Columbus' Radio Crystal ball 2011

[allstar2003]

Since everyone else is doing year end predictions I got a few of predictions of mine that I think might happen as a fan.

#1: WWCD will get C & D from The OSU for using "101" in January. I believe WWCD won't stop using "101" and in Feburary will get sued for it. WWCD will learn a valuable lesson don't mess The OSU.

#2: Put me in a believer of the "WTVN-FM' rumor around here with what going on in other market with CC moving other AM to FM and WBNS' success with it in town. It going to happen sooner rather then later. but I think WTVN-FM will not end up on WLZT 93.3. I believe it is going to be WBWR @ 105.7 that get blown up for it or move to 106.7.

#3: I do think WLZT is going to FINALLY bite the dust. I really want this to happen but it the longshot for me. I don't know how it will go. It could be the next home for Gen X Columbus? Could be the home of WTVN-FM ( but it would blow the previous prediction I made) or it could a "real" classic hits station in this market. I know 103.9 and 103.5/104.3 is doing it but with their signals it isn't an real answer. I don't know what will happen with it but WLZT will be lights out before 2012 comes to an end.

#4: I think WCKX will have to go to Urban Rhythmic to keep up in the radio race. It could be a race with WXMG not with WNCI. I have been hearing WXMG more in my neck of the woods than WCKX.

 

[jhc2010]

The only thing I could see happening from your list above is WTVN making a move to FM.

I could also see something happen to 1230. It's amazing how poor their ratings are.

 

[bwilliam614]

I doubt WCKX will start a radio race with WXMG. They're owned by the same company so I don't think Radio One cares which one will come out on top.

 

[OhioMediaWatch]

I agree that CC isn't going to put 'TVN-FM on 93.3, and if it does happen, I'm also betting on 105.7 or 106.7, in some combination. Keep in mind that mono takes care of a lot of shortcomings on the edge of the signal (no stereo flutter, etc.)...though it sure didn't work for a dog of a signal like 103.9. But even 106.7 will work for a mono talker, particularly one that stays on 610 (a la Albany).

WWCD will continue to use "CD101 @ 102.5 FM" until February. tOSU will point to the contract prohibiting that, then sue, then have Roger Vaughan arrested for Theft of Frequency Name.

He'll be convicted, and have to spend 90 days in jail for radio larceny.

tOSU will then force him off 102.5, which will return to automated country programmed from Zanesville as "Highway 102".

Oh, wait, that last prediction came from gabigley's list. Strike that one about WWCD.

 

[Rusty Muck]

I could also see something happen to 1230. It's amazing how poor their ratings are.

I doubt it. WYTS exists solely as an extra revenue source, simply by plugging in the SuperStation KLAC (err... Fox Sports Radio) feed off the bird. It literally doesn't matter what ratings they get - or don't get... it's a cheap ATM.

 

[knowbetter]

Since everyone else is doing year end predictions I got a few of predictions of mine that I think might happen as a fan.

WCRS and WCRX will finally figure out that they have more common enemies then friends, hold hands, sing Kumbya, and work together!

 

[ohgary]

More talk radio on FM wasting good space
More crappy play list , forcing listeners to other media.
Station calls, jingles and people changing and no one caring.

So About the same as 2010.

 

[OhioMediaWatch]

More talk radio on FM wasting good space

Sigh.

I've gone through this about 100 times...the presence of news/talk/sports programming on FM doesn't necessarily directly equate to the lack of certain music formats and approaches on that band.

Take "97.1 The Fan", for example.

What was on that frequency before? Why, it was hot AC as "Mix 97.1", featuring a music mix that most online complainers would deride as mundane.

Did anyone shed a tear for "Mix" going away? No...and in fact, the very same format is now available in most of the market at northern rimshot 107.9.

Talker WTDA displaced a "Jack FM" style format (speaking of northern rimshots), though it's returned to music as classic hits.

Just what guarantee is there that FM talkers/sports stations would play "music you like" if they weren't doing spoken word formats?

