Connoisseur Media Coming to DSM 105.9/96.3

[radiorobert]

Looks as though a fourth company will be entering the DSM market either this year or early next year.

This company won allotments to 105.9 and 96.3, both Class A's, last year. Here is their website.

http://www.connoisseurmedia.com/

Looks like they may actually be a new player in the market.

 

[garn91]

How would Connisseur format these two frequencies? Would the formats on 105.9 & 96.3 be separate of one another, or would they go into together to blanket the metro with one format? Or would Connisseur bypass the metro all together and make these "hometown" stations for the communities they are licensed to?

> Looks as though a fourth company will be entering the DSM
> market either this year or early next year.
>
> This company won allotments to 105.9 and 96.3, both Class
> A's, last year. Here is their website.
>
> http://www.connoisseurmedia.com/
>
> Looks like they may actually be a new player in the market.
>

 

[radiorobert]

From what the website indicates, they'd probably go after the metro. Thats where the revenue would be.

As far as formats go, it's hard to tell.

I would think they'd go one format on both and tie them togeather, they could market better that way b/c both of these are Class A's that won't fully cover, with a GOOD signal, all the way north across the metro. I'm guessing CHR, ROCK or some form of BOB/JACK/BUS type format.

Believe it or not, CHR or ROCK would be the better choices b/c this market is pretty much saturated with 25-54 AC/Pop and Classic/Oldies.

They could go after Lite 104, but Lites overall ratings are not at the top to begin with, so it'd be like spliting apart an even smaller pie. Especially since they're both Class A's from S. of the metro.


> How would Connisseur format these two frequencies? Would
> the formats on 105.9 & 96.3 be separate of one another, or
> would they go into together to blanket the metro with one
> format? Or would Connisseur bypass the metro all together
> and make these "hometown" stations for the communities they
> are licensed to?
>
> > Looks as though a fourth company will be entering the DSM
> > market either this year or early next year.
> >
> > This company won allotments to 105.9 and 96.3, both Class
> > A's, last year. Here is their website.
> >
> > http://www.connoisseurmedia.com/
> >
> > Looks like they may actually be a new player in the
> market.
> >
>

 

[JonEllis]

If they are targeting Des Moines, It'll have to be somewhat of a niche format to get people to tune away from the stronger signals.
-R&B/Hip-Hop or Rhythmic-leaning CHR. 106.3 proved it can pull in the ratings.
-Adult Alternative. Nothing like it in the area.
-Sports. There's only one sports station right now, and its numbers are good. 107.1 had a decent listenership, IIRC, but they didn't make it.

If they decide to target the stations' local coverage areas, I'd say Country would probably be the choice for 96.3, but 105.9 is less clear...maybe Classic Hits.

The two signals will actually have about the same strength in most of Des Moines, so a simulcast is no guarantee. Here are links to maps of the main coverage areas:
(105.9) http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/MB/Databases/fm_tv_service_areas/maps/FM1034734.gif
(96.3) http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/MB/Databases/fm_tv_service_areas/maps/FM1034737.gif

Maybe a joint studio in Indianola?

 

[radiorobert]

Now that I see the coverage areas, even though that's probably the 60dbu range, I wouldn't be surprised if they separately target Knoxville and Winterset, which means this will be much less of a metro station.

It's funny though b/c the "press release" part of their website specifically says DSM.

> If they are targeting Des Moines, It'll have to be somewhat
> of a niche format to get people to tune away from the
> stronger signals.
> -R&B/Hip-Hop or Rhythmic-leaning CHR. 106.3 proved it can
> pull in the ratings.
> -Adult Alternative. Nothing like it in the area.
> -Sports. There's only one sports station right now, and its
> numbers are good. 107.1 had a decent listenership, IIRC,
> but they didn't make it.
>
> If they decide to target the stations' local coverage areas,
> I'd say Country would probably be the choice for 96.3, but
> 105.9 is less clear...maybe Classic Hits.
>
> The two signals will actually have about the same strength
> in most of Des Moines, so a simulcast is no guarantee. Here
> are links to maps of the main coverage areas:
> (105.9)
http://www.fcc.gov/ftp> /Bureaus/MB/Databases/fm_tv_service_areas/maps/FM1034734.gif
>
> (96.3)
http://www.fcc.gov/ftp> /Bureaus/MB/Databases/fm_tv_service_areas/maps/FM1034737.gif
>
>
> Maybe a joint studio in Indianola?
>
<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by radiorobert on 02/01/06 03:42 PM.</FONT></P>

 

[radiorobert]

Two new 'strong' metro signals??? Move in's...

