December Houston numbers

[Ryan Williams]

How are KLVH and KHJK so far behind in the ratings compared to KSBJ? Do listeners not like national radio formats, or are the local traffic and weather reports really keeping KSBJ on top. Or has K-love not done enough advertising to get people to their station, most likely listeners are upset about the loss of country legends 97.1. I remember someone on the Houston board say that K-Love Inc./Educational Media Foundation aren't going to leave Houston, but does anyone think that EMF is happy with a 0.6? Just a curious listener question.

Decades and decades of establishment and listening habits through multiple generations generates incredible inertia. Local, non-commercial CCMs have some of the strongest and most loyal listeners of any format. Stations like KSBJ, WPOZ, KLJY, KTIS, KVNE, KLRC, etc. have huge audiences and they are not going to just all move overnight to a national format out of Rocklin or Franklin. These stations have local, large staffs with little turnover and tons of local engagement and events. The listeners who donate rightfully feel part of the team and mission. These are large moats as long as they don't grow complacent and keep covering the bases.

Also worth pointing out is that KLVH and KHJK are both rimshots with severely worse signals in the most dense portions of Houston compared to KSBJ. KSBJ adding signals and upgrading 89.3 as much as possible are examples of covering their bases.

 

[Ryan Williams]

Still wondering if Hope Media Group might be searching for a full Houston signal for its recently acquired Worship 24/7 format. If one or more of the eastern rimshots goes on the market HPM will likely have interest.

HMG has not been buying much lately, but I have to imagine this is an eventual goal, maybe not a full signal, but if they can get a decent signal or signals at a reasonable price.

 

[Deleted member 108832]

Both KLVH and KHJK are rimshot signals. KSBJ is a C1 but is more centrally located with adequate coverage. I am sure that all three stations would love to have a Missouri City stick, but that’s not happening anytime soon.

To Houston they are rimshots. Where 97.1 is, has a solid, direct competitor. The former KETX Livingston as a C2 next door to 59. One of KSBJ's repeaters now. It covers well in a car, from Patton Village clear up to Lufkin. In a home setting, it has issues in Lufkin, but as close as Burke, 7 miles south, the 92.3 signal is solid no matter the receiver being used.

Would love to see a breakout of listeners in Montgomery, Walker, Liberty and Polk counties. I suspect KLVH does much better there, where the signal is solid and equal to or better than KSBJ.

Liberty is covered by 99.9, as you know, and Polk/Walker is covered by 92.3. Combining the two, as KSBJ repeaters, puts them on pretty level ground against the formidable 100kW giant.

The problem with K-Love is that is is pretty much a musical clone of KSBJ. There is little reason for listeners to make a switch.

Bingo 🐸.

44 years of market heritage keep KSBJ on top.

Bingo again.

I see billboards for K-Love in Montgomery County, but I’m surprised they haven’t made more of an awareness push.

There was one on 59 between New Caney and Cleveland SB towards Houston. Haven't been down there since last year, so that may no longer be the case. It wasn't too long after 97.1 switched that I saw it.

Non-factor as far as K-Love listenership goes. The County Legends audience would have been upset, but the station was a revenue dog that only existed as an advertising throw-in with 93Q.

Wasn't always that way, 🐸, let's be fair. Cox let it become a computer in a closet with no personality, whatsoever.

Depends on how much money is being raised in SE Texas, which is the real ratings metric for K-Love and Air1.

Isn't the collection plate not just regionally combined with Beaumont, SA, DFW, Houston, Corpus, etc.?

Still wondering if Hope Media Group might be searching for a full Houston signal for its recently acquired Worship 24/7 format. If one or more of the eastern rimshots goes on the market HPM will likely have interest.

Note to self: 🐸 has leapt to the "Hope for KFNC" lilly pad. 🤠👍

 

[Mark Roberts]

Still wondering if Hope Media Group might be searching for a full Houston signal for its recently acquired Worship 24/7 format. If one or more of the eastern rimshots goes on the market HPM will likely have interest.

For what it's worth, Hope's KXWA (WayFM) in the Denver market just put Worship 24/7 on its HD-3 channel.

 

[stan]

Depends on how much money is being raised in SE Texas, which is the real ratings metric for K-Love and Air 1

listeners in SE Texas don’t listen to these two stations - or the people I know who listen to that type of station. They listen to KLBT or KHIH (KSBJ).