 

[gabigley1]

Since everyone else is doing year end predictions I got a few of predictions of mine that I think might happen as a fan.

WCRS and WCRX will finally figure out that they have more common enemies then friends, hold hands, sing Kumbya, and work together!

Well maybe they have a friend in the FCC.

Saga/Franklin wanted the FCC to move Wilks translator(WHOK) application from 94.1 to 102.1 because of interference it thinks the 94.1 translator will cause to WSNY at 94.7. The FCC denied the request because it said a move to 102.1 would case interference to WCRX-LP.
Here is the FCC letter to Saga/Franklin : http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=22206

The question is with the LPFM new rules to go in effect this year, will Columbus move-ins on 102.5 and 101.7 file interference complaints with
the FCC and cause WCRX-LP and WCRS-LP to change frequencies and/or cease operation on 102.1?

 

[gabigley1]

WOSU-AM 820 is for sale and if the price is right it will be purchased by somebody/someone. I think it will go to a talk format. Maybe CC Columbus
will purchase it and program more local talk? People occasional ask for more local talk on WTVN so why not purchase 820 and put more local talk
on 820 AM.

Since everyone else is doing year end predictions I got a few of predictions of mine that I think might happen as a fan.

#1: WWCD will get C & D from The OSU for using "101" in January. I believe WWCD won't stop using "101" and in Feburary will get sued for it. WWCD will learn a valuable lesson don't mess The OSU.

Don't think it will will get this messy and WWCD will get the message with a C&D order(IF ANY) from tOSU. They will re-brand themselves in January
or early 2011.

I could also see something happen to 1230. It's amazing how poor their ratings are.

I doubt it. WYTS exists solely as an extra revenue source, simply by plugging in the SuperStation KLAC (err... Fox Sports Radio) feed off the bird. It literally doesn't matter what ratings they get - or don't get... it's a cheap ATM.

Why don't they offer some kind of talk format? Why do we need more sports programing?

As far as WTVN simulcasting on FM, I think WTVN will land on 93.3 FM sometime in the future.

Also, don't forget about the 101.7 move-in is supposed to happen by October of this year. That is when their CP runs out. They are going to have
to build a new tower site so maybe they will start construction as early as this Spring?

 

[knowbetter]

Well maybe they have a friend in the FCC.

On certain levels you might be right. Anyone who has dealt with the FCC can will pretty much tell you it's really a crap shoot, things change there day to day. There is a good balance in knowing "when to hold them, when to fold them". Sometimes the most direct way to deal with the FCC is not a direct path

Saga/Franklin wanted the FCC to move Wilks translator(WHOK) application from 94.1 to 102.1 because of interference it thinks the 94.1 translator will cause to WSNY at 94.7. The FCC denied the request because it said a move to 102.1 would case interference to WCRX-LP.

Actually, that interference would have bumped them off, in some ways that is less likely, in others more likely. The commission previously had a policy to protect LPFM's, it is unknown (if and when the rules are modified), how that will affect 102.1. The bottom line is that Wilks and Saga have a lot more money than either of the LPFM's, and in a prolonged fight, they may well decide to get together and try and bump of the Low Powers, instead of fighting each other. For them, it's probably cheaper in the long run.

The question is with the LPFM new rules to go in effect this year, will Columbus move-ins on 102.5 and 101.7 file interference complaints with the FCC and cause WCRX-LP and WCRS-LP to change frequencies and/or cease operation on 102.1?

Again, time will tell. This is the problem that is inherent with the new improved LPFM laws. If the LPFM's are bumped, they don't really have a good place to go, so they may cease to exist. In this case, both of the stations are move ins, and both moved in after the LPFM's were established. In the strictest interpretation of the rule thus far, it doesn't appear that that would matter, but I would expect both LPFM licensees to "object strenuously" to more encroachment.

In theory, the 2nd adjacency should work, provided, everyone follows the rules on bandwidth, modulation and everything else.

And of course, we know that everyone follows those rules, right?

