Bye-Bye Planet Radio 107.3, hello Magic 107.3

[John FL]

It's always good seeing JAWilson back on the board and yes Tibbs, that's the new/improved version of Mburg.

There's a lot of interesting posts here although we may be getting a little ahead of ourselves. In many markets across the country, the classic hits format in the style of "Eagle" co-exist along with a more pop-oriented one like Magic- just look at Tampa. Q-105 and Eagle both perform well. In lots of respects, there really is two distinct audiences as well as some who like both. But that's just it, if you don't like one song, you now have a choice to go elsewhere - a big improvement in this market.

Eagle has actually been off my car radio pre-sets for probably close to 3 years now. Ironically, I like a lot of the music they play. To keep this short, I just find they have taken advantage of a very loyal and supportive audience. All these years, they have offered listeners - nothing - in the way of creativity and special programming. It's been the same thing day in and day out. So, I chose not to support them.

As far as Renda goes, I have a lot of respect for the talent in their building. Beyond that, I can't understand what goes on over there and I have just given up on trying to figure those guys out. The Greatest Hits format would have been perfect for them to have as sister station to WEJZ but it wasn't meant to me. Given the format could have been placed on a Class A, that would not have seen the real potential the format can deliver. So in a lot of ways, I'm happy that didn't happen.

 

[DToTheJ]

Knowing it's a Cox station... does anyone know if they have been calling themselves "The NEW Eagle", and promote "fifty minutes of music every hour"?

As for the 7-midnight slot on the (genuinely) new Magic not being local... does not surprise me one bit.

 

[N1WVQ]

So many memories of Planet Radio - especially at 93.3. Spent some time there doing weekend overnights before getting the AM gig at then-Big 106.5.

Worked with so many great folks there. Chumley, Klinger, Mookie, Crissy (no H, no T), Greg Brady, ------, Flounder, Scott Strange (the station's first live jock) & Dick Dale to name a few.

All good things must come to an end. R.I.P. Planet.......

I came from Providence to St. Augustine in 1997 to go to college. From going from WBRU to Planet was, well, Planet sucked. But being an 18-year-old classic rock fan I thoroughly enjoyed Big, even though the signal was staticy at best in St. Augustine. At that time (1997-1999), Jacksonville's classic rockers were Big, The Arrow & Rock. I hated Rock 105. At WFCF we had a game to see which of 7 bands would be playing on 105: AC/DC, Van Halen, Aerosmith, Led Zepplin, Lynryd Skynryd, Boston & one other. But Big was the best in terms of music selection, then Arrow was a close 2nd. Sadly Big became The Promise & Arrow was getting better but it too is now gone. I moved back to Providence in 2002 where the 100.7 out of Boston is a strong classic rocker.

I am not big on internet radio nor podcasts. I own a satellite radio nor do I have an interest in Zune/Pandora/last.fm/whatever else. Just C.D.s, Youtube & the occasional good song on the radio. Sadly most of our stations here have gone downhill. Thankfully we have college stations in our 88-92 subband. Even then, the kids on now are playing the same worn-out crap. It's the older D.J.s that go searching for something different.

So, Boston Randy, kudos on having worked @ Big (were you also on Cool 102?)!

 

[Tibbs4]

JohnJax --- all kidding aside, I have been worried about where he was and if he was okay. There is not a finer, more straight up honest poster on this board. People used to abuse him on here and
he just kept on typin. My day is seriously brighter! And, your posts are great! I wish you'd keep the energy alive on the Panhandle stations, cause I have never heard or dealt with any stations
on J-ville, so I can only read what you post with no real idea of the market, otherwise.

Tis interesting that Majic showed up. Loved the way you took yourself down on the flip surprising you. Makin Jacksonville come alive.

M-burg --- YES!!!

