order from the guy who used to live even closer to the Nevada border: Silver Peak is very much in California, with the Deep Springs Valley sitting between there and Nevada.

 

[michael hagerty]

Point of order from the guy who used to live even closer to the Nevada border: Silver Peak is very much in California, with the Deep Springs Valley sitting between there and Nevada.

Been away too long. Thanks, Scott!

 

[crainbebo]

Speaking of KSRW, their classic rock format is indeed VERY unique. Huge mix of B-cuts and album cuts. Almost like the unusual mix of the old Adult Contemporary 'Sierra Wave' (prior to September 2015), just a different format. AP News at the TOH. Worth a listen right now!

 

[Oldbones]

According to the transfer application, the purchase price was $550,000.

Seems like a lot of money for an AM/FM combo in a non-rated market a long way from anywhere. I'll admit to knowing nothing about the area, is there enough of an advertising base there to make this viable?

 

[michael hagerty]

Seems like a lot of money for an AM/FM combo in a non-rated market a long way from anywhere. I'll admit to knowing nothing about the area, is there enough of an advertising base there to make this viable?

I grew up in the area from age 9-18, had family there from 1920 to 1993, started my career at the AM in 1971 and helped put the FM on the air in 1974.

The advantage the FM has is a series of repeaters that makes the signal receivable for about 200 miles of the only highway in the area---U.S. 395. It's an area dependent on tourism (skiing at Mammoth, spring and summer trout fishing, the annual Mule Days celebration, the east gate to Yosemite, year-round rock climbing and the direct route from L.A. to Lake Tahoe and Reno) and with weather-related road conditions much of the year.

The businesses that cater to those visitors (most from Southern California) buy advertising to reach those tourists.

The previous owners (who bought it in 2004) paid $965,000 ($1.6 million adjusted). That was well before there were so many listening alternatives, but I think at $4,000 a month (see my post from August 1 above), plus operating expenses, it might be doable.

Nobody's gonna get rich, though. They didn't even when it was literally the only signal for 120 miles and they had advertising aimed at locals and tourists. There probably is still some of the local target, but not a lot.