In investigating this further, this almost seems like the dumbest business move ever for a new radio company.

Why would someone put a couple of weak Class A signals just outside a growing metro, but not quite able to reach it fully?? As far as Knoxville and Winterset are concerened, why would someone start new stations in those places to begin with? There's no real revenue potential. Knoxville isn't really big enough for two competing FM's, and Winterset probably isn't big enough for one, period. Not to mention, all the listed new stations they are opening are going to be in Medium to large metro areas, ie; Wichita, Omaha, Boise, etc.

I believe these will be upgraded and moved into the metro.

96.3: The only thing holding this frequency back from allowing at least a C2 or C1 signal is KNWM 96.1 Madrid. This could be easily remedied by moving KNWM to, lets say, 94.1. That would allow for KNWM to retain it's current coverage area, if not expand it further, thus making a paid move a real possibility here. 94.1 has nothing on it for at least 90 miles to the east (KRNA), and farther than that to the west, north and south. 96.3 could then be moved closer to the metro and could at least be a good C2 (50kw) signal, maybe C1 (100kw on a shorter stick.) The next closest signals are 96.5 Audobon, and 96.5 Cedar Rapids

105.9; This frequency is contained by two factors; 1. KDRB on 106.3 in Ankeny and the K-love translator in Ames. The K-love translator could easily be moved somewhere else and kept at 250w. That would allow 105.9 to hold, maybe a C3 from it's current area near Winterset, thus drastically improving it's DSM reach. KDRB would however keep it from becoming anything higher than a C3 from Madison county.

 

[ISUcyclone]

Re: Two new 'strong' metro signals??? Move in's...

Those won't quite work but you've got the right idea.

94.1 in Ames is the CP for a new LPFM station (KJAS). Their new tower location appears to be at the old 96.1 studios at 13th and I35. Now technically they're not protected from full power stations, but as 94.1 isn't a minor change in frequency it would be all that more difficult for them to move. I would imagine that KJAS would be able to then move to 96.3 for this to work out. (or the translator on 95.5 would have to move too, don't you love 3rd adjacent rules?)
Let's not forget their fringe coverage on 94.1 would be worse and forget about any Des Moines coverage. A lot of listeners in the north metro would be unhappy. KNWM would definately get the shaft end of the deal. I haven't checked if they would meet spacing criteria on that frequency (KRNA), so it might not work to being with.

I could be wrong but it looks like 96.3 might still be able to move north a bit as their 60dbu protected/54 dbu interference contours don't touch. Again, I'd have to check into it in more detail, but otherwise I can't name any stations off the top of my head that would prevent that.

As for the 105.9 Patterson CP, translators aren't protected. Also, the CP for 105.5 Perry would get in the way too. That and 106.3 is the reason they cannot move further north. South-east is KELR (Chariton) on 105.3. I can't think of anything preventing a move West so they could increase power, except the possibility of moving too far away from their COL. That would give their fringe a little better penetration into southern Des Moines.

I think a AAA format would be ideal in the area. I think a lot of owners are hesitant at this time about putting a full-power hip-hop station in the area. Whether or not it would work on a fringe signal(s) like this remains to be seen.

>
> 96.3: The only thing holding this frequency back from
> allowing at least a C2 or C1 signal is KNWM 96.1 Madrid.
> This could be easily remedied by moving KNWM to, lets say,
> 94.1. That would allow for KNWM to retain it's current
> coverage area, if not expand it further, thus making a paid
> move a real possibility here. 94.1 has nothing on it for at
> least 90 miles to the east (KRNA), and farther than that to
> the west, north and south. 96.3 could then be moved closer
> to the metro and could at least be a good C2 (50kw) signal,
> maybe C1 (100kw on a shorter stick.) The next closest
> signals are 96.5 Audobon, and 96.5 Cedar Rapids
>
> 105.9; This frequency is contained by two factors; 1. KDRB
> on 106.3 in Ankeny and the K-love translator in Ames. The
> K-love translator could easily be moved somewhere else and
> kept at 250w. That would allow 105.9 to hold, maybe a C3
> from it's current area near Winterset, thus drastically
> improving it's DSM reach. KDRB would however keep it from
> becoming anything higher than a C3 from Madison county.
>

 

[radiorobert]

Re: Two new 'strong' metro signals??? Move in's...