 

[Mediafrog+]

To Houston they are rimshots. Where 97.1 is, has a solid, direct competitor. The former KETX Livingston as a C2 next door to 59. One of KSBJ's repeaters now. It covers well in a car, from Patton Village clear up to Lufkin. In a home setting, it has issues in Lufkin, but as close as Burke, 7 miles south, the 92.3 signal is solid no matter the receiver being used.

Liberty is covered by 99.9, as you know, and Polk/Walker is covered by 92.3. Combining the two, as KSBJ repeaters, puts them on pretty level ground against the formidable 100kW giant.

Wonder if Hope Media Group would ever make a play for KVST to cover Montgomery and Walker counties?

Note to self: 🐸 has leapt to the "Hope for KFNC" lilly pad. 🤠👍

I see what you did there, 🌹.

I would push HMG towards 93.3, 98.5 or 107.9 for the P&W format before going for 97.5 and it’s alleged tower maintenance issues.

Ultimate fantasy for HMG: 104.1 KSBJ.🤯🤣

 

[tb_]

Wonder if Hope Media Group would ever make a play for KVST to cover Montgomery and Walker counties?

I see what you did there, 🌹.

I would push HMG towards 93.3, 98.5 or 107.9 for the P&W format before going for 97.5 and it’s alleged tower maintenance issues.

Ultimate fantasy for HMG: 104.1 KSBJ.🤯🤣

Unlikely. From here in far north Montgomery County, KSBJ and KHVU come in just fine, even with a cheap radio with the stock dipole, and I can usually pick up at least one of the east-side simulcast stations (92.3 KEHH or 99.9 KHIH). While scanning on the way up to Dallas, little ol' 92.3 makes it as far out as Madisonville.

 

[b-turner]

I think the big question is if the station can support the debt of a commercial frequency. I doubt it, not just in this economy but inth over crowded CCM market, garnering that share and loyalty typically comes slowly. Considering any signal shaves listeners from their station(s). The money is finite like every other format. I'd think long and hard before pulling the trigger.

 

[Deleted member 108832]

I think the big question is if the station can support the debt of a commercial frequency.

It's worked out pretty well for Encouragement Media up here. Purchased 4 commercial facilities and took them all non-comm. Three of those signals seem to be doing well and are regularly generating donations to the mission at hand. I know we're not the size of Houston, but the ERFET isn't the size of the KSBJ Foundation, either. If there's a willingness to pick up a true Houston signal, from Senior Road or otherwise, you'd have to imagine they would have the capital to pull off the purchase.

I doubt it, not just in this economy but inth over crowded CCM market, garnering that share and loyalty typically comes slowly. Considering any signal shaves listeners from their station(s). The money is finite like every other format. I'd think long and hard before pulling the trigger.

Darn crowded in the Christian realm here, too, but each one seemingly compliments the others well enough that everyone gets a little piece of the pie. As long as the Word is being spread.

There's been a rumbling or three that Troy is far from done expanding. Acquiring a Dallas facility is on the front burner. Could Houston be far behind that?

 

[stan]

The grift is still strong, apparently.

Until it isn’t.

 

[Ryan Williams]

The grift is still strong, apparently.

Until it isn’t.

What grift are you speaking of?

 

[Mediafrog+]

There's been a rumbling or three that Troy is far from done expanding. Acquiring a Dallas facility is on the front burner.

Possibly KWRD 100.7? Chatter that Salem could unload it now that 620 is simulcasting.

KFZO could be an option once LMN finishes crumbling.

Other than that, waiting for MediaCo to exit the radio business?

Could Houston be far behind that?

Take your pick of:

Fuzión 93.3 KFZN

Fuzión 97.5 KFZN

Fuzión 98.5 KFZN

Fuzión 107.9 KFZN

🤪🤣

 

[Deleted member 108832]

.

 

[Deleted member 108832]

Possibly KWRD 100.7? Chatter that Salem could unload it now that 620 is simulcasting.

