Competition

[DeltaKing]

I was reading the threads about KIX and Classic Country, and decided to think about each FM station in the market as far as their compeititive situation. My opinions may differ from yours. but here is what I've come up with in my feeble little mind. Mind you, these are just the Commercial FM's.

92.9: 93X has the alt market all to themselves, and they still struggle. They do share audience with 98.1 and Rock 103, but pretty much are their own competition, having lost any battle with 94.1 when The Buzz softened up. No reason they shouldn't have more success. They are the "we hate everyone" angry white kid station.

94.1: The Buzz has become their own competition lately, having put themselves back into direct competion with FM 100. They could have stayed the course and carved out a niche, but chose to jump in with both WMC, and even WRVR to a point (Michael Buble just doesn't sound right on 94). They also have WHBQ-FM on the younger end.

95.7: A format to themselves. They have some sharing with WLOK, but are truly the station of salvation in Memphis.

97.1: Lots of competitors, but they still dominate the urban scene. Biggest battles are with Hot 107.1. They share some audience with WMPW, but KXHT is their enemy.

98.1: The Max has really gone after Rock 103 in recent months, but still seem like a one trick pony with Drake and Zeke. Rock 103 is very close musically and has heritage, but D&Z have brought some followers to 98.1. They also experiment with some newer titles that WEGR won't mess with.

98.9: In need of a format change. Too many competitors to have any sort of success. WHRK, KXHT, WHBQ-FM, you can hear Power 99's playlist on any one of those stations already. With the move to some syndicated fare, the end may be near for Power.

99.7: FM 100 has the heritage and the misfortune of being in a format that all other "white stations" want to play in. They get hit from all sides. With WRVR's more current stance, and WMBZ virtually copying the FM 100 playbook, it's more crowded than ever for them. Yet, they still own Women 25-54. Also, WHBQ-FM has thrown in more HOT AC titles during the day, and 30% of their women also sample KIX.

101.1: V101 may be only competing against themselves, but have WRBO on the older end, and WDIA on the even older side. However, KJMS has pretty much a lock on older black listeners with their Urban AC format. They also share a lot with sister WHAL.

102.7: Had no real competiton until last year, and still do well. They've recovered nicely form the loss of D&Z and are back in the Top 10. They stay purely Classic Rock, and share mostly with 98.1, and...surprisingly, FM 100.

103.5: Niche format, but demographic competitors abound. They share many titles and listeners with KJMS and also WDIA.

104.5: The other half of the Entercom sandwich, WRVR has opened up and played many younger tinged titles as a result of their battle with FM 100, but also have WMBZ playing similar titles to WRVR as THEY soften up. Entercom needs to separate the sisters a bit more, as that may have something to do with WRVR's down book in Spring. They share mostly with FM 100, but also substantially with KIX for their Women.

105.9: All alone in first. KIX's ups and downs have more to do with diary placement than anything. This is where Country fans go, since they have no other bar to stand at. They share some with all other main Adult stations, but have the highest level of P1 loyalty in Memphis (next to WHAL).

107.1: They are in a dogfight mostly with K97. WMPW is not much more than an annoyance, and they also have in-building competiton with 107.5. They have the street credibility that gives them big young end numbers.

107.5: "Gee, who do we want to sound like today?" They made sme strides, but are very scattershot with their CHR playlist. They share mostly with FM 100 and WMBZ, but also skim some from the Urbans. They are the 13-year-old "white girl" station. They are heavily dayparted, and dabble in Hot AC during the day, whle "ridin' dirty" at night. You don't know what to expect when you tune in.


Flame away.

DK

 

[spaceman]

92.9: 93X has the alt market all to themselves, and they still struggle. They do share audience with 98.1 and Rock 103, but pretty much are their own competition, having lost any battle with 94.1 when The Buzz softened up. No reason they shouldn't have more success. They are the "we hate everyone" angry white kid station.