 

[Rusty Muck]

I could also see something happen to 1230. It's amazing how poor their ratings are.

I doubt it. WYTS exists solely as an extra revenue source, simply by plugging in the SuperStation KLAC (err... Fox Sports Radio) feed off the bird. It literally doesn't matter what ratings they get - or don't get... it's a cheap ATM.

Why don't they offer some kind of talk format? Why do we need more sports programing?

They have. Twice. "1230 FYI" from 1996-2000 and "Talk 1230" from 2006-2009. Both were failures with substandard lineups. (In fact, "Talk 1230" was doomed even before they started, when Glenn Beck refused to have his show moved there from WTVN, agreeing to the deal with NABCO/WTDA instead.)

And don't forget this is 1230's second attempt at running Fox Sports Radio off-the-bird, as they were "The Zone" in 2000 or so.

In fact, the only format to have gotten any remote ratings traction on 1230 has been... (drumroll) liberal talk!

The 1230 facility is a victim of suburban sprawl around the Columbus metro over the past few decades. Today, it's an inferior 1,000 watt signal incapable of covering the entire market, so even if there was money available to invest in programming or promotion, CC won't spend it on 1230.

Carrying FSR is no big deal, because WBNS A/F is the only sports station that matters, thanks to their perpetual contracts for both tOSU and the Blue Jackets. Again, FSR is easy extra $$$ that isn't possible if the "Talk 1230" lineup were ever revived.

 

[OhioMediaWatch]

WOSU-AM 820 is for sale and if the price is right it will be purchased by somebody/someone. I think it will go to a talk format. Maybe CC Columbus will purchase it and program more local talk? People occasional ask for more local talk on WTVN so why not purchase 820 and put more local talk
on 820 AM.

If CC does more local talk at all, it'll be on WTVN. Why waste money buying and creating a "new local talk" component on another frequency? WTVN drives the CC AM bus, period. They've already killed a second talk station (1230) for sports, and added more syndication for 610, why would they buy a third AM?

If CC buys 820 for anything, I'll go out and buy a hat, and eat it, medium-rare.

Who does buy 820? That, I don't know. tOSU is going to sell it, but I don't see any likely buyers out there. Maybe the people who sell the Spanish-language format on 103.1? I don't know if they're in a buying mood, or if they'll be able to offer enough cash to entice tOSU to sell it.

(Remember, WOSU can keep simulcasting the new news/talk 89.7 on its old home of 820 until the cows moo and come home. They are in no distress situation/hurry to sell it.)

Don't think it will will get this messy and WWCD will get the message with a C&D order(IF ANY) from tOSU. They will re-brand themselves in January or early 2011.

For once, you're talking some sense in this situation (and yes, I had a little fun at your expense earlier in this thread ).

tOSU will gently point to the contract, say "we want our exclusive 101 branding, can you change now?", and WWCD will change.

Why don't they offer some kind of talk format? Why do we need more sports programing?

It's not about need. It's about money, and ease of programming. WYTS can easily just plug in FSR, with no satellite programming change needed (I believe FSR has a feed that inserts the separately syndicated Jim Rome show), and literally walk away, save for very occasional play by play. The WTVN PD can ignore the heck out of it, and they aren't paying for FSR, and any PBP pays for itself.

There is no "walk away" talk radio feed that would be an option for WYTS. The CC lineup of hosts comes close, but that only covers 9 AM-9 PM ET (Beck, Rush, Hannity and Jason Lewis) and overnights (C2C). And of course, they would be silly to run Beck, Rush and C2C simulcast with WTVN, or Hannity live with WTVN carrying him later. Why bother?

With the FSR feed, you can LITERALLY walk away, and don't have to worry about "what to program". You only need to have occasional part-time board ops for any PBP (and I don't remember if 1230 even has that), and many of the sports team networks now automate, so you might not even need that.

As far as WTVN simulcasting on FM, I think WTVN will land on 93.3 FM sometime in the future.

