Could "98.7 Earl FM" be going Hot AC?

[AlbumOldies]

This afternoon I was searching for something to replace the pushbuttons that had been set on WLSQ, and I came across the song "Imaginary Lover" on 98.7, quite surprising to me as I had deleted "Earl" several weeks ago. I've been giving it a listen off and on this afternoon and it does sound like the programming that was on "The River" which I kind of liked - at least it wasn't overly monotonous (Note to the former River PD: Why didn't you play something from John Mayer besides "Your Body Is A Wonderland" and "Daughters?" I got sick of both songs - Mayer's albums have a lot of great tracks that never get airtime).

Also, altho my listening has been limited, I've not heard the name "Earl" mentioned on 98.7 this afternoon.

 

[BRH]

I think moving away from the "Earl", adult hits format is probably a good move, but I think they need to move to a more female based format for this frequency. It seems to be moving to more of a AAA direction again. I think there is a big hole for a Hot AC (or even a rhythmic AC). Citadel needs to get away from their need to do male focused formats on every stick in this market and they need to go in a Hot AC (or some sort of female based AC) direction on this signal. And yeah that means hiring some fun talent. I'm sorry, nothing against the guy, but Joe's monotone, laid back style, really bores me.

 

[jetfli]

ESPN found out in Nashville that the courts do not look favorably on breaking contracts for the sake of a stronger signal.

How so? There's been a resolution to the suit?

As far as Citadel setting up another sports network under the ABC banner, I would think it is more likely that they would acquire Sporting News Radio, who is struggling mightily according to those over on the Sports Board here at RI. SNR was heard on many Citadel stations before corporate signed that national deal with Premiere for FSR and Fox News Radio on most of their stations a couple of years back. If they find a need for sports programming, it would seem that would be a direction they might go instead of launching something new, but that's just speculation on my part.

... and of course in the big picture, it's up to what the agreements are between Disney and Citadel about ESPN. I saw one source claiming Citadel had management of ESPN Radio. What does that mean? I haven't been able to confirm whether this is true or not.

I just couldn't see them buying SNR, even if they were free and clear to do so. After all, with ABC, they wouldn't need to buy SNR for the network infrastructure. What I could see is Citadel developing some of its own talent, like Detroit's Bill Simonson of "The Huge Show," as national or regional programming under the ABC Radio Sports banner, rather than try to build their own 24/7 sports talk network any time soon.

 

[ARDONAVINDA]

With WLSQ blowing out their 70's format to go Classic Rock maybe WOKI could try an oldies style format, at least it would do better than what the ratings show now. And you can see how South Central's ratings have never really even come close to what Oldies 95.7 & 106.7 did. CBS FM realized they made a mistake, the People Meter helped to determine that Philadelphia's Oldies 98.1 WOGL was doing better than they realized due to the fact that men were not taking the time to fill out their diary's. I think a 60's 70's & early 80's format delivered in a high personality presentation would be fun, and could be a still sellable product, but you need sales people who believe in a gold format and not be afraid of it! You need a local programer to not be afraid to tell the GM this can work, you don't need consultants from Texas to tell the programer how it should be run in your market! You need jocks that listened to 30 year old airchecks and understand how to deliver personality radio, interact with a killer vintage PAMS/JAM jingle package, must LOVE the reverb! Man As I type this I'm starting to think that is to much to ask of todays radio to handle! Maybe it can't be done. I thought Music Radio WLSQ was pretty close to reduplicating that feel of Vintage Personality radio they also dug deeper in their playlist. I personally enjoyed hearing those forgotten songs by the familiar artists. It was refreshing to not hear the same song everyday but a different one by the artist or group. Hated to hear them change. Maybe someone else would try the Music Radio format again, it would be fun to listen to. When was the last time you could say any radio station is fun to listen to?

 

[RussAllen]

Does "The Huge Show" do well? I've peeped that out a couple of times and it just doesn't hold my attention. Give me the FSR guys.

 

[AlbumOldies]

When was the last time you could say any radio station is fun to listen to?

EXACTLY ! I liked WLSQ's oldies format from the first song I heard on it. It was upbeat music, and an upbeat presentation. And you just cannot beat Tom Kent's syndicated show in the evenings.