Flip at 100.3 Imminent!!

[secondchoice]

i would really like to see something besides a country format on that frequency. it was tried in 93 through 97 and never beat the other country station in ratings from what i hear. truth be known, woki should of stayed the format they was before going country in 93.

100.3 did well enough that Dick broadcasting LMA'ed (rented) it for for somewhere between $60 and $80 thousand * a month to "protect' 107.7.

I forget the exact number but well over a half a million a year.

 

[Kent T]

It has flipped! It is C-O-U-N-T-R-Y. Q 100.3.

 

[eacalhoun1]

I loved the monologue leading up to the switch and referencing Johnny Pirkle.

 

[eacalhoun1]

Oh, and are they simulcasting on 93.1? I"m out of OTA earshot.

 

[Elkhosen]

I loved the monologue leading up to the switch and referencing Johnny Pirkle.

Yes, that was a nice touch. Now that we know the Q is moving from 93.1 to 100.3, I guess the calls will move as well. They're simulcasting now, but wonder when 93.1 will debut the new format?

 

[BRH]

My guess is 93.1 will debut next week. That's when their simulcast waiver from the FCC ends. Or at least they'll start stunting then. I think this is a good move for the Q. It's gonna be interesting to see how this shakes 'IVK & the market up. Only thing so far I don't like is the really cheesy new logo. It's already on the website. Other than that, sounds awesome!! On also, they id'ed at the top of the hour as WCYQ Oak Ridge-Knoxville. So the calls have either moved or probably are today. (no HD reference though. Wonder if they're not upgrading 100.3 to HD like the rest of the cluster?). Also, no jingles so far. Sure would like a new jingle package added to the Q. Also, my only other observation, is I think I would've simply used "Q100" as the name. I know the 100.3 use is important for ratings use (especially in a non ppm market), but Q100 sure sounds better than Q100.3, which is a bit awkward.

 

[AlbumOldies]

I guess today's digital age pretty much requires "100 point 3" to be spelled out, but I agree that "Q-100" has a better sound to it. And I also agree a jungle package would be really nice, something a lot of stations have gotten away from.

Now what will "Merle" do? Could they make it as a classic country station like AM 850 was? Surely they will get buried between 100.3 and 107.7.

I'm not originally from the Knoxville area, but I have learned volumes about Knox radio history from this site, and I agree with above post that it was a nice touch to recognize Johnny Pirkle in the narrative on 100.3 at 9 am this morning.

 

[eacalhoun1]

"Merle" needs to go strictly "niche" - i.e., straight-up classic country. Also, the 96.7 in Franklin, NC, has a CP to change frequencies. If/when Franklin moves, I wonder if Merle could improve its signal?

 

[BRH]

I also noticed from today's updated article on RadioInsight.com that besides www.classichits931.com, they said Journal has now also registered www.classichitsWNOX.com. So looks like the WNOX calls may stay with Journal and play a prominent role in the new 93.1 format. I'm guessing this is going to be a pop leaning classic hits format (prob focused on 70s/80s. Or could be 80s/90s).

Anyone know if the FCC has officially granted the call letter changes yet? I'm guessing its effective today as 100.3 ran an id as WCYQ Oak Ridge-Knoxville at the launch. I'll have to listen to 93.1 later and see if they're id'ing as WNOX Karns-Knoxville.

 

[BRH]

"Merle" needs to go strictly "niche" - i.e., straight-up classic country. Also, the 96.7 in Franklin, NC, has a CP to change frequencies. If/when Franklin moves, I wonder if Merle could improve its signal?

I agree totally. I think Merle should've focused strictly on the niche format of classic country long ago. Sure, the demos aren't that attractive to advertisers, but it can pull decent numbers (as evidenced in Chattanooga), and with that small rimshot signal, you have to find a niche format to carve out that no one else is serving.

 

[boogiecheck]

"Merle" needs to go strictly "niche" - i.e., straight-up classic country. Also, the 96.7 in Franklin, NC, has a CP to change frequencies. If/when Franklin moves, I wonder if Merle could improve its signal?

Merle has no chance. They are now the donkey in a horse race. If they survive doing any format for another year it will be a miracle.

 

[formerradiojunkie]

I loved the monologue leading up to the switch and referencing Johnny Pirkle.

I'm curious what did they say? Being in Florida I have no way of
Listening.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Kent]

Anyone know if the FCC has officially granted the call letter changes yet? I'm guessing its effective today as 100.3 ran an id as WCYQ Oak Ridge-Knoxville at the launch. I'll have to listen to 93.1 later and see if they're id'ing as WNOX Karns-Knoxville.

It doesn't look like the call letter change has officially happened, but I'm thinking they can go ahead and use the new calls as soon as they request them, which may take a little bit to show as being requested in the FCC database.

I would guess the WNOX calls are going to 93.1. Considering Journal has already put the "WNOX" calls on the sign in front of the building, they're definitely going to be using them somewhere.

 

[BRH]

It will be interesting to see how 93.1 sounds with the rumored classic hits format. That could mean several things. It could be pop based or more softer classic rock, as the classic hits name is used for both formats. Also, if it is a broad, pop based classic hits format, what will be their focus? 70's & 80's (most likely), 60s, 70s, & 80s (less likely as 60's titles are aging), or 80s & 90's (more of an adult hits/variety hits format. This is what I would prefer). Also 80s & 90s would be a good sell with Journal's other properties as they lean younger & 80s/90s wouldn't lean as old. Anyway, it'll be interesting to hear what they do & at least it's another choice in the market.

 

[johndavis]

I would guess the WNOX calls are going to 93.1. Considering Journal has already put the "WNOX" calls on the sign in front of the building, they're definitely going to be using them somewhere.

Just heard this legal ID at the top of the hour:

WCYQ Oak Ridge/Knoxville, WNOX Karns/Knoxville, WNOX-HD-1 Karns/Knoxville

 

[Tibbs4]

The TOH ID for 100 should never have changed from WOKI Oak Ridge/Knoxville. Used to love hitting it back in the 80s. Anyone have those old IDs back during the Top 40 days?

 

[dudekindjack]

I may have one recorded somewhere, but more likely i dont have top of hour spot. I do have one that says knoxvilles original rock n roll fm, I- 100.

Did anyone record 93.1 and 100.3 yesterday at 9am? I was at parents place and radio there wouldnt pick 100.3 up so i didnt get to record it or hear it.

 

[Tennessee Cowboy]

"Merle" needs to go strictly "niche" - i.e., straight-up classic country. Also, the 96.7 in Franklin, NC, has a CP to change frequencies. If/when Franklin moves, I wonder if Merle could improve its signal?

Merle has no chance. They are now the donkey in a horse race. If they survive doing any format for another year it will be a miracle.

Excellent point. If Merle panics and sells out at way below market value, they're blocked from seeking refuge on Broadacres Subdivision's dominant AM daytimer.

 

[Cueburned]

I've been waiting for someone to mention the horrible audio coming out of 100.3. Are y'all deaf? But it's a free country and just maybe y'all like the sound of a square peg being inserted into a round hole.

 

[Kent T]

Well, most modern Compact Discs are brickwalled to death. And most of the Zumba instructors can't hear past 5 kilohertz anyway. Only so much you can do processing wise to the turd called country music today.