You know I just thought of the LP FM in Ames and the Perry station CP after I typed my last post. If the LPFM in Ames could be moved, then it might be possible, however, I doubt that it can be reversed and amended now.

As far as formatics, the only thing left to do in this area as far as formats go is something like Rhythmic CHR. Everything else is on the air in one fashion or another. Even the AAA format is partially covered by STAR and a couple other stations.

This gets me excited b/c the possibility of something new and edgy hitting the airwaves here is really, at least for me, the only reason to stay excited about terrestrial/local radio in DSM. That and talk radio. Otherwise, I'm all for Sirius/XM and more HD type stuff.

I'm not getting any younger, yet I'm still attracted to new/edgy type stuff. As are most of the other people in my generation. Sooner or later this market will have to produce something along the lines I've described above.

I do however, have to take exception at your assertion that 94.1 fringe coverage in DSM would be worse. If anything, it would be somewhat better. 96.1 is restricted by 95.9 in Newton, which bleeds onto 96.1 in the eastern part of the metro. It also has a restriction to the NE from Waterloo, west from Omaha and then I think Mix 96 in the QC is on 96.1 as well, but this is less of an issue. It's also affected by 95.7 KQWC just to the north in Webster City.

94.1 however, is only restricted to the east from KRNA which, if I'm not mistaken is at least 90-some miles if not further. Other than that 94.1 is pretty quiet in this area. The only other restriction of any sort would be KKEZ 94.5 in Ft. Dodge.

 

[ISUcyclone]

Re: Two new 'strong' metro signals??? Move in's...

> You know I just thought of the LP FM in Ames and the Perry
> station CP after I typed my last post. If the LPFM in Ames
> could be moved, then it might be possible, however, I doubt
> that it can be reversed and amended now.
>

Its all good. Can't be moved yet, but perhaps sometime in the future.

> This gets me excited b/c the possibility of something new
> and edgy hitting the airwaves here is really, at least for
> me, the only reason to stay excited about terrestrial/local
> radio in DSM. That and talk radio. Otherwise, I'm all for
> Sirius/XM and more HD type stuff.

I've always thought DSM radio was boring. Nobody willing to take any risks (although that's happening nationwide). When KDRB was still on the air I thought DSM radio was starting to turn around. Apparently not. It would be hard to sell two fringe signals unless they had something unique. Another mainstream country station, for instance, probably won't go over without a strong signal.

> I do however, have to take exception at your assertion that
> 94.1 fringe coverage in DSM would be worse. If anything, it
> would be somewhat better. 96.1 is restricted by 95.9 in
> Newton, which bleeds onto 96.1 in the eastern part of the
> metro. It also has a restriction to the NE from Waterloo,
> west from Omaha and then I think Mix 96 in the QC is on 96.1
> as well, but this is less of an issue. It's also affected by
> 95.7 KQWC just to the north in Webster City.
>
> 94.1 however, is only restricted to the east from KRNA
> which, if I'm not mistaken is at least 90-some miles if not
> further. Other than that 94.1 is pretty quiet in this area.
> The only other restriction of any sort would be KKEZ 94.5 in
> Ft. Dodge.


I was mostly speaking of the co-channel interference I guess. Nothing on 96.1 but I hear a fair amount of co-channel interference on 94.1 from Iowa City (and occasionally Omaha). Plus there's the two LPFM CP's in DSM on 94.1 (Grandview and Drake sharetime stations).

The other thing to consider is the spacing. I checked the FCC's rules. Minimum clearance between a class A and a class C1 (such as KRNA) is 200km or 138 miles. As a result, there wouldn't be room to move a signal to 94.1.

So apparently 96.1 is out of luck :-(

 

[whyhellothere]

Re: Two new 'strong' metro signals??? Move in's...

When you have a signal that is marginal in a market it is a very good idea to run something on that station that really makes people passionate about the station. Something that will make people do whatever it takes to listen to that station.

If you run a format such as CHR/Rhytmic or Active Rock/Alternative, you're appealing to a younger audience that would be more likely to try to get you in. An adult audience doesn't have time to try and listen if they can't get you, especially if they can get the music elsewhere.

