Countdown to WFMX Flip

[Timothy@WMAL]

As another WFMX alum from the Adventure days, I'm somewhat disappointed, but not surprised. When I worked there, I said that two things were likely in the cards for WFMX, it would have to move into Charlotte or the triad to make itself more viable for national ad dollars, and either it or WWMG would have to flip to top 40. Looks like they both did.

The reply was that I had more than a few misconceptions.

It is a shame that that nice facility will be empty.

 

[johnqdoe]

She was told by the receptionist that it was the decision of WFMX NOT to say anything on air about the flip. She was also told that it was WFMX's decision to move to Greensboro. Let me inform you first, THIS IS NOT TRUE!

Was WFMX a separate entity from Clear Channel? Not really. The staff was working for Clear Channel. So technically, the statement is correct.

I hope no one takes offense at my rant, but I just don't understand all of the grief being expressed over this move. If the station had been kicking butt and raking in the money, it would still be operating the same way. The radio business is completely different now from the way it was 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 years ago. Pick a decade. It constantly changes. The FM radio band changed radio drastically. When the FM's started becoming dominate, it killed a lot of small stations. Satellite and the internet and CD's and I-Pods have changed and are changing everything in the media business. Cable changed TV. The Internet is changing Newspapers. The Internet is changing everything for that matter. Instead of griping about change, we need to learn how to adapt to new realities. Outlying FM's have been moving to urban areas for years. Time finally caught up with WFMX. This is not a big bad corporation being a bully. This is business in the 21st century.

good post. It's sad that the station is no more, but you can't blame CC for moving it. Hell, blame whomever sold WFMX to start with. With ALLLLL these transactions, somewhere down the line, mom & pop took the money and ran. You probably got better service at a Western Auto store in 1975 than you do at Wal Mart today, but times change....

 

[radioguy801]

She was told by the receptionist that it was the decision of WFMX NOT to say anything on air about the flip. She was also told that it was WFMX's decision to move to Greensboro. Let me inform you first, THIS IS NOT TRUE!

Was WFMX a separate entity from Clear Channel? Not really. The staff was working for Clear Channel. So technically, the statement is correct.

I hope no one takes offense at my rant, but I just don't understand all of the grief being expressed over this move. If the station had been kicking butt and raking in the money, it would still be operating the same way. The radio business is completely different now from the way it was 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 years ago. Pick a decade. It constantly changes. The FM radio band changed radio drastically. When the FM's started becoming dominate, it killed a lot of small stations. Satellite and the internet and CD's and I-Pods have changed and are changing everything in the media business. Cable changed TV. The Internet is changing Newspapers. The Internet is changing everything for that matter. Instead of griping about change, we need to learn how to adapt to new realities. Outlying FM's have been moving to urban areas for years. Time finally caught up with WFMX. This is not a big bad corporation being a bully. This is business in the 21st century.

You obviosuly DON'T know WFMX!!! It wasn't just a radio station to people. It was a WAY OF LIFE! WFMX was like the best friend to people they never had. WFMX was the one you relied on to get you to school or work everyday. Just you and everyone on the radio gathered around the the table for coffee. That was WFMX! Everyone that I talked to have said the exact same thing, "I feel like the world has been ripped away from me." That's a quote. Plus, you don't read very well! What I said was that they are telling people that THE STATION wanted to move and that the STATION didn't want to say anything on air about it. There were plans of saying something and CC stepped in and said don't do it.

 

[MediaTech]

YOUDAMAN (you ain't, but okay)

You must be a CC employee and have a tall glass of their Kool-Aid right there at your desk. Mmmm, tasty. FMX could make money and did, right up til CC (oops did I type CC, I meant Mercury) bought them or AM/FM you guys all know the history. Thats when the LMA sucked up all the money. Funny the Homecoming ended when it was sold as well. One of the most popular STATION PROMOTED events this side of ATL. Stock holders don't understand the value of such events. Business in the 21st century huh?? What would said business have been like if 1996 hadn't happened. Don't understand the grief? How bout your favorite 50 year old family member falls over dead, and oh well they was old, and you know, times change. You think the staff at FMX wanted this change???? "Damn, I gots me an idear, lets move the station away, then we won't have jobs!"