OK, you're on, bet wise. I don't think they move 'TVN to 93.3. I think they put it on 106.7 while keeping it on 610. What happens to the music formats? I don't know. Maybe they move "GenX" to 105.7 displacing the Brew. That's probably dependent on how each station is doing, and GenX is a bit new.

 

[Nu_Roo_2]

Did anyone shed a tear for "Mix" going away? No...and in fact, the very same format is now available in most of the market at northern rimshot 107.9.

I should probably let them pipe in on their own, but both lovejamminoldies and alans613 have often (including very recently) bemoaned the fact that 97.1 flipped away from Hot AC just as the station was hitting its stride and sounding better than ever -- a lot better than Mix 107.9 does today. I'm neither agreeing nor disagreeing with that assessment, just pointing out that there were definitely some tears shed for Mix 97.1.

 

[xmusicmatt]

(Remember, WOSU can keep simulcasting the new news/talk 89.7 on its old home of 820 until the cows moo and come home. They are in no distress situation/hurry to sell it.)

and since tOSU owns the AM 820 "daytime" (Ohio State Golf Course) and I am pretty sure the nightime tower sites.. they are doing so very cheaply... just the cost of powering the 5kw/790w Transmitters... that's pocket change for tOSU. I am sure they will gladly keep it in the same situation wolfes have with 1460 is with 97.1 until they find the right person willing to spend the right price for 820AM.

 

[xmusicmatt]

tOSU will then force him off 102.5, which will return to automated country programmed from Zanesville as "Highway 102".

Oh, wait, that last prediction came from gabigley's list. Strike that one about WWCD.

Maybe EMF will have a divine revelation and offer multi millions for 102.5 and WCVZ errr WWCD will become "KLove 101 @ 102.5" as a tribute the recent legacy of the frequency

 

[allstar2003]

tOSU will then force him off 102.5, which will return to automated country programmed from Zanesville as "Highway 102".

Oh, wait, that last prediction came from gabigley's list. Strike that one about WWCD.

Maybe EMF will have a divine revelation and offer multi millions for 102.5 and WCVZ errr WWCD will become "KLove 101 @ 102.5" as a tribute the recent legacy of the frequency

I wouldn't put out the realm of possibility of them look at WCVO 104.9, If the price is right.

 

[Nu_Roo_2]

tOSU will then force him off 102.5, which will return to automated country programmed from Zanesville as "Highway 102".

Oh, wait, that last prediction came from gabigley's list. Strike that one about WWCD.

Maybe EMF will have a divine revelation and offer multi millions for 102.5 and WCVZ errr WWCD will become "KLove 101 @ 102.5" as a tribute the recent legacy of the frequency

I wouldn't put out the realm of possibility of them look at WCVO 104.9, If the price is right.

True, but that wouldn't be as fun as "KLove 101 @ 102.5." I laughed out loud at that one!

 

[Nu_Roo_2]

I still predict that CC/Premiere's Delilah -- who disappeared from WSNY shortly before Christmas music started -- is going to show up on 93.3 soon.

 

[Nu_Roo_2]

Not that this is likely to have any implications for Columbus (even though it should), but one of the few remaining markets that had two mainstream/soft AC's now has just one, as CC's WNIC Detroit flips to a Hot AC.  It was actually the higher-rated of the two mainstream/softies in Detroit.

But here in Columbus, where there are far, far fewer city-grade signals, we are still stuck with Soft Revenge, er, Rock, 93.3 WLZT being wasted as a (perpetually ineffective) thorn to Sunny.

EDIT:  Despite my frustration over the never-ending "me-too AC" format-choice debacle at 93.3, I (quite seriously) vote for CC as the broadcaster of the year in Columbus.  Bringing in Gen-X was great (even if it should have been on 93.3 instead), and its music mix is better than ever; NCI sounds really killer this year under Tony Florentino; local coverage during weather emergencies showed a real community orientation; and CC continues to have much-deserved success with WCOL, WTVN and the Brew.