 

[Brother Bear]

All this grouchy ol' bear knows is that live, local talent paid for this flip with their dearest blood. If you think there will be live talent on Magic, you're a delusional fool. Get ready for a goddamn Ipod with a transmitter. Canned, antiseptic, distant, and colorless. Bland, indifferent, and a cheap hand-me-down from another world.
"Big city sound"?
In the words of Dr. Zaius ... "Don't look for it, Taylor. You may not like what you find."
At least 4 local flesh and blood radio peeps have been mowed down, and those jobs will NOT be coming back to Jax.
I am as sickened by this as I was the Christmas Day Massacre that wiped Cool-FM away with a few phone phone calls. Planet's good people were dispatched in the same way. I was not a fan of their format, but I AM a fan of their spirit, mettle, and the following they had in this city. Damn you, Cheap Channel for letting it wither on the vine. Damn you for only further cementing your reputation as an indifferent and exploitive Evil Empire.
I know ... it's all numbers. Bottom line expenses, and PPM. Damn the reality of it all.
This ol' Bear knows that, but the bloodied waters make it that much harder for me to go on the air every day with a smile on my face and a song in my heart.
Bear's out...

 

[John FL]

Brother Bear, I can take it as much as I can dish it out. The "big town sound" cued me in that you had me in mindwith your response. Obviously, you are angry and you have every reason to be. You and your peers have seen way too many in the industry cast aside like used rubbers, many very undeserving of their fate. However, I truly believe your anger is misdirected toward me. I am not without sin at times but I remind you of several things.

I don't think there has been anyone on this board who has spoken up on the side of talent more than I have. Perhaps you missed one of my posts on this string when I replied to Tommy with this:

"In this day when so much is automated, I had forgotten that this day is not joyous for some who lost their jobs. I don't delight in that. Listeners who enjoy a format that goes away get that kick in the nuts feeling. It's happened to all of us.

When you say business is business, I agree. I am on record for not agreeing how this war was conducted. Some just care about the results - so be it. I knew all along there would be casualties."

Let me also say this. When the so called war began, initiated by Cox Radio with the birth of X1029, many of your radio brothers thought it was perfectly acceptable and good business calling the talent at Planet names and mocking them. I thought that was a reprehensible way to operate even though I was told in so many ways that I don't know what war is. Well, the results are in. With war - there are casualties. I didn't like it then and I won't accept it now. But as I recall, I am the only person who made an issue of it.

I am very realistic in how I see the radio world. When others talked of this person and that person returning to radio, notice my lack of response. Not that it matters, I know who you are and I don't believe I ever said anything negative about your on air talents. I will get off my soapbox now. I can certainly take criticism if it is due. I'm excited about a kind of music missing for too long in this market. If that's misconstrued for something else, that's not my problem.

 

[John FL]

BB, I tried to make an edit and it was too late. I don't want to be appear being something I am not which is almost holier than thou sounding. Lots of your anger is toward CC and the radio business in general. So to end this with the respect I truly do have for you, all I want you to do is look at your peers. Many of them apparently feel it is AOK to eat their young to stay working or to support their employer. If that's what it takes, I'm fortunate I never made radio a career. Peace..and sorry for my flying off the handle here. It was not my original intention.

 

[BostonRandy]

So many memories of Planet Radio - especially at 93.3. Spent some time there doing weekend overnights before getting the AM gig at then-Big 106.5.

Worked with so many great folks there. Chumley, Klinger, Mookie, Crissy (no H, no T), Greg Brady, ------, Flounder, Scott Strange (the station's first live jock) & Dick Dale to name a few.

All good things must come to an end. R.I.P. Planet.......

I came from Providence to St. Augustine in 1997 to go to college. From going from WBRU to Planet was, well, Planet sucked. But being an 18-year-old classic rock fan I thoroughly enjoyed Big, even though the signal was staticy at best in St. Augustine. At that time (1997-1999), Jacksonville's classic rockers were Big, The Arrow & Rock. I hated Rock 105. At WFCF we had a game to see which of 7 bands would be playing on 105: AC/DC, Van Halen, Aerosmith, Led Zepplin, Lynryd Skynryd, Boston & one other. But Big was the best in terms of music selection, then Arrow was a close 2nd. Sadly Big became The Promise & Arrow was getting better but it too is now gone. I moved back to Providence in 2002 where the 100.7 out of Boston is a strong classic rocker.

