Houston-Galveston ratings: October 2013

[purpledevil]

http://ratings.****************/cgi-bin/rol.exe/arb033

KIKK makes its first showing with the national sports feed and ties KGOW. KQBU drops to a 1 share, KAMA keeps dropping, KKHH takes a slight lead in the CHR war, and KODA preps for the Christmas push by reclaiming second.

Now, for a personal editorial. Over the years, this board has ridiculed Clear Channel and especially Cumulus as the worst caretakers of their Houston properties. I'm sure I will meet some resistance saying this, but that's wrong. The worst, hands down, is Univision. I know that many people here don't listen to their stations but folks a 1.8 at KAMA and a 1.0 at KQBU is ridiculous and ought to be just reasoning for someone on the Southwest Freeway to get a one way ticket out the door. This is becoming a sore spot for me, as what they are doing to these two sticks constitutes neglect. If they don't care about either one of them and are going to continue to use them as flankers to keep KLTN in the top 5, then I wish they'd just sell them to someone who would give a hoot about them.

Folding up my soapbox and putting it away. Univision just irritates me to no end recently. Just get out of the market if you don't care about serving it.

 

[DJboutit3]

KBXX still falling good

 

[mr.ric]

http://ratings.****************/cgi-bin/rol.exe/arb033

KIKK makes its first showing with the national sports feed and ties KGOW. KQBU drops to a 1 share, KAMA keeps dropping, KKHH takes a slight lead in the CHR war, and KODA preps for the Christmas push by reclaiming second.

Now, for a personal editorial. Over the years, this board has ridiculed Clear Channel and especially Cumulus as the worst caretakers of their Houston properties. I'm sure I will meet some resistance saying this, but that's wrong. The worst, hands down, is Univision. I know that many people here don't listen to their stations but folks a 1.8 at KAMA and a 1.0 at KQBU is ridiculous and ought to be just reasoning for someone on the Southwest Freeway to get a one way ticket out the door. This is becoming a sore spot for me, as what they are doing to these two sticks constitutes neglect. If they don't care about either one of them and are going to continue to use them as flankers to keep KLTN in the top 5, then I wish they'd just sell them to someone who would give a hoot about them.

Folding up my soapbox and putting it away. Univision just irritates me to no end recently. Just get out of the market if you don't care about serving it.

Amen!!! Univision has been on my bad list since they killed off KPTY.

 

[purpledevil]

While I don't like the format personally, I can see how you'd be frustrated. "Party" was moved to 93.3 so as to debut "Amor", which lasted all of what, 2 months? Now, 104.9 is being annihilated by Mega, owned by a company that has a very limited amount of experience in the format, let alone Spanish language broadcasting.

My kid is a part of Mega and Tu Musica's demo. So is his friends, girlfriend, and her friends. Want to wager a bet as to what they listen to when they listen to the radio? Here's a hint: It starts with a K and ends with a laugh out loud.

It never gets brought up on the Houston board because most that post here don't avidly listen to the Spanish language stations here, thus allowing Univision to "fly under the radar". There was a huge thread started with people here up in arms when Cox combined 106.9 & 107.5, but Univision is doing the very same on TV. There's no better offerings available for 45 and 67's HD than to run the other one's standard definition feed? How about 93.3 & 102.9 running the exact same format under different names?

My ramblings mean nothing, I know that. They don't pay me for my opinion, and probably would tell me what to do with it for free, but so be it. Some here would like to see Spanish stations in this City go away altogether. I'd like to see them utilized in a manner that gives real listening (and viewing) options to the Spanish speaking community.

 

[davideduardo]

Now, 104.9 is being annihilated by Mega, owned by a company that has a very limited amount of experience in the format, let alone Spanish language broadcasting.

CBS actually has some talented people, and considerable experience in Spanish in markets like Tampa and DC as well as Houston and Dallas plus a minority stake and a seat on the board at SBS.