Conoissuer has money. Their Bloomington, Il stations launched with a gigantic marketing campaign and they're not afraid to spend a few bucks right away.


> You know I just thought of the LP FM in Ames and the Perry
> station CP after I typed my last post. If the LPFM in Ames
> could be moved, then it might be possible, however, I doubt
> that it can be reversed and amended now.
>
> As far as formatics, the only thing left to do in this area
> as far as formats go is something like Rhythmic CHR.
> Everything else is on the air in one fashion or another.
> Even the AAA format is partially covered by STAR and a
> couple other stations.
>
> This gets me excited b/c the possibility of something new
> and edgy hitting the airwaves here is really, at least for
> me, the only reason to stay excited about terrestrial/local
> radio in DSM. That and talk radio. Otherwise, I'm all for
> Sirius/XM and more HD type stuff.
>
> I'm not getting any younger, yet I'm still attracted to
> new/edgy type stuff. As are most of the other people in my
> generation. Sooner or later this market will have to produce
> something along the lines I've described above.
>
> I do however, have to take exception at your assertion that
> 94.1 fringe coverage in DSM would be worse. If anything, it
> would be somewhat better. 96.1 is restricted by 95.9 in
> Newton, which bleeds onto 96.1 in the eastern part of the
> metro. It also has a restriction to the NE from Waterloo,
> west from Omaha and then I think Mix 96 in the QC is on 96.1
> as well, but this is less of an issue. It's also affected by
> 95.7 KQWC just to the north in Webster City.
>
> 94.1 however, is only restricted to the east from KRNA
> which, if I'm not mistaken is at least 90-some miles if not
> further. Other than that 94.1 is pretty quiet in this area.
> The only other restriction of any sort would be KKEZ 94.5 in
> Ft. Dodge.
>
<P ID="signature">______________
The power is yours!</P>

 

[centraliowa3]

Re: Two new 'strong' metro signals??? Move in's...

Let's not forget about the 94.1 in Pleasantville!


> > You know I just thought of the LP FM in Ames and the Perry
>
> > station CP after I typed my last post. If the LPFM in Ames
>
> > could be moved, then it might be possible, however, I
> doubt
> > that it can be reversed and amended now.
> >
>
> Its all good. Can't be moved yet, but perhaps sometime in
> the future.
>
> > This gets me excited b/c the possibility of something new
> > and edgy hitting the airwaves here is really, at least for
>
> > me, the only reason to stay excited about
> terrestrial/local
> > radio in DSM. That and talk radio. Otherwise, I'm all for
> > Sirius/XM and more HD type stuff.
>
> I've always thought DSM radio was boring. Nobody willing to
> take any risks (although that's happening nationwide). When
> KDRB was still on the air I thought DSM radio was starting
> to turn around. Apparently not. It would be hard to sell
> two fringe signals unless they had something unique.
> Another mainstream country station, for instance, probably
> won't go over without a strong signal.
>
> > I do however, have to take exception at your assertion
> that
> > 94.1 fringe coverage in DSM would be worse. If anything,
> it
> > would be somewhat better. 96.1 is restricted by 95.9 in
> > Newton, which bleeds onto 96.1 in the eastern part of the
> > metro. It also has a restriction to the NE from Waterloo,
> > west from Omaha and then I think Mix 96 in the QC is on
> 96.1
> > as well, but this is less of an issue. It's also affected
> by
> > 95.7 KQWC just to the north in Webster City.
> >
> > 94.1 however, is only restricted to the east from KRNA
> > which, if I'm not mistaken is at least 90-some miles if
> not
> > further. Other than that 94.1 is pretty quiet in this
> area.
> > The only other restriction of any sort would be KKEZ 94.5
> in
> > Ft. Dodge.
>
>
> I was mostly speaking of the co-channel interference I
> guess. Nothing on 96.1 but I hear a fair amount of
> co-channel interference on 94.1 from Iowa City (and
> occasionally Omaha). Plus there's the two LPFM CP's in DSM
> on 94.1 (Grandview and Drake sharetime stations).
>
> The other thing to consider is the spacing. I checked the
> FCC's rules. Minimum clearance between a class A and a
> class C1 (such as KRNA) is 200km or 138 miles. As a result,
> there wouldn't be room to move a signal to 94.1.
>
> So apparently 96.1 is out of luck :-(
>