FM Talk - Is this format anywhere on the Atlanta radio radar?

[littlejohn]

He was correcting someone earlier about a Tulsa station. The correct call is KRMG. AM legacy talker in the market. Cox got it when they bought NewCity Communications. 50KW AM.

 

[Nate Wesley]

That leaves me curious what the heck you want them to talk about?
American Idol & Desparate Housewives? That sounds like a lot of AC/CHR morning shows.
Relationships & personal interactions? Sounds kind of like Dr. Laura.
Most other subjects - computers & music as a couple of examples -- fall into niche show territory.

So I have to admit I'm a little stumped about what this format you're calling for is actually supposed to be about? Or is it about nothing, essentially a talk-radio form of Seinfeld maybe?

There are countless numbers of newspapers, magazines, TV channels, and web pages covering news, sports, entertainment, and the like. There's PLENTY of content out there...finding talented people to corral them into a compelling and listenable radio program is the thing, IMO.

How about non-political shows that deal with things nearly everyone has to deal with? You've seen Clark Howard and Dave Ramsey succeed talking about personal finance...what about personal health and fitness? Parenting? Dating and relationships (NOT with an implied moral bent like Dr. Laura)?

That 'show about nothing' idea is probably more spot-on than you think, if somewhat oversimplified. Take out the music, and most good morning shows do a good job of 'social talk', making topical news and issues relate to themselves and to listeners (good phone calls and interesting stories w/o prep)!

And though the Free FM hot talk method is being tried, some listeners just don't want to hear another shock jock intentionally pushing folks buttons/crossing limits with a sidekick lackey in tow to laugh at it.

There's too much talent (not necessarily folks who currently work in radio) and too much potential content (not necessarily news) for there to solely be talk stations centered on hard news, politics, and sports.

 

[starboy]

Nate, you're "spot on." The problem with most FM talk is that it's male-targeted. The other problem is the name itself, at least partly. When you say "talk radio" it exudes politics; typically right-wing. I think research has proven that women are turned off by it. In my opinion, shows like The Bert Show will be the ones setting the pace on FM as it evolves away from music and more into talk.

 

[GSUVindicator]

I know there's lots of upper management types that read this, so can any of you tell me if FM Talk is anywhere close to a reality here in Atlanta? And please, no political talk either. With election time upon us, between boring ads--and hosts that sound like political ads--I'm totally fried on this type of radio. Can someone just put on people who talk about the same things everyone else does?

Grown Folks Radio 102.5FM (their new image for now, just like the TVLand network, they are always changing their minds) has talk now from 10am-3pm with Michael Eric Dyson and Al Sharpton. It is part of the failed Radio One syndicated talk project that has been pulled from many stations it launched on. I think this was done by the station in an effort to compete with WAOK since they have a weak signal.

In Washington, there is another FM station called the Power that airs liberal black talk all day. It is syndicated to broadcast on XM Satelite Radio. It is also a radio one station. I wouldn't be surprised to see 102.5 pick up some their shows if talk is the new way they want to go.