Weighing in on this topic a little later than normal, but part of my hesitation to post is that I think regardless of what the numbers say, decisions continue to be made that just make me scratch my head. The talent continues to be the fall guy despite even good numbers. It has to remain tough to work in a business where good results have little reward and certainly it doesn't mean you keep your job.
I was surprised WEJZ didn't perform better. And I don't buy people not returning diaries during the holidays. That's not the fact for all the stations across the country that scored big numbers with Christmas music. Something is happening, perhaps a fluke but let's see what the next trend says. One thing I can say is I wasn't the least excited about WEJZ's Christmas programming last year. Something was off and I think it had to do more with playing less traditional favorites than in the past. But what do I know? No one seems to want to listen to John Q. Public if you pardon the name expression. Youth obsession rules.
93.3 did a better programming job but hardly anyone gave them a listen. I suppose there wasn't enough time. Few obviously had 93.3 programmed on their car radios and they weren't going to go through the trouble to do that.
I do agree about the bright spot with Gator. A few months ago, I was in a health food store and saw the station being promoted. My first reaction was that they were taking a different approach and not going with stereotype. It was actually refreshing to see the audience treated with some degree of respect. I can't say the same for the marketing decision that was made at WQIK. What a horrific ad campaign showcasing "The Big Show" as a bunch of half-wits. Not good. Like it or not, Jax is changing. The folks at Gator seem to recognize that. Their success has been earned. A great morning show doesn't hurt either.
There are fewer radio stations distinguishing themselves as being something different and unique. As excited as I was about the music heard on WSOS last year, they too have succumbed to the desire to sound like everyone else. Way too many 80s songs. I'm finding I'm listening less and less. And even though expectations are not great for a low power station such as they are, they seem to be trending down. People will not take the time to listen if there isn't anything different and worth listening to.
It will be interesting to see if Jazz holds on and even trends a little further up. Perhaps, people are searching for something different after all.
But all in all, I guess most stations in general would rather make some type of showing in younger demos even if it means total audience drops. It's a heck of way to do business and large segments of the audience remain disenfranchised.
The first part of my post had to do with talent being the fall guy. I was really distressed to hear Pat Garrett is gone once again from another radio station. Like so many others in his shoes, it matters little how great a job you do or how talented you are. This is not a good way to do business.
Good luck Pat.