I am not big on internet radio nor podcasts. I own a satellite radio nor do I have an interest in Zune/Pandora/last.fm/whatever else. Just C.D.s, Youtube & the occasional good song on the radio. Sadly most of our stations here have gone downhill. Thankfully we have college stations in our 88-92 subband. Even then, the kids on now are playing the same worn-out crap. It's the older D.J.s that go searching for something different.

So, Boston Randy, kudos on having worked @ Big (were you also on Cool 102?)!

Yes, I was on Cool 102 for 2 1/2 years, then segued to PIXY-103 until I left for Myrtle Beach in 2004. Big 106.5 was a blast. I did mornings, PD Steve Fox did afternoon drive. The rest of the day was Westwood One's "Adult Rock & Roll" format. While Steve & I worked from their playlist, we tended to manipulate the music sweeps as we deemed necessary. That gave us the ability to open the library even further. While I was not a polished jock at the time, Steve was a great mentor and allowed me to grow into the gig. Much of what I was able to impress upon younger talent afterward was taught to me by Steve.

I left the biz in 2007 but miss stations like Planet Radio, Big 106.5 & Cool 102. Fun broadcasting until the hammer eventually fell. Most of my radio-listening these days is either sports, news/talk or DXing. Radio lost its compelling edge and eventually lost me as a consumer.

Hope you're enjoying Providence. Planning on spending Labor Day with my sister & her family in Harmony. Perhaps we can cross paths.

All the best,
Randy

 

[John FL]

(My last post on this part of the subject)

I’ve had some moments to reflect. Often times I’ve accused all the movers and shakers in the business for not listening. Apparently, I don’t take my own advice. I tried to kill the messenger and place blame elsewhere.

Randy’s story of a time that used to be and the fact that so many who loved the business of radio don’t even care to listen to much of it anymore. It really sums up the reality of radio today. This week, I got caught up in the moment and didn’t see the big picture.

Sure, I can dig hearing a few golden oldies on local radio now and it’s something I wanted for a long time. But I think the messages that were trying to be conveyed from Tommy to BB was that a big price was paid for that “luxury.”

It’s back to reality time. 5+ years ago when very fine folks were let go on the Holiest of days, I ranted in outrage on these boards. This time I did not because I finally got what “I” wanted. I’m not feeling too good about myself right now.

What I may like to hear is after all, personal. I wish the circumstances that brought about the format flip were different. Flips provide cover to get rid of people and that’s what really happened here. The format will do OK. I’m sure there were tons of reports supporting that. After the newness dies down, unless we are further surprised with a full roster of “DJ’s” being hired again, radio will just sound a little more empty - just like I feel right now.

I say I’m a champion for the talent. Well, my initial delight said something else. I really never did consider the human toll. I screwed up folks and I regret it. Thanks BB & Tommy - message received.

 

[JAWilson]

Mburg --- is that you, circa 2010?

Tibbs...its me, but I am not really on much anymore. I have started a website dedicated to high school football across the state and consumes a lot of my time. Radio world has not been bright for jobs. Also I live in Lake City now so I am in what is more of a non-existent market that should get some form of a ratings book from Arbitron, but does not. Now most of the Jacksonville blow torches come in out here, but some with more static than others.

As for Magic 107.3 the station sounds very much upbeat and I am glad to see a station playing songs that have not been played in the market in nearly 4 years since KOOL 100.7 bit the dust. I think Clear Channel will have way more success with the format than what Renda had on this station. The three commercial free blocks they are running on the station during the day is brilliant and is a slap in the face to the Eagle's only commercial free block in the morning. Eagle being so stale, yet Magic being a fresh station for Classic Hits its going to be a war and this time Cox could lose.

 

[Stormychuck]

You would have to agree with Brother Bear..........

 

[Tibbs4]

Mburg --- is that you, circa 2010?

Tibbs...its me, but I am not really on much anymore. I have started a website dedicated to high school football across the state and consumes a lot of my time. Radio world has not been bright for jobs. Also I live in Lake City now so I am in what is more of a non-existent market that should get some form of a ratings book from Arbitron, but does not. Now most of the Jacksonville blow torches come in out here, but some with more static than others.

