I don't disagree that Classic Hits stations need to evolve. I guess maybe I'm skeptical because some stations like Big 98.1 Philadelphia has tried throwing in a lot of '90s and early 2000s hip-hop songs, and haven't had success. Some of the '90s/2000s "throwback" stations have also struggled or only had short-lived success, although lately there have been a few like Throwback 100.3 in Chicago that have done well. But it seems like the Classic Hits stations that have had more success moving forward in time have stuck to more pop/AC-leaning songs. Maybe since this is a new launch (albeit using a heritage brand), it stands a better chance than an existing station that aggressively tried to update. I personally am enjoying the station anyhow.
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Hit the Road Jack 92.9 WGTZ Eaton Dayton
- Thread starter cincyradio72
- Start date
The problem here is the differences between what did well in the 1980s versus what did well in the 1990s. The 1980s was really a rock-focused decade. Most of the high-charting artists were white and rock and roll was definitely king. By contrast, the 1990s was almost the direct opposite of the 1980s with rap surplanting rock as the supreme fast music and slow soul ballads topping the charts. Also, during the 1990s, Billboard and other charts split what was being played on radio (which was more white) and the sales charts which were, as noted, dominated by black artists.
What happened during the 1990s is going to make it hard for 80s classic hits radio stations to adjust. What I think will happen (and we are already seeing this in some places) will be a split between those radio stations who will try to cling to the 80s sound during the 1990s and those who will follow a more rhythmic course for the 1990s and beyond. WGTZ-FM has apparently opted for the latter and hopefully that choice will serve it well in the Dayton market.
I always thought of Z-93 as leaning too much toward younger pop circa 1989 when it was top 40. We could occasionally pick it up, but it kept getting interference from the 92.9 from Lexington.
I could pick up Lexington's Power 94.5 pretty well back then, and they were much more well-balanced.
I could pick up Lexington's Power 94.5 pretty well back then, and they were much more well-balanced.
The jingles and voicework of Z93 really bring the energy.
This isn't plug and play; there's no well worn roadmap like there is for traditional classic hits. As others have said it will be interesting to see where the music goes on an ongoing basis - more toward classic hits, or will they remain focused on this pop/rhythmic lean they have.
And agreed, like 91X/San Diego and KRXF/Bend, OR, the stream quality definitely leaves something to be desired for a format that would be presumably very popular with online audiences.
We've seen the story a million times - decent jump in the first book, and then down precipitously as burnout sets in. How will Z93 adjust if that takes place, or will they stay ahead of it.
There are by definition tons of songs that were hits from this era - what will be added as time goes on in the balance between familiarity and burnout etc.
The range is approx. 1983 (Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson) to 2009 (J Sean "Down"). Their online player isn't syncing to playlists yet which is actually kind of fun & reminiscent of the days where if you didn't hear it over the air there was no record of it ever having been played.
For some reason the aging audiences that are still listening to radio want to keep hearing "Jack & Diane" day after day, year in and year out. Songs like No Mercy "Where Do You Go"? Time will tell.
Either way it's fun to see a radio station trying something new. This kind of Classic CHR is something I've been waiting for someone to try for a long time.
This isn't plug and play; there's no well worn roadmap like there is for traditional classic hits. As others have said it will be interesting to see where the music goes on an ongoing basis - more toward classic hits, or will they remain focused on this pop/rhythmic lean they have.
And agreed, like 91X/San Diego and KRXF/Bend, OR, the stream quality definitely leaves something to be desired for a format that would be presumably very popular with online audiences.
We've seen the story a million times - decent jump in the first book, and then down precipitously as burnout sets in. How will Z93 adjust if that takes place, or will they stay ahead of it.
There are by definition tons of songs that were hits from this era - what will be added as time goes on in the balance between familiarity and burnout etc.
The range is approx. 1983 (Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson) to 2009 (J Sean "Down"). Their online player isn't syncing to playlists yet which is actually kind of fun & reminiscent of the days where if you didn't hear it over the air there was no record of it ever having been played.
For some reason the aging audiences that are still listening to radio want to keep hearing "Jack & Diane" day after day, year in and year out. Songs like No Mercy "Where Do You Go"? Time will tell.
Either way it's fun to see a radio station trying something new. This kind of Classic CHR is something I've been waiting for someone to try for a long time.
It seems like Z93 is no longer is commercial free anymore because I just recently Heard ads/commercials on there also I heard the weather report too and I'm also same thing for 1015 The Fridge
From Radio Insight: Sean Ross does a Fresh Listen of Z-93
radioinsight.com
Fresh Listen: WGTZ (Z93) Dayton
“Thank you for the overwhelming love and positivity,” said returning WGTZ (Z93) Dayton, Ohio morning man Scott Sparks on Monday. After nearly 20 years of other incarnations, new owner Connoisseur relaunched “the first station you ever loved” on October 2. There’s lots of love and positivity on...
radioinsight.com
They probably didn’t want to try to compete head on with WTUE.
WTUE plays a very safe classic rock playlist. More 80s than anything else. Extremely little music from the past 25 years. The station is even more conservative musically than Louisville's WQMF, in my opinion.
Not saying another format or approach couldn’t work better, but, keep-in-mind, 101.5 is pretty much of a junk signal. It doesn’t citygrade 100% the city of Dayton, let alone an entire metro county. I suspect, if it were not a part of a larger cluster, it would not draw much interest from much of anybody. Maybe WFCJ might be interested, but, had someone not acquired it during an era of unbridled and unwarranted optimism when signals were widely coveted, it would probably be dead by now.
Its signal is perfectly decent in most of the densely populated zip codes.
95.3 (not counting the 101.1 translator) and 95.7 are both weaker in the core of the metro. So is 106.5, and that station regularly drew a 3 share when it was broadcasting classic hits.
That facility (then at 101.7) was just fine as a local Springfield station. Nothing has really worked on 101.5, going back to Click 101.5.