An "angry white kid" station doesn't work in an urban market like Memphis. "Angry white kids" are smart enough to go to alternate sources for their music, namely the internet or satellite radio. There's no way a radio station can cater to the "angry white kid" demo and still be mass appeal enough to pull any numbers. Also, if you want to make money, abandon the "angry white kid" demo altogether. Marketing an alternative station in a market like Memphis is nearly impossible, as you end up marketing to a demo who is too cool for the radio.

93X should never have dropped the "Solid Rock 92.9 MFS" moniker, and focused on the blue collar rockers by playing a good mix of active rock, with some classics thrown in. To this day, people still call it "92.9" as a result of great marketing in the mid and late 90s. Memphis is very close to both Mississippi and Arkansas, yet the the only modern rock station in town alienates a huge constituency of plumbers, contractors, and (insert blue collar job here).

And lest ye not forget the small stick factor. 6,000 watts isn't going to move the needle, especially when focused on a demo of 12-22 year old males. The station should maximize its coverage by reflecting the population of Memphis, rather than trying to convince that very population that they are "cool" or "cutting edge".

I'm surprised that the folks at CBS haven't figured this out.

 

[Bob Brame]

Truly entertaining posts by DK and Spaceman. You guys are much more in touch with the specifics than I am, so I have to trust you know what you are talking about. That said, if what you say is accurate...then the posts go from being entertaining to captivating reading.

One of my kids, nearly 15, qualifies as an angry white kid (actually very sweet and sensitive) and she goes to 93X the minute she gets in the car. Not much there for me but I've established I'm a sports talk/news talk person. I am one who has believed for a long time that a hot talk FM with a strong stick could do well here...at least well enough to pay bills and attract good talent/programming.

Finally, there is a radio sidebar to the story of Howard Meagle's departure from WMC-TV. He has radio roots in his history and, if he had replaced Mason Granger instead of Bill Applegate coming in...perhaps the radio stations would not have been sold off and Howard would still be running the entire complex at 1960 Union. Now that I think about it, if that had happened...I might still be there myself.

bb

 

[CFKane]

The usual corrections, to DK's professions...

99.7: FM 100 has the heritage and the misfortune of being in a format that all other "white stations" want to play in. They get hit from all sides. With WRVR's more current stance, and WMBZ virtually copying the FM 100 playbook, it's more crowded than ever for them. Yet, they still own Women 25-54.

I love all this, he says here. He implies that all these stations are aiming at 99.7. : The line of all lines, in comedy terms, is "Yet, they still own Women 25-54". Laughable, because it implies they had them, the whole time. That's very true in Spring 2006, no argument here. The previous 3 and 1/2 years, not quite so much. They've been a big player in that demo, but ownership??? That's a stretch, at best.

104.5: The other half of the Entercom sandwich, WRVR has opened up and played many younger tinged titles as a result of their battle with FM 100,

Oh, really? Because of the battle with 100? DeltaKing has access to numbers, but not Radio &Records? Mainstream AC , the format itself, did that, unless 101 other reporting AC stations all decided to pick on FM 100 from all over the country? Ha!

And since we're on the subject, which of the two stations, (99.7 or 104.5) has recently picked up "at work" slogans, and started playing "When the stars go Blue", even though it's nowhere to be found on the HOT AC chart, but is on Mainstream AC chart? Who's "owns" who, exactly?

but also have WMBZ playing similar titles to WRVR as THEY soften up. Entercom needs to separate the sisters a bit more, as that may have something to do with WRVR's down book in Spring.

Sadly, I cannot comment here. (regarding WMBZ, and the volumes I could say here.) The downtrend could be much more attributed to a young book,(look at the jumps in 18-34) and a really bad month in the middle. Now, a win is a win, so savor it, because it doesn't happen often. A lot of the things in this last book, definitely don't happen often! ;D

CFKane <--- Swore he wouldn't post on info's board again, but couldn't resist the quarterly correcting of DK.

 

[spaceman]

One of my kids, nearly 15, qualifies as an angry white kid (actually very sweet and sensitive) and she goes to 93X the minute she gets in the car.

This illustrates my point exactly. Your 15 year old daughter does not a) receive an arbitron diary, b) drive legally, and c) have substantial disposable income.