Yessir, that was the talk. Nothing against the ERFET, but I'd sure not want to see it happen. The reason being that I suspect a domino effect would result from it. First they buy KWRD-FM, then the co-channel KTYK. You'd have to imagine that ERFET would like to have the better 100.7 Overton facility over the current one at 102.3 Jacksonville. Then, what to do with the current odd station out, KZWL? Combo it with 102.3 and put out the "For Sale" sign? 94 3 is all by itself, now, after Lift Worship was expanded to Longview by replacing The Well on 95.3. I'd imagine they would entertain a fair offer for 94.3, but who would want it, other than another religious operator? We had it paired with 103.1, but that wasn't ideal, and the ERFET's plan to combine it with 95.3 as "The Well" didn't result in anything better. There were still significant coverage holes between the two. The current set-up with 91 and 95.3 is a much better fit for both facilities. They compliment each other far better than what was available to pair with 95.3 before.

KFZO could be an option once LMN finishes crumbling.

Now there's a station with no future. I know some people wax nostalgic over it because it was the home of Z-Rock all those many years ago, but if there were ever an FM facility that would be better off deleted and forgotten about, this one would certainly fit the bill.

Other than that, waiting for MediaCo to exit the radio business?

Take your pick of:

Fuzión 93.3 KFZN

Fuzión 97.5 KFZN

Fuzión 98.5 KFZN

Fuzión 107.9 KFZN

🤪🤣

😂

Well, the standard ERFET procedure has been to expand either KVNE or Fuzión. Shreveport got both. Lufkin got Fuzión only. Little Rock, KVNE. Houston, probably would end up with Fuzión.

An emphatic no on 97.5. That would crush the "Hope for KFNC-2026" campaign.

 

[Ryan Williams]

Yessir, that was the talk. Nothing against the ERFET, but I'd sure not want to see it happen. The reason being that I suspect a domino effect would result from it. First they buy KWRD-FM, then the co-channel KTYK. You'd have to imagine that ERFET would like to have the better 100.7 Overton facility over the current one at 102.3 Jacksonville.

This is silly talk. Respectfully. Improving Overton would have no bearing on a buy in DFW. The two Fuzion signals in Tyler and Longview are more than adequate.

I actually evaluated buying what was at the time KPXI back around 2008 when Salem owned it and was simulcasting KWRD-FM. I discussed it with the Chairman of Salem and did some review on the ground in the market too. My conclusion was that it is a terrible signal. It's a co-channel with two super-tall Class Cs in DFW and Houston and gets obliterated. It's too far from Longview to serve non-car listeners and and has a horrible null towards Tyler. Even in the south Broadway area of Tyler is pretty consistently troubled.

Passing on it was one of the best decisions of my career.

I would take 102.3 over 100.7 every day of the week!

 

[Ryan Williams]

Possibly KWRD 100.7? Chatter that Salem could unload it now that 620 is simulcasting.

I think Salem could absolutely unload some more assets. But there is still no mention of 620 except for the call sign at the top of the hour. There is no signs at this point that the simulcast is anything more than a placeholder while they seek a buyer or lessee for 620.

KFZO could be an option once LMN finishes crumbling.

Other than that, waiting for MediaCo to exit the radio business?

Take your pick of:

Fuzión 93.3 KFZN

Fuzión 97.5 KFZN

Fuzión 98.5 KFZN

Fuzión 107.9 KFZN

🤪🤣

Put me down in the "no" category. Vida Unida is already established in Houston with a better signal. Unless a signal is donated, no way they are going to add a second in Houston while "greenfield" markets exist for Fuzion.

 

[Deleted member 108832]

This is silly talk.

Most things on this website are, my friend. How long has KFNC been "on the block"? How many years did we read that KLOL as a Spanish station was going to fall flat on its face?

Respectfully. Improving Overton would have no bearing on a buy in DFW. The two Fuzion signals in Tyler and Longview are more than adequate.

No disrespect taken, Ryan. Adequate enough for Fuzion, sure, but could it be better coverage? You bet. What about KGLY's P&W format? That's a sharp product produced by the ERFET. I'm of the belief that it would do very well in the eastern suburbs of Dallas, if the ERFET were to acquire KWRD-FM. The Well, mind you, is currently relegated to a not-so-hot 94.3 facility. Expanding The Well to KWRD is another option in keeping the preaching and teaching from sitting there withering on the vine (pun intended).