The loss is great for all of the race teams that tuned in to qualifing and Busch races cuz, this is racin country. You knew that, right? SOC is a great station but they only run Cup races.

It is sad, possibly sadder than when Magic died. I wish a proper "Goodbye" would have been allowed but that isn't the CC way. Local radio isn't their way either.

I look forward to your response.

 

[youtheman]

You obviosuly DON'T know WFMX!!! It wasn't just a radio station to people. It was a WAY OF LIFE! WFMX was like the best friend to people they never had. WFMX was the one you relied on to get you to school or work everyday.[/quote]

No, I never worked for WFMX, but I have worked for stations like this. I understand how people feel. People got upset when they cancelled the Andy Griffith show too. But this will always happen and change is difficult for people to deal with. But it doesn't mean that CC is an unfeeling monster corporation. I challenge you to find any radio station business owner that wouldn't have done this eventually.

My point about your comment concerning how this was not a "Station" decision is this. When WWMG in Charlotte changed formats, it would have been incorrect to say that "The Station" didn't want to do it, that it was a Clear Channel decision. Because "The Station" and Clear Channel are one and the same. I'm sure that the CC employees on WWMG in Charlotte didn't want to change anymore than the CC employees in Statesville. In both cases, Clear Channel was operating the station and the employees were CC employees. Clear Channel was not an outside force in Charlotte and they were not an outside force in Statesville.

 

[CCX]

Oh Youtheman! You have indeed drunk the Koolaid. Stick around long enough, Buddyroe, and you too will understand what CC has done to the radio industry and to what radio used to mean to the community. Our views couldn't be further apart. You see, I think the station IS "the people". The people who work for lower wages because they love what they're doing and are passionate about their mission and their product. Clear Channel has stripped the passion out of radio and that's why so many of their stations are mediocre at best. When it all comes down to the "bottom line" and that's your entire motivation for winning, then you've lost the battle. Yes, you're right. Change is inevitable, but that doesn't mean it's always good. The big broadcast groups had better pay attention to what has worked in the past and learn from it or they're destined to go the way of GM and the SUV. You have a lot to learn.

 

[youtheman]

YOUDAMAN (you ain't, but okay)

You must be a CC employee and have a tall glass of their Kool-Aid right there at your desk. Mmmm, tasty. FMX could make money and did, right up til CC (oops did I type CC, I meant Mercury) bought them or AM/FM you guys all know the history. Thats when the LMA sucked up all the money. Funny the Homecoming ended when it was sold as well. One of the most popular STATION PROMOTED events this side of ATL. Stock holders don't understand the value of such events. Business in the 21st century huh?? What would said business have been like if 1996 hadn't happened. Don't understand the grief? How bout your favorite 50 year old family member falls over dead, and oh well they was old, and you know, times change. You think the staff at FMX wanted this change???? "Damn, I gots me an idear, lets move the station away, then we won't have jobs!"

The loss is great for all of the race teams that tuned in to qualifing and Busch races cuz, this is racin country. You knew that, right? SOC is a great station but they only run Cup races.

It is sad, possibly sadder than when Magic died. I wish a proper "Goodbye" would have been allowed but that isn't the CC way. Local radio isn't their way either.

I look forward to your response.

1996 did happen. We have adapt to that reality. CC is bashed on this board the same way Microsoft is bashed on computer boards. And the only reason is because they are both the biggest in their field. CC doesn't operate any differently than Entercom, Cumulus, ABC, CBS, Jefferson Pilot (now Lincoln Financial), Journal or anyone else. And if you think they do, then you are sadly mistaken. In my 30+ year career in Broadcasting I've been fired by more than one of those companies and have seen them shut down formats and stations and not allow any goodbyes. It's been done for years by everyone, not just CC.

 

[radioguy801]

YOUDAMAN (you ain't, but okay)

You must be a CC employee and have a tall glass of their Kool-Aid right there at your desk. Mmmm, tasty. FMX could make money and did, right up til CC (oops did I type CC, I meant Mercury) bought them or AM/FM you guys all know the history. Thats when the LMA sucked up all the money. Funny the Homecoming ended when it was sold as well. One of the most popular STATION PROMOTED events this side of ATL. Stock holders don't understand the value of such events. Business in the 21st century huh?? What would said business have been like if 1996 hadn't happened. Don't understand the grief? How bout your favorite 50 year old family member falls over dead, and oh well they was old, and you know, times change. You think the staff at FMX wanted this change???? "Damn, I gots me an idear, lets move the station away, then we won't have jobs!"