As for Magic 107.3 the station sounds very much upbeat and I am glad to see a station playing songs that have not been played in the market in nearly 4 years since KOOL 100.7 bit the dust. I think Clear Channel will have way more success with the format than what Renda had on this station. The three commercial free blocks they are running on the station during the day is brilliant and is a slap in the face to the Eagle's only commercial free block in the morning. Eagle being so stale, yet Magic being a fresh station for Classic Hits its going to be a war and this time Cox could lose.

Send me the website sir! Glad that one of the good guys on here is ok. Yeah, I am beyond busy and wish I could post more. I give this thing 5 minutes a day to type. Leave it on on the computer and still never check it. Lifes to busy. If Charlie, RNR, Steve 0 and Nock will allow us to go run a cluster in the ground in PCB or Destina, I'm calling you...(and rob for the strobeys...we will need a GOOD engineer, so rob will work, since the best one will be drinking GIN all the time, when not hunting.)


Is Majic streaming? Never mind I will look that up myself.

 

[Brother Bear]

JJ-It was never intended as an attack on you. I've been in the trenches for almost 30 years, survived over a dozen rounds of acquisition and consolidation and I'm just done with seeing SO many good soldiers die in this idiotic, short sighted war that bean counters started on us radio folks back in the 90's.
Many have not survived, many more broke ranks and capitulated the minute the going got tough, and there are rebels like me that continue to battle even at the most remote outposts every day. Whatever the case, I hate seeing the bodies of old comrades floating in the cesspool of mismanaged business and money that Evil Empires like CC leave in their path. I don't care how welcomed and acclaimed this unproven format is ... things that work everywhere else have failed here before. When you change a station to truly benefit the market it's going on-air in, I'll welcome it. But don't send me some other city's format as a cast-off or retread, and then when it's NOT a 10-share powerhouse within 5 months bitch and complain that Jacksonville's SO backward we don't know what's good for us.
JJ, I don't 100% agree with what you say here, but your fire and spirit I DO admire. I do however despise the machine that can destroy good people because they don't know the first damn thing about radio.
Grouch ol' Bear headed back to the den ...

 

[JAWilson]

Mburg --- is that you, circa 2010?

Tibbs...its me, but I am not really on much anymore. I have started a website dedicated to high school football across the state and consumes a lot of my time. Radio world has not been bright for jobs. Also I live in Lake City now so I am in what is more of a non-existent market that should get some form of a ratings book from Arbitron, but does not. Now most of the Jacksonville blow torches come in out here, but some with more static than others.

As for Magic 107.3 the station sounds very much upbeat and I am glad to see a station playing songs that have not been played in the market in nearly 4 years since KOOL 100.7 bit the dust. I think Clear Channel will have way more success with the format than what Renda had on this station. The three commercial free blocks they are running on the station during the day is brilliant and is a slap in the face to the Eagle's only commercial free block in the morning. Eagle being so stale, yet Magic being a fresh station for Classic Hits its going to be a war and this time Cox could lose.

Send me the website sir! Glad that one of the good guys on here is ok. Yeah, I am beyond busy and wish I could post more. I give this thing 5 minutes a day to type. Leave it on on the computer and still never check it. Lifes to busy. If Charlie, RNR, Steve 0 and Nock will allow us to go run a cluster in the ground in PCB or Destina, I'm calling you...(and rob for the strobeys...we will need a GOOD engineer, so rob will work, since the best one will be drinking GIN all the time, when not hunting.)


Is Majic streaming? Never mind I will look that up myself.

Tibbs sorry about the delay here. I have had to deal with two computers being down at once. One I finally got back up and running after booting XP out the door for Vista (I know I am behind but the laptop needed the boost since it was having issues with the drivers in XP).

Anyways the website for you and everyone else to see is FloridaHSFootball.com. I am still working on it and will always be, but I have found myself to be happy in this arena as I can do various things with my skills including radio, video and web design, plus getting to watch football.