No bearing on the purchase of KWRD-FM, for sure, but if it is acquired, wouldn't you at least entertain buying the Overton co-channel in hopes of mitigating the most likely culprit to interfere with KWRD-FM on those strong tropo days? I can't count how many times KWRD-FM has overtaken KPXI/KTYK in Tyler. I've heard the exact opposite in KWRD-FM's normal coverage area, as well.

I actually evaluated buying what was at the time KPXI back around 2008 when Salem owned it and was simulcasting KWRD-FM. I discussed it with the Chairman of Salem and did some review on the ground in the market too. My conclusion was that it is a terrible signal. It's a co-channel with two super-tall Class Cs in DFW and Houston and gets obliterated.

KTYK gets hammered in Tyler by KWRD-FM. I have yet to experience KKHT at Lumberton overtaking KTYK, at any time. Something about that little slice of the Gulf Coast is just not conducive to reaching this far north. I never heard KFNC up here, before KTBB-FM signed on, either.

It's too far from Longview to serve non-car listeners and and has a horrible null towards Tyler. Even in the south Broadway area of Tyler is pretty consistently troubled.

You can't pick up 102.3 in Longview period, car, home, or what have you. 100.7 Overton has the advantage of HD now, and for whatever reason, it seems to carry better than the OTA signal. I can lock KTYK's HD in Swan, however, can barely pick up a lackluster signal from 102.3. That might be helped if Troy and the gang were to relight the HD on it. Maybe that's not an option and would require new equipment being purchased. Don't know. I haven't seen the set-up in around a decade or better.

Passing on it was one of the best decisions of my career.

I don't blame you at all. 100.7 Overton leaves a lot to desire. It has to be the right operator and the right fit for someone's cluster. Jerry Hanszen was the right fit at the right time, but he and Wanda are getting up in years now, so they cashed it out, and good on them. Red River now has a presence in Tyler-Longview, we have an alternate NPR outlet that is not as rigid with the programming as KERA, so everyone seems to win.

I would take 102.3 over 100.7 every day of the week!

I'd take both 100.7's, over the 102.3 & 103.1 pairing, every day of the week. You'd sacrifice Longview and Mt. Pleasant, but be capable of going after the bigger players that are near Dallas.

But, hey, that's why you own a station, and I don't. 🤷 Instead, I just fantasy spend other people's bank roll on a radio message board during breaks.

 

[ted chittenden]

The thing that struck me about the Houston ratings was Sunny vs. KSBJ.

What, you say?

Both KOTA (Sunny) and KSBJ (and its satellites) were broadcasting Christmas music prior to Thanksgiving weekend. However, while Sunny's ratings went skywards, the Christmas format does not appear to have affected KSBJ's ratings at all (though it may have helped the satellite stations). What I'm thinking is that, barring any signal issues, the Houston audience prefers the secular-based Christmas format to the religious-based one.

 

[Mediafrog+]

How long has KFNC been "on the block"?

About to cross the two year mark, 🌹. Unloved and unwanted.

The thing that struck me about the Houston ratings was Sunny vs. KSBJ.

KSBJ is Sunny’s primary competitor, IMHO. Sunny appeals to soccer moms, while KSBJ appeals to evangelical soccer moms.

the Houston audience prefers the secular-based Christmas format to the religious-based one.

Bingo. If you avoid CCM formats the rest of the year you aren’t going to tune in for CCM skewed Christmas music.

 

[Deleted member 108832]

About to cross the two year mark, 🌹. Unloved and unwanted.

Maybe, just maybe, if its stick wasn't plumb cattywampus, someone might give it more than an empathetic glance.

KSBJ is Sunny’s primary competitor, IMHO.

IMO, too. Take out the regular mentions of Jesus, God, faith and prayer, and KODA-esque is what you get.

Sunny appeals to soccer moms, while KSBJ appeals to evangelical soccer moms.

Catholic mommas like KSBJ, too. 😂 Let's not forget about my sisters, now.

Bingo. If you avoid CCM formats the rest of the year you aren’t going to tune in for CCM skewed Christmas music.

Interestingly enough, KVNE plays a wide selection of secular Christmas music during the season. Not sure if that's the case with KSBJ, but it's a little peculiar to hear Bing and Dean on an, otherwise, Christian music focused station.