DFW format flip...Houston impact?

[Mediafrog+]

Lots of talk on the DFW board about the (possible) impending flip of KZPS from Classic Rock to something tentatively called "Lone Star Rock"...apparently 60% Classic/Southern Rock, and 40% Country. Should be interesting to sample, if it becomes reality.

Is there a place on the Houston airwaves for such a format? Maybe an option for 106.9? Or 103.7?

 

[truthsayer]

Not unless it is Spanish. It appears most corp. bigshots are foaming at the mouth to cater to the Spanish only speaking here in the United States Of America. The population trends speak for themselves.

 

[stan]

Years ago, before the days of satellite radio and CD players in vehicles, we were driving through the Midland - Odessa area and heard a format somewhat like this. It was an interesting combination of music, to say the least.

 

[newschoolrocker]

AllAccess said it was going to be oldies. "Cool 92.5"

 

[TheLaffer]

Not unless it is Spanish. It appears most corp. bigshots are foaming at the mouth to cater to the Spanish only speaking here in the United States Of America. The population trends speak for themselves.

Most corporation big shots are empty suits who put a finger into the air and see how the political wind is blowing. They are clueless as to vision. They think they're being progressive but in rerality they're just EMPTY SUITS.

 

[snoman]

I'm sure it will depend on KZPS's ratings after the change. If they're good for a couple of books, you could see a similar change at KKRW, being it is a Clear Channel Classic Rock station. Being I am not privy to the Arbitron breakdowns, I don't know how they are doing in their key demos, but the overall 12+ shares are not great. I think given CC's reputation for "cookie-cutting" formats, it's possible that it could affect KKRW. I hope not. I can handle KKRW the way it is. I could not handle mixed in with "Country".

If a tree fell over at Cox radio here, would it make a sound?! I'm convinced that the stations they have here are Tax write offs. I can't explain their "staying the course" with KHPT and now KHTC. The two country stations are fine. I think it would affect 93Q's ratings anyway, that's why I can't see Cox going that direction on 106.9.

Cumulus with 103.7 could be an option for this style of format. They hardly play anything hard anymore. They sound just like KKRW these days (that's why KKRW's "Only Classic Rock Station promo is outdated), only with a terrible signal and not as good with the talent pool... and that's including W&J. As soon as KZPS makes the change, I'm going to check out their playlist. I think it might have some initial success like Jammin' Oldies, but I don't see it as a long term success. I could be wrong, it's happened a couple of times.

 

[radiobop]

Does anyone remember Star 97? Deja vu. Supposedly they are going to sell principally 5s/10/15s commercials with limited 30s/60s which should be interesting...

 

[melonhead]

Long term this format will sound more boring than that tree which no one heard falling in the woods. More niche and sleepy presentation. Prediction: 3 months and ZPS will drift back to "more of the same" with older, slower jocks and a thinner fragmentation of a format. No Houston station that was "less than desperate" would follow that .

 

[stan]

I'm sure it will depend on KZPS's ratings after the change. If they're good for a couple of books, you could see a similar change at KKRW, being it is a Clear Channel Classic Rock station. Being I am not privy to the Arbitron breakdowns, I don't know how they are doing in their key demos, but the overall 12+ shares are not great. I think given CC's reputation for "cookie-cutting" formats, it's possible that it could affect KKRW. I hope not. I can handle KKRW the way it is. I could not handle mixed in with "Country".

This format will be used for the rebirth of KLOL, once the mexican rap format is finished.

 

[bhayes1016]

Maybe 15 years ago; but Houston's obsession with being an "international city" dictates that any new formats be in a language other then English, similar to the bass-heavy noise my neighbors are blasting as I type this.

 

[ericspin]

More clarifications on their intentions with that station's commercials: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/23/business/media/23radio.html?ei=5090&en=670c6a16935488ef&ex=1334980800&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=print

Actually, that's something that I've thought radio should do for a long time. Having advertisers "sponsor" a segment of programming allows the music to be interrupted less, AND, in my opinion, gets the advertisers message out clearer (having the ad come straight from the DJ's mouth instead of a 30/60 second spot that you won't remember after 3 minutes. Of course, public radio has been doing this for years.

As for the format -- why not? They're biggest obstacle will be the people who've already switched over to satellite radio for that type of music. I hate to be the nay-sayer, but everyone I know that likes music that isn't mainstream (whether it's pop, country, etc.) has already moved to satellite (or their iPod) and has given up on traditional radio. It's sad.

 

[Mediafrog+]

"Lone Star 92.5" is now streaming...check out the music at http://www.kzps.com/cc-common/streaming_new/index.html

 

[stan]

Interesting format. Its the closest thing to an AAA format that Houston will probably see. I nominate KLOL be redeemed by trying this format here.

 

[gitch]

Perhaps this might persuade Cox to try something different on the 106.9 frequency.

This is how KIKK should have been handled. I think the biggest problem KIKK faced was the "Nashville" style country music they played along with the "Nashville sucks" music Texas music fans liked. I'm convinced they could have made it with a some format tweaks.

KIKK didn't have monster number compared to the kind of numbers they had in the past, but they were certainly higher than anything "The Point" has ever put up. Heck, KHJZ isn't putting up numbers much better than KIKK did when it was flipped.

 

[snoman]

The difference is supposedly KHJZ is hitting its target demos. KIKK was not. Back then, I had an R&R subscription and was getting the actual breakdown in Arbitron numbers, with the directories they sent out. KIKK's numbers were terrible across the board. However, I do think all of the personality changes, as well as adding more & more AC/Urban AC to KHJZ playlist has hurt their 12+ shares.

As I said in a previous post, I can't see Cox doing this format with 106.9, because it would hurt KKBQ's numbers.

 

[dsadof]

I just read about this DFW station on All Access and saw a sample playlist. It began as an HD2 channel before they made the flip. They also brought back Redbeard who is perfect for the format. I love the idea of having one sponsor for each hour and integrating the advertising into the program in a more conversational way and the fact that they will only have advertising from one beer company, one airline, etc. A very smart programming move, especially the inclusion of bands like Old 97's and The Jayhawks. Reminds me of the show I did in college called "The Backyard Barbeque" that included music from Jason & The Scorchers, Rank & File, Social Distortion and Lone Justice.

 

[davideduardo]

This format will be used for the rebirth of KLOL, once the mexican rap format is finished.

The format is neither rap nor Mexican.

 

[purpledevil]

This format will be used for the rebirth of KLOL, once the mexican rap format is finished.

The format is neither rap nor Mexican.

...nor listenable. I'm with you, Stan. "Lone Star 101" would be a vast improvement for KLOL over whatever it is that you want to call that mess currently at that dial setting.

 

[TroyG]

Or How about Highway 101. Evidentally, I think the Country/Rock format might work here. KIKK-FM tried it and its listeners have won over. Maybe KILT-FM would give it another go. We'll see.

 

[hifidistortion]

Yeah there is a bigger audience for this than you would expect. CC would not do this, would clash with The Arrow. The "Crap" on 101, will probably get more focused on another Spanish-Language Format, I think La Precoisa, or a competitor to 102.9, I caught them saying "Mega cento-uno". I imagine KILT does well with this integrated on request shows and during the weekend I do not see KHJZ going anywhere. Cumulus would get better ratings with this...and keep most of the personalities (despite public opinion, I like W&J). 106.9 would probably start doing brokered time with shows like K-Arts did before its demise...and probably be as effective on the ratings before they would flip...I say Cox, please sell this station to CBS......