The loss is great for all of the race teams that tuned in to qualifing and Busch races cuz, this is racin country. You knew that, right? SOC is a great station but they only run Cup races.

It is sad, possibly sadder than when Magic died. I wish a proper "Goodbye" would have been allowed but that isn't the CC way. Local radio isn't their way either.

I look forward to your response.

Mediatech and CCX: Thanks for getting it guys! You all know what this station means to SOOOO many people. Thanks again for the back-up!

OJ

 

[wnih-wayne]

Well,

As a noob, this will be my first post...

I worked for FMX, and their sister station SIC for about 6 months time....on an internship of sorts...and never heard anything up till this point..but FMX is yes moving to Greensboro saddeningly enough, and WSIC will be staying in Statesville, as Billy "Buck" Blevins will be buying it from Clear Channel, and him and a friend will be the owners of Iredell Broadcasting Company, as well as WSIC will be the first company...and I will be applying for a spot in the station again....and also one of WSIC's afternoon drive people will be leaving as well....which is a bummer....he was a good guy (KR McKay)

So hopefully, WSIC will still get their chance to reign as Statesville's #1 Talk Radio Station...as the Greyhounds need all the support they get....LOL....I run a Internet Station outta my house, and I support my home team, (NIHS Raiders)...so hey..I might be split between two teams...but who cares...I don't...

WFMX did make the move last week...and they are in "teaser mode" according to WTQR where they are also located....and they should havea format picked out by the end of this week or even last week....

If anyone would like any questions to be answered by Billy on WSIC, just send me a PM or email, and I will try to get you the answers you need....

Wayne

 

[speedyford19]

Hey OJ ( AKA) radioguy801 Thanks for the info. WFMX was like a best friend. I know I did not know you all personally but I did Know you on the radio and so it feels like my best friend is gone . I am 23 year old and I have been a listener to WFMX all of my life and my Mom and Dad have too all Day and Nite we had wfmx on. I know what you are saying about the ones that worked for Wfmx they did not won't to move I have a friend that works for WFMX I am not saying who and told me that they was just as surprised about the move as we where Thanks so much for the info OJ miss hearing you on the air. The morning show was just not the same when you left. The show was still the best morning show on the air but you and Keith just had that connection I thank you brought the best out in Keith and Keith brought the best out in you. I loved the show that you and Keith did the day that you go married hope that is going well
Thanks so much
One of your truck dirving friends

 

[Just_Me]

First, I have posted on the thread many times already.

I am an alum of WFMX having worked with Keith Todd on the morning show for almost 3 years until taking a job with Clear Channel in Roanoke, VA.

radioguy801

I think I might know you. I too worked at WFMX for a little while and it was during the timespan you've mentioned. Have wondered where you went.

Also wondering what the guys at WFMX are going to do now. Greg Ryan, Dave Michaels, Keith Todd, Edd Robinson & Mark Rose.

 

[radioguy801]

Just_Me:

Yes, I am working for Clear Channel in Roanoke, VA at 108 WYYD. You can e-mail me at [email protected] and we can stay in touch and I'll tell you about everyone. I'd like to talk with you and find out who you are.

speedyford19:

Thanks for the kind words! It means so much to me knowing that someone actually liked what we did. Obviosly CC didn't! Anyway, e-mail address is above. E-mail me and let's stay in touch, OK?

L8ter

"OJ" or "Opie joe" or "radioguy801"

 

[Just_Me]

OJ

Dropped you an email with the subject line of "WFMX". It will be good to see how you're doing and to see how the rest of the guys are doing. It's been a long time, that's for sure. Look forward to hearing from you.

 

[chad1787]

first post, so forgive me

have been watching, reading, and listening over the last few days as the whole transition has been taken place. the new station came online today as an R&B station. New address is www.1057kissfm.com with the call letters WMKS.

No matter what clear channel puts out from this station, it will NEVER compare to the great lineup, personalities, and music that was present at WFMX.