So how is everyone is liking Magic so far? Sounds upbeat and just what Jacksonville needed. I suppose we see a few more format flips up ahead as well. Is KISS and Rock next or will KISS flip to a more lite AC to compete against Lite and Rock 105 tweaks as well as the Eagle? I know we are headed towards the PPM so its going to get interesting for sure.

 

[Tibbs4]

Now we just need Oldiescat back. Mburg (sorry -- JA Wilson -- speaking of new names and formats) remember all the good stuff that used to happen with the country stations. Cardboard over the signs, bitter fights. Now its lifeless.

 

[JAWilson]

Let me tell you what that is good vintage stuff there now. How many format flips have we had across the radio dial in the last 10 years...its one too many I think.

I can't get enough of Magic 107.3. I will actually listen to this in the car even with some static because of the music they are playing. They have really pulled out the hits that have not been played in Jacksonville in a while. This is what I call COOL FM and The Point rolled into one, but 10 times better overall.

 

[John FL]

Josh, I can't get enough of Magic 107.3 either. The owner may not get employer of the year awards, but I have to admit the programming has exceeded my expectations and if anything, you should all know I'm very fussy.

They are presenting a lot of variety in the 60's, 70's, 80's mix they offer without making any reference to time periods and that's very smart. The imagining, the upbeat sound, the careful positioning of titles and I can go on don't sound anything like what a traditional oldies station sounded like. The format has evolved but for too long those who run this Top 50 market were guided by bias and narrow-minded thinking so the hole in the market kept growing bigger.

Some may say this a retread or formats that work elsewhere fail here. Formats fail everywhere for lots of reasons. But if we are to believe this, then we would have to discount the success of the old Cool 96.9. Listeners who didn't favor what followed didn't suddenly stop enjoying the format, perhaps they just didn't like how the station sounded. Hmmm, also as I recall we were given a reincarnation of Oklahoma. Let's get real.

Since those days, Jacksonville has experienced incredible growth. Many are making Jax home coming from cities offering a greatest hits format. In my view, I believe that will only add to the demand for the format that never really did go away. It went away because suits didn't want to invest time and effort in it to make it work.4 rock stations and 3 country stations - how inclusive of your audience was that? It was all self-serving. Even if you hate Magic, there's plenty of other choices and that's what good radio should be about. It's healthy for the business.

Ratings decide format fate but at least "My Magic" (watch for that I predict coming) is off to a good start and offering listeners something a little different. You mentioned the Point. Heather Shay (sp) would be someone I would consider for VT if that's the direction they head. I also like Jodi Stewart on sister station WQOL downstate if she could do VT too. As much as I longed for this format, I always believed woman needed a greater on air presence and I think this station lends well in that direction.

The ball is in CC's court not to screw this up. But my God, I was once envious of Orlando. Gees, hands down our Greatest Hits is way better. It really is good to support a local station once again!

 

[JAWilson]

Yeah, I wonder if they might bring Jodi Stewart back up here to PD the station since that is what she is down there at WQOL. Just the commercial free hours they have going is a kicker. Three times during the day for 90 mins each? That is just unheard of around here and that could be a draw to ratings as people find out. I am hearing early 60's stuff to the late 80's on this and its just refreshing that each song stands out on its own.

I do like its just being "Jacksonville's Greatest Hits" not having the years opens it up to saying this everyone's station not just a station for the baby boomers. I am only 23 and rather listen to this than what is playing on KISS or APE.

Also you should X102.9's Facebook page. People have been ripping them up for killing Planet, but ratings speak for themselves and someone has started a petition to get Planet Radio back. We all know good and well these people might be fans of the station, but do not have the knowledge to understand that radio is a business like the flower shop. Changes were in order and had to be made. I wonder just how many more stations we will see change or tweak before the PPM? 107.3 and 104.5 have been two stations. Again I see KISS possibly biting the dust. Could Sunny be on the way out? Country Legends is actually doing well. If I am right they have been staying above a 3 for the most part since going that way right?

Anyways, I got a lot of work to do so its time to get back to that...I think...lol.