In any format, CBS is a good competitor. They are a fine company.

In any case, the formats of KLOL and KAMA are different. Both are contemporary, but so are a CHR, a Hot AC and an AC station.

How about 93.3 & 102.9 running the exact same format under different names?

Huh? Que Buena and KLTN are as different as they come. One is almost pure norteña based, focused on folks from Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Coahuila, etc. Que Buena is more banda and variety, and focused on the tastes of Central and West Central Mexico. There is actually not that much song overalap.

Some here would like to see Spanish stations in this City go away altogether. I'd like to see them utilized in a manner that gives real listening (and viewing) options to the Spanish speaking community.

The market has 4 distinct varieties of "country" stations (variants on what in the US is called "regional Mexican"), an Adult Hits station, and two varieties of contemporary. Together, those formats make up about 80% of the Mexico City listening to music stations that don't play just songs in English.

 

[purpledevil]

Whoever removed my response to David, I'd like it put back. My points were valid and deserve consideration to further this conversation. There was absolutely nothing derogatory or disrespectful posted by me, and did not deserve to be deleted.

 

[RD Representation]

@ purpledevil,

We have not deleted/removed any of your posts. Looks like #4 above is your most recent post in this thread. I would suggest reposting as computers and our software are fickle in nature. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Best,

RD Rep

 

[purpledevil]

I submitted it, left to go check the other communities that I frequent, checked back here and it was gone. That's a lengthy post to have to retype!

I'll outline what I said, KAMA & KLOL are as alike as KRBE & Hot. While they may not be exactly identical, the musical core of the stations are the same. This holds true for KQBU, KLTN, KTJM, & KQQK. Regardless of the area of Mexico the artists came from, the musical style is the same.

CBS is a good broadcaster, I never said differently, but they are not specializing in formats geared toward Spanish language listeners. Univision is, and you are being beaten on your home field by them. Being as intertwined as I am with Mexican in-laws and friends throughout my life, I can confidently say there is time and effort put forth on 102.9 & 106.5 and it shows in both stations presentation and is reflected so in each station's ratings success. Why aren't 93.3 & 104.9 afforded the same?

 

[davideduardo]

I submitted it, left to go check the other communities that I frequent, checked back here and it was gone. That's a lengthy post to have to retype!

I'll outline what I said, KAMA & KLOL are as alike as KRBE & Hot.

Not really. Each has separate core target ages, and while... like hot AC and CHR stations do... they share titles, the differences are in rotations, the kind and depth of the gold and even the focus of the morning show.

Also KLOL has more than 10 times the ERP and twice the antenna height, so the geotargeting is different, too.

While they may not be exactly identical, the musical core of the stations are the same. This holds true for KQBU, KLTN, KTJM, & KQQK. Regardless of the area of Mexico the artists came from, the musical style is the same.

Regional Mexican, a misnomer if there ever was one (created by Anglos in the US music industry) is really a bunch of separate formats in Mexico... The components of each of the stations you mention are different, with KLTN being personality driven and nearly all norteña, while KQBU caters to those that don't like as much norteña and want banda, durangüense and other types of music. It's sort of like the distinction between a CHR and a CHUrban.... some shared titles, but lotsa' difference in what each one plays that the other does not play.

The area or regional distinctions in Mexican music are so extreme that a "grupera" station in Guadalajara may not share even 20% of the titles of a Monterrey station... so essentially we have a number of very separate regional Mexican formats based on the individual songs as well as the degree to which they are current or gold driven.

CBS is a good broadcaster, I never said differently, but they are not specializing in formats geared toward Spanish language listeners.

With 4 significant signals in Spanish in 4 top 20 markets, a format syndication division and minority ownership of SBS, they are certainly involved in Spanish language broadcasting. And with stations in many markets that specifically target Hispanics, they are quite knowledgeable about the market itself. Saying CBS is not specialized in Spanish language radio is like saying, because they only have three alternative stations, that they are not specialized in that format despite the amazing KROQ.

can confidently say there is time and effort put forth on 102.9 & 106.5 and it shows in both stations presentation and is reflected so in each station's ratings success. Why aren't 93.3 & 104.9 afforded the same?