In fact, targeting that demo (intentionally or unintentionally) can cost you money. Beer companies are prohibited from advertising on stations with too young a listenership.

Also, I think that the rock format is dwindling due to lack of compelling content. There's no Howard Stern to anchor these stations, and no rock icons (Cobain, Ozzy) that are relevant to the genre. All the bands sound the same, giving stations a watered down, less than dynamic sound.

Solid Rock 92.9 MFS, Bartlett/Memphis.

 

[KoulKat]

I was scanning over the boards and couldn't resist opening this one. I see that 93X has taken up most of the discussion, and after reading some of the comments about good ol' WMFS, I just had to get in on this...

Also, I think that the rock format is dwindling due to lack of compelling content. There's no Howard Stern to anchor these stations, and no rock icons (Cobain, Ozzy) that are relevant to the genre. All the bands sound the same, giving stations a watered down, less than dynamic sound.

Lack of content? Isn't one of the main things a station should focus on the music? Several bands who have carved the way for alternative music have put out albums this year, and not only that, but they've put out GOOD albums. The Chili Peppers and Tool both have produced platinum selling albums. Audioslave, Papa Roach, and Thom Yorke from Radiohead all have new albums on the horizon. And 93X has jumped all over new bands like Gnarls Barkley and Black Stone Cherry.

As far as "bits" or "segments" go, the one's they have for their target demographic are awesome. Their night jock has two shows that have great appeal. "Nine Songs That Don't Suck" is the first, and it's perfect for the "internet streamers" out there who what the newest music first. Alot of the songs that are played during that hour aren't in their regular rotation, so people make a point to listen. Then you have "Locals Only", which other stations have ripped off after realizing how passionate the local’s scene in Memphis is. But try as they might, the first station people turn to for local music IS 93X.

And yes, alot of teens listen to 93X, but so do ALOT of people in their 20's. I don't know how in-tuned you are to that age group, but go into a bar on Highland or one in Midtown and just ask people what their preset stations are, 8 of the 10 will say 93X. Don't believe me? Try it.

Now, im not saying their perfect. Like any other station they've got things to work on. Their play list for example, they played every song in their library from A-Z and it took them over a week, but despite having ALL that music, they still play some of the same songs over and over again. I'm pretty sure that bands like Alice in Chains and Smashing Pumpkins put out more that 5 songs each, and they cram Sublime down our throats hourly. If they just opened up their playlist, I think, even despite not having a strong signal, their numbers would jump.

 

[spaceman]

Lack of content? Isn't one of the main things a station should focus on the music? Several bands who have carved the way for alternative music have put out albums this year, and not only that, but they've put out GOOD albums. The Chili Peppers and Tool both have produced platinum selling albums. Audioslave, Papa Roach, and Thom Yorke from Radiohead all have new albums on the horizon. And 93X has jumped all over new bands like Gnarls Barkley and Black Stone Cherry.

Of course the focus of a music station should be music, but the right music. As far as the Chili Peppers and Tool go, those are bands that are now mere shadows of themselves. RHCP has one of the highest burn rates of any rock band, meaning that people tire of them...and fast. Tool hasn't put out a truly great album since 1996's Aenema. It's funny that you pick the bands you do, RHCP, Tool, Radiohead, and the components of Audioslave are all artists that broke big in the early to mid nineties, when modern rock was compelling. 93X can't take credit for breaking those artists, those are industry "no brainers, must add".

As far as Gnarls Barkely and Black Stone Cherry are concerned, let's see if they're around in another 8-10 months. Chances are, you won't remember them in 2007.

As far as "bits" or "segments" go, the one's they have for their target demographic are awesome. Their night jock has two shows that have great appeal. "Nine Songs That Don't Suck" is the first, and it's perfect for the "internet streamers" out there who what the newest music first. Alot of the songs that are played during that hour aren't in their regular rotation, so people make a point to listen. Then you have "Locals Only", which other stations have ripped off after realizing how passionate the local’s scene in Memphis is. But try as they might, the first station people turn to for local music IS 93X.

