Fair question for sure! This has all kinds of hypotheticals attached to it, but Bud has bitten off a lot of expenses for The Game, while the Buzz is pretty inexpensive, by comparison. But, the ratings for the Buzz are consistent and certainly among the strongest of any format attempt since probably the original rollout of The Party. The signal issues with 102.5 will hurt Dave Ramsey compare to 99.7. 102.9 is a better city grade signal and has better coverage in southern counties than 102.5, where I would think Dave's influence is slightly heavier. If Bud flipped the two formats, Buzz would probably land a half share to a share down, but it might sell better north of the city proper and balance out financially. Whatever happens, the start of The Game has been pretty much cursed by the Titans and Preds. Indeed it is sad when the most impressive team in Tennessee is on WLAC-AM. I am not sure how possible it is to survive with such a costly format, if the revenues are anemic and tied to ratings, but maybe things are decent for The Game. This will be a fun thread to watch, hopefully. I have to wonder what the expectations of Dave's listenership will be compared to the reality. I guess, to Dave, it doesn't matter, as long as he is on in his hometown. I think Crums will regret the heck out of this. It will have to cost some serious advertising dollars lost. Then again, maybe a fresh start is a good thing. I am certainly not sure I would have made any good decisions on any of these moves.
Happy New Year to everyone!