93.3 is a rimshot, and complements KLTN. 104.9 is a great use of a rather small signal, and based on coverage area, it actually outperforms... KLOL puts a 70 dbu over nearly twice as many people as KAMA.

 

[purpledevil]

The same holds true for KRBE & Hot. KRBE plays more gold, skews a bit older in who they are going after for listeners and KRBE has a little more mellow of an approach in presentation. Regardless, both stations are top 40 formatted.

I'll agree that there are differences between La Que Buena and Estereo Latino, but it's not nearly the magnitude of difference as CHR and Churban. I wouldn't have my wife giving me looks of irritation when KLTN goes to commercial, I punch the button for 93.3, and hear about me and my obsession with static listening when Estereo Latino plays the same thing. She does not share my passion for DX, needless to say. Lol.

Poor choice of wording on my part with regards to CBS, but 4 stations nationwide out of 100+ stations in their portfolio doesn't even come close to the level of recognition associated with Univision and Spanish language broadcasting. They are the English language broadcasting equivalent of Univision. While they do have a smattering of Spanish language offerings, it is certainly not their forte.

Finally, I don't understand the argument that 104.9's signal is the handicap. It's in downtown Houston. Anywhere within the Beltway, 104.9 is clear. It isn't like it used to be when it was licensed to Rosenberg or later Mo. City. Combined with the upgraded 105.3 it covers Houston -Galveston and the Triangle very well. That is something KLOL can't say. Who are you targeting if signal is the issue? The heavily Hispanic populated parts of Houston and Harris county receive an excellent signal from 104.9 itself without any assistance from its 105.3 counterpart included.

KLOL's coverage is more than the combined KAMA/KPTY? Perhaps on paper, but not in real world application. 105.3 reaches past Beaumont east, something KLOL can not truthfully claim. Added to the sheer amount of people that live within the Belt served by 104.9, I don't see how that's possible.

 

[davideduardo]

The same holds true for KRBE & Hot. KRBE plays more gold, skews a bit older in who they are going after for listeners and KRBE has a little more mellow of an approach in presentation. Regardless, both stations are top 40 formatted.

Many consider KRBE, based on the demos, to be a Hot AC.

In any case, both Hot and KRBE share a huge percentage of the playlist. KQBU, on the other hand is 60% current with top spins at 80 a week, while KLTN is 40% currents and has at most about 45 spins. The current playlists overlap less than 25%.

I'll agree that there are differences between La Que Buena and Estereo Latino, but it's not nearly the magnitude of difference as CHR and Churban.

No, it is vastly greater.

Poor choice of wording on my part with regards to CBS, but 4 stations nationwide out of 100+ stations in their portfolio doesn't even come close to the level of recognition associated with Univision and Spanish language broadcasting. They are the English language broadcasting equivalent of Univision. While they do have a smattering of Spanish language offerings, it is certainly not their forte.

But Alternative is not their strength, either. Yet they have arguably the best alternative station on the planet. CBS is very format neutral, and they pick the best one for each station and market.

And, as I said, they have involvement with SBS, adding a minority stake in 20 Spanish language stations.

Finally, I don't understand the argument that 104.9's signal is the handicap. It's in downtown Houston. Anywhere within the Beltway, 104.9 is clear. It isn't like it used to be when it was licensed to Rosenberg or later Mo. City. Combined with the upgraded 105.3 it covers Houston -Galveston and the Triangle very well.

Adding the Triangle, just like adding the IE in Southern California, has no increase in sales potential. Since the useful coverage is not in the MSA, it's a tiny bonus... so we are back to covering less than half the MSA population that KLOL has.

KLOL's coverage is more than the combined KAMA/KPTY?

MSA coverage, yes.