Wow, a top nine show. Riveting. I bet it airs at 9pm...again, creative genius. Chances are, the "internet streamers" are ahead of the curve, and have already heard the cleverly named "Nine Songs That Don't Suck". I, too, would have liked a show like that when Beavis and Butthead were popular. (Note, I love Beavis and Butthead.) I'm sure people are setting their watches for 9pm.

Local's only is great programming, but there is a show like this in every market...and some are cleverly named "Home Grown Buzz Bands" or something else ridiculously trite. I say this as a once local musician, and it is a shame, but most people change the station when they hear local bands. It sucks, but it's true.

And yes, alot of teens listen to 93X, but so do ALOT of people in their 20's. I don't know how in-tuned you are to that age group, but go into a bar on Highland or one in Midtown and just ask people what their preset stations are, 8 of the 10 will say 93X. Don't believe me? Try it.

Maybe you should get a sales gig at 93X. Go right into and agency and tell them that you talked to 10 people, and 8 of them have 93X preset in their car...sounds silly, right? 8 to 10 people that you talk to on the Highland Strip is hardly a large enough sample (or random enough) to make the point you're missing. It is no doubt that young people have 92.9 preset on their radio, but how often do they listen to the station? Are they simply listening between CD's? And is that demographic a viable demo to sell? If they do get an arbitron diary in the mail, will they fill it out?

All you've really said is "I like 93X's content", and then went on to write a testimonial about why it's a good station.

The numbers disagree with you, as does the profit and loss statement. That station does not generate ratings and. in turn, generates little revenue. The only numbers the station ever got was residual from a legendary morning show, being Howard Stern.

The station has to be "RAWK and ROLL", not "Too Cool for the Room". Play modern rock records that are hits Pearl Jam, Nirvana, STP, Godsmack, and mix in some AC/DC, Ozzy, Zepplin, etc. Bring back Mandatory Metallica. Imaging that really reflects the landscape of the Memphis Metro. Think about a plumber who spends all day in his truck...all day listening

REFLECT THE MARKET. MAKE LISTENERS IDENTIFY WITH YOUR STATION.

For the record, I'm 27, white, male. I'm in the middle of the 93X target demo. I've been known to frequent Newby's and RP Tracks (however I have never felt compelled to do any polling at those places). Let's just say I've listened to my fair share of 93X. My share, your share, his share....I've listened alot.

 

[crimsonblues]

I'm a listener who enjoys keeping up with local radio, not a professional, so here's my 2 cents. I'm a 49yo male who listens to 93X most of the time. Living in Cordova, I have trouble picking it up on my portable radios. I agree the Buzz, FM100 & the River are all pretty much the same. I find myself listening to Q107 more lately. I do get tired of all the oldie weekends everyone seems to be doing now. I listen to D & Z on 98.1 & usually change the station after they go off. I rarely turn on Rock 103 anymore.

 

[StereoBrain]

The only numbers the station ever got was residual from a legendary morning show, being Howard Stern.

Umm..You're kidding, right? The Stern show never got above a 3 share from day one, it dwindled in the 2s in good books. Im a huge Stern fan, but let's face it, that show did not sell in Memphis. Actually if you look at the ratings, the numbers for WMFS actually rose after Rover took over.

 

[DeltaKing]

A-HA! My master plan to lure CF from the shadows has worked to perfection!

 

[CFKane]

You'd of gotten away with it too, if it hadn't been, wait, never mind... ;D I really tried to be loyal to West, and "insight", but that "bored" needs some Miracle Gro. I figured you were trying to get me back here! (Insert your own Godfather III reference here.) We should ditch the company posturing and grab a brew sometime, DK. CFKane

 

[spaceman]

Umm..You're kidding, right? The Stern show never got above a 3 share from day one, it dwindled in the 2s in good books. Im a huge Stern fan, but let's face it, that show did not sell in Memphis. Actually if you look at the ratings, the numbers for WMFS actually rose after Rover took over.

