Emmis' Chicago Doings-Could WRXP be Affected?

[Barry]

There is a interesting article by Chicago radio reporter Robert Feder concerning Emmis' rock stations in Chicago. Of course Emmis owns WRXP in New York.
He reports that they have flipped long time hard rock station WLUP to classic rock. This makes them the second classic rock station in the Windy City. WDRV has had that format for quite some time and is considered invincible. Emmis also has an alternative rock station there, WKQX.
Feder says that WLUP has little chance of mounting a serious challenge to the firmly entrenched WDRV. He asserts that Emmis is in such poor financial shape after their disastrous attempt to go private that they are unlikely to marshal the resources to make WLUP a competitive rock station. He feels that it should be sold, along with WKQX, to another operator with deeper pockets that could do more with them. Feder also states that if Emmis does not sell some of its stations, it could go into default. He asserts that although both of Emmis' Chicago stations have been on the market for a year, no one has made a serious offer.
It remains to be seen if WRXP will be left intact if Emmis sells one or both of its rock stations in Chicago. I sure hope that WRXP is not switched to classic rock. This market is saturated with that format. Not only is there WAXQ, but several suburban classic rock stations, including WFOX, WBAB and WRKI.
The article: http://feder.blogs.chicago.timeout....le-over-classic-rock-with-the-drive/#more-565

 

[radioguy39nj]

Does any other market have two profitable competing classic rock stations? If 'RXP is flipped to classic rock, they'll get lower numbers than suburban rock stations! What is Emmis thinking?

ESPN might not take 101.9 to #1 in NY, but it'll do much better than classic rock.

 

[frozenfiresb]

Only suburban rock stations that play a decent amount of newer/harder stuff are in New Jersey (DHA and the Rat) and even then they're still 50/50 with the classics and newer stuff. Long Island used to have the Bone. 'RXP's mishmash of mainstream, active, alternative, and AAA has become their trademark sound, ever since they've been on the air. The playlist is extremely safe and the songs don't flow well together. 107.1 The Peak is a solid AAA, but 'RXP still seems to think this odd music mix will work.

 

[Barry]

Linked is another article about WLUP, and Emmis' situation in Chicago. I think this is relevant to New York, as it could impact on WRXP's future, and even possibly that of Hot 97 and Kiss.
This article, like the one referenced in my original post, indicates that owner Emmis' financial situation is very precarious., and that it needs to sell some stations to remain viable. It may be an indication of the economy and the radio market that they cannot get a decent offer for two major stations in one of the country's largest cities. Perhaps the fact that WLUP and WJMK have declined so far in the Chicago PPM ratings is also a factor.
The article also contains an interesting comment that WLUP has seemed to be programmed by committee, out of Saint Louis. WRXP sometimes gives the impression that it is not programmed from within New York.

Second article: http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/1345-wlup-fm-changes-from-rock-to-classic-rock

 

[BRH]

I wish Emmis would rehire Joel Salkowitz and put Pulse 87s dance format on 101.9. He worked for them for years, has a proven track record, & the format would without a doubt pull better numbers than the horrible failure that is 'RXP. Also, it would make a better combo sell with Hot & Kiss.

 

[Brooklyndon]

Emmis lacks a fundamental competency in programming rock for the New York market. Emmis lacks a fundamental competency in selling time on a rock stations in the New York market. Emmis's lack of competency related to rock programming and sales for the New York market dramatically lower its chances for success in such an enterprise.

Emmis does have a fundamental competency in programming urban AC, R&B, and Hip Hop in the New York market. Emmis does have a fundamental competency in selling time on urban AC, R&B, and Hip-Hop stations in the New York market. Emmis's competency related to urban AC, R&B, and Hip-Hop programming and sales for the New York market dramatically increase its chances for succss in such an enterprise.

If you agree to these two premises, then Emmis's decision to flip WQCD to rock seems misaligned with corporate core competency. I assume a marketing novice advised the rock direction because elementary marketing theory suggests avoiding selling a new product to an existing customer at the expense of an existing product. But elementary marketing theory suggests that, when developing a new product for a new customer, it is best to provide a product that is of reasonable quality. IF TSL can be assumed a proxy for quality, then it is easy to evaluate Emmis's success at new product development.


Clearly, Emmis should abandon the rock format in which it has no competence. In its place, Emmis should air a classic hip-hop station format, which will affect ratings on WRKS, WQHT, and, most noteably, WWPR: Emmis could re-secure its urban listener from the early 2000s, the listener base with which it had exclusivity before competition with Power. With Emmis tag flanking WWPR on all sides, Clear Channel may even decide to withdraw and focus on its competence, rock, leaving Emmis to sole provider of timer to sponsors reaching out to urban AC, R&B, and hip-hop listeners.

 

[Barry]

With regard to the suggestion in the above post for a classic hip-hop station, does one exist anywhere in the U.S?
I question whether a fifth urban station could succeed in this market.
I still have not seen any solid information that indicates WRXP is doing poorly-just lots of speculation. Their ratings and popularity in the NJ suburbs appear to be similar to WPLJ, which bills very well.

 

[htowler]

With regard to the suggestion in the above post for a classic hip-hop station, does one exist anywhere in the U.S?

KDAY?

 

[Brooklyndon]

With regard to the suggestion in the above post for a classic hip-hop station, does one exist anywhere in the U.S?

??? - If there is not, then New York City is certainly the logical place for the first.

Emmis is looking at four choices: withdraw, continue along with a format perceived as failed, switch to a proven format that fits the New York market and hope to unseat any existing market leaders, or experiment with a new format that has no competition and fits organizational core competency.

Were I running the show, the decision would be made already.  I'd have have my industry leading talent, already working for me on Hot 97, program the station.  No other radio operator has the competency or heritage to pull of this format anywhere in the country, which means that if the format actually succeeds there would abound licensing opportunities.

 

[pjc1961]

KDAY-FM-93.5 Redondo Beach, CA/KDEY-FM-93.5 Ontario, CA could definitely be considered the first classic hip-hop station in the U.S. (citation needed  ;D). Also on 97.1 HD2 in New York, there's Hot 97's "Throwbacks".

Since Emmis seems to be in a position to sell (whether it's NYC, Chicago or both) in order to meet its debt covenants later in 2011, it's highly unlikely they'll sink any time, effort & most of all $$ into flipping formats (although they've recently tweaked WLUP Chicago to a more definitive classic rock direction). They'll most likely maintain what's there at all properties until a buyer comes along at a price to their liking. Of course, given the time sensitive situation, the longer they wait, the more likely it could become a "distress" sale and they may get less than what they were originally looking for. A "Catch 22" scenario?