 

[Traditional]

Sometimes Clear Channel amazes me. There is already an Urban station in the triad area, along with a Hip Hop station, and two top-40 stations. Now instead of thinking of formats that have never ever been introduced to the triad FM radio market, Clear Channel decides they will just flip FMX to an R&B station which is basically the same as another Urban station. Hell you might as well call the Hip Hop station WJMH an R&B station. Please keep in mind this is just my opinion. I know alot of you probabibly disagree with me, especially after reading some of your replys to this topic. In conclusion all I have to say is that I am sorry to all of those reading this message board who enjoyed the Country on 105.7, and I will be very suprised if this new R&B gets top 5 in the ratings. By the way Greensboro and the triad area will be rated on August 1st according to Arbitron.

Traditional

 

[Matt]

A Modest, Experimental Proposal

Let's encourage all of our friends who are fans of the old WFMX to be on the lookout for Arbitron diaries, or whatever method they use to rate markets these days. If they receive a diary, they should turn their radios to 880 AM...which is WPIP Radio in Winston-Salem. They're STRICTLY non-commercial, and therefore don't depend on ratings to sell advertising.

I don't want people to report stations they aren't listening to, hence my reasoning for tuning in that particular station for the diary term. It would be a form of protest against what has happened with WFMX, and it would be in a form that would certainly demonstrate that the old WFMX had listeners.

Later....
Matt Smith
WGSR-TV

 

[BS1012]

WFMX had a purpose; it served the rural areas, and it served them well. Kiss 105.7 serves no valid purpose but to rival an already heritage station of the same format. In addition, 105.7 will now import a syndicated morning show, an afternoon show, and will probably voice track mid-days and evenings.

If the new station had a purpose--a format of its own, a specialty of its own--perhaps things could be slightly different, if nothing more than grudgingly acceptable. But again, the new 105.7 will serve no purpose than to attempt to cut into another station using the same format and syndicated its shows. And, when the station’s new website tells you to comment and give your thoughts on the new “kiss 107.5,” we’ve got problems.

Regardless of whether you liked country or not [I did not,] 105.7 was a respectable station worth people’s listen. But I’ll tell you this—now in Greensboro, WQMG, WKZL [even after firing all it’s heritage DJ’s like it did last year,] 102.1 and The Triangle’s WDCG are much better stations that serve a purpose with the same more or less urban format; this new station does not.

Go ahead, wipe out a heritage station and replace it with national chatter; do you really think it will seriously damage those more respectable stations?

 

[mediaspeaks]

Boy was I wrong...I said "oh they've done that KISS stunt a million times"..... and what do they do , they go and do a KISS format - wow!

 

[Walken]

Another former employee of FMX from a few years back, those I worked with should be able to figure out who I am. I got out of the biz a few years ago to do theater work and eventually get back to school. Though I haven't worked at FMX/SIC in a while I would still switch to the freq every so often just to get a heads up on some of my old friends. The second I heard the music loop running over the weekend I knew what was happening. Been snooping around for a few days seeing if I could dig up any more info. This really sucks. Opie is exactly right, that station was a family. I had some of the most memorable times in my life at that station. Kind of feels like some part of my past has been taken from me. Somehow it was kind of comforting knowing that I could switch on the station and hear what some of my friends were up to. This move really comes to no surprise however. They was rumblings of the station getting moved years ago. The kind of crap that ClearChannel started pulling from the second they aquired the station made it very clear that FMX would not survive their "leadership". They treated the station like another of their urban cluster stations without taking into account the fact that the station was loved because it was different then their urban stations. They can pull moves like this because ClearChannel has no regard for the listener at all. They change the format because they need a backburner station to fill out their numbers. Obviously I'm not a fan of corporate radio. Also I would like to state that the Jones Radio Network is the unholy spawn of satan and should return to the depths of oblivion from which they escaped.

Opie, hit me back, I haven't heard from you in awhile. Mostly because my old email address is so cluttered with spam that I was forced to abandon it. I would love to hear what you're up to now and if you got any news about the rest of the gang I've lost touch with.

Walken

 

[radioguy801]

Walken!

My e-mail is [email protected].

E-mail me there and then I will give you a personal address.

OJ