Did you ever listen to the Howard Stern show? Remember how long the spot breaks were? Don't tell me it didn't sell...I was there, and it was the only thing that sold.

If the Howard numbers dipped, it was because he spent the last year bitching about the FCC and talking about his move to Sirius...I'm sure people tired of it and stopped listening in that span. Rover took the station from a 1.3 to a 2.0 (probably out of curiosity) and then back down to a 1.5 after he did a Chicago talk show in Memphis. Brilliant.

1.3, 2.0, 1.5...something's not working.

 

[mikl73]

I'll admit 92.9 is no my presets but i probably never listen more that 5 minutes at a time. I do better with XM Lucy (i seem to know the music better) I probably fit Lucy's demo better more.. but i drop in on XM Squizz quite a bit.

 

[KoulKat]

I'm glad you felt so passionate about my post to answer everything I wrote, seriously, im honored. The quote and response method really worked for you there, but despite the lengthily post, I think you missed my point. You say music by the Chili Peppers and Tool are industry "no brainers, must add". But what other station is playing the new Tool?

And yes, "Nine Songs that Don't Suck" isn't a new concept, I never said it was. I said it had great appeal to those interested in hearing the newest music first. And the kids who do get alot of their music from the internet might be on top of the latest and greatest, but they don't catch everything, that's why "Nine Songs" is good, it's not "the top nine songs you can hear throughout the day", it's made up mostly of songs that have just come out and aren't in rotation yet.

As for local music, if you think 93X should lose "Locals Only", you're crazy. Half the listeners in their demographic are either in bands or know people who are. And if people change the station when they hear it, why are bands like Egypt Central and On A Dead Machine in their regular rotation?

Bring back Mandatory Metallica? Interesting, I guess Metallica Monday doesn't count.

I also never said that I only talked to 10 people and 8 of them listen to 93X. What I was saying is that the heart of the 93X listening audience can be found in those areas.

If you just don't like 93X, then that's okay, it's your choice, but cut the station some slack. They are far from being the worst station in Memphis.

 

[mikl73]

at least someone is supporting local music here....

I do like Egypt Central and Saliva
found a couple other bands recently that get out and go see live...

I definatly wouldnt say rip something very uncookie cutter away ever....

 

[spaceman]

The orginal point of this entire thread was that 93X is a failing radio station, despite having no competition.

While you may like the station, it does not perform well in ratings and revenue.

My point was that an active rocker would perform better in Memphis than does an alternative station.

I never once said to lose the local show. I've personally benefitted from Locals Only, and shows like it.

I wouldn't even go so far as to say that I dislike 93X...it's just not a viable station for the market.

By the way, if half a radio station's audience is the local bands in the city...then there's a problem. That's a small, small group...do the math.

Playing unfamiliar bands like EC and OADM in regular rotation might have something to do with the low ratings.

Don't take it personally that 93X is tanking. I'm just pointing out the situation using simple logic.

 

[StereoBrain]

Is there any possible way we could get some numbers from the late 90s-early 00s? How did 92.9 do as an active rock station vs. their alterantive format? MFS flipped in late 2001 from active rock to alternative rock. Can anybody provide those numbers?

 

[spaceman]

I'm willing to bet it was better than a 1.3, 2.0, and 1.5.

 

[KoulKat]

You have to admit, the whole arbitron system is flawed. You can't really get a good idea of who's listening to what by those numbers. But alas, those are the first things that people look at. And I won't say I'm not guilty of compairing numbers myself, I just dont think so much stock should be put into them.

 

[Charilie Murphy]

man if we could just get the people with diaries to talk about us as much as everyone on this board does we might get to that elusive 2.1 12+.

apparently we are a really crappy radio station and if i remember correclty everyone on this board has doomed us to a format flip for the four years ive been here.

since the format flip is emanate i have been brushing up on new skills... seriously, when we do finally flip i want all program directors in the memphis area to know that i am a hellyun with a broom. i will clean that studio so damn good you'll really think im worth that five dollars an hour!

cant wait for the career move!

a career with a future!

sweet!

twitch