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How is KPNW FM doing in the ratings? Particularly in the demos they’re after?
- Thread starter Cobra14
- Start date
KPNW-FM is tied for #20 with Classical KING-FM in the February 2023 ratings. Meanwhile, KEXP, the non-commercial AAA station, is still #3. It went up a little. So KPNW-FM's presence hasn't taken any of KEXP's audience so far.
But as said above, this ratings period only covered two weeks of KPNW-FM's new format. And we know that AAA is a slow-build format. So let's see what happens next month.
But as said above, this ratings period only covered two weeks of KPNW-FM's new format. And we know that AAA is a slow-build format. So let's see what happens next month.
I think it’s too early to say at this point, but as others have stated, it’s going to take time to build a base of listeners.
I love what they do at KEXP but it's not exactly a typical Triple A. It's a very music discovery oriented format that plays a ton of electronic dance and other styles that defy easy categorization.
KPNW is closer to traditional Triple A but still picks some odd classic rock tracks (most notably "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith, not exactly the KMTT vibe...)
KPNW is closer to traditional Triple A but still picks some odd classic rock tracks (most notably "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith, not exactly the KMTT vibe...)
Have to wait for the next ratings (March) period to know...I would expect the next ratings to be very very low....possibly even less than a 1 share which would be down from over a 3 share in Jan-- March is the station's first full month in the new format ....
Hmmm ..I'm noticing an uptick in both Classic Rock and Classic Alternative titles on KPNW. They are going after listeners of KZOK, KNDD, as well as KEXP.
...ya, and we do triple A a bit better in Duvall on 104.9 FM. Case closed.
Nah. They just need to start playing Pat Benatar's "We Belong", then sit back, and watch those ratings skyrocket!
Speaking of downtown Seattle; heard a statistic just the other day, that 2,800 businesses have abandoned downtown due to crime and the homeless population pretty much taking it over. That seems like a lot. Net residential outflow from Seattle is averaging 1,600.
That does seem like a rather large number, Kelly. I would take any statistic like that with a Dead Sea's worth of salt grains. We did have a pandemic, where many businesses moved to a WFH or hybrid work environment. So some businesses left for that reason- no need for expensive real estate downtown if you have no employee need. Also, with fewer workers downtown (see above) likely a lot of your smaller retailer/coffee shops etc. saw margins decrease to the point where it didn't make sense to stay.
Above all of that, a raw number (even if legitimate) doesn't really tell much of a story without context. How many other businesses moved in to fit different needs or to take advantage of lower rents? Also would want context about how many businesses abandoned Seattle during other time frames...if typically 2000 businesses didn't renew their licenses in a comparable period, then suddenly that 2800 doesn't seem all that big of a deal.
As far as residential outflow, developers continue to build more units and those units are getting filled fast, so my guess is the outflow number you are seeing has more to do with demographic shifts, not people bailing out of Seattle wholesale. Think 1 tech worker (or a couple) in a house that used to have 2 adults and 4 kids in it. In this case it is more of a density issue rather than "will the last person leaving Seattle please turn out the lights."
Finally, even if the 2800 number is totally legitimate, has it been determined what actually caused each business to move out? It is super easy for someone with an agenda to say "2800 businesses left Seattle, and of course it is because of woke socialism and coddling of the homeless." Certainly could be a factor, but highly unlikely it is the only one. Or even the main one.
Above all of that, a raw number (even if legitimate) doesn't really tell much of a story without context. How many other businesses moved in to fit different needs or to take advantage of lower rents? Also would want context about how many businesses abandoned Seattle during other time frames...if typically 2000 businesses didn't renew their licenses in a comparable period, then suddenly that 2800 doesn't seem all that big of a deal.
As far as residential outflow, developers continue to build more units and those units are getting filled fast, so my guess is the outflow number you are seeing has more to do with demographic shifts, not people bailing out of Seattle wholesale. Think 1 tech worker (or a couple) in a house that used to have 2 adults and 4 kids in it. In this case it is more of a density issue rather than "will the last person leaving Seattle please turn out the lights."
Finally, even if the 2800 number is totally legitimate, has it been determined what actually caused each business to move out? It is super easy for someone with an agenda to say "2800 businesses left Seattle, and of course it is because of woke socialism and coddling of the homeless." Certainly could be a factor, but highly unlikely it is the only one. Or even the main one.
I heard the statistic mentioned via The Daily from the NY Times (audio podcast link is here): The Sunday Read: ‘A Sandwich Shop, a Tent City and an American Crisis’
There are similar other on-line statistics to minor degrees. Some claim the loss was attributed to businesses that didn't recover from the pandemic, other's claim losses from crime and homelessness, and some both.
Either way, there definitely seems to be a consensus that businesses are leaving, or have shuttered for economic reasons. Major retail has taken the biggest hit post-pandemic: What's the impact of another major retailer, Nike, leaving downtown Seattle?
And the thing about urban living, assuming one can afford it, is that kind of living carries the promise of easy pedestrian or urban transport to shops and services nearby. If all the services and retail is leaving, or one risks assault or death walking to what retail or services remain, that expensive high rise condo or apartment value takes a huge value hit.
There are similar other on-line statistics to minor degrees. Some claim the loss was attributed to businesses that didn't recover from the pandemic, other's claim losses from crime and homelessness, and some both.
Either way, there definitely seems to be a consensus that businesses are leaving, or have shuttered for economic reasons. Major retail has taken the biggest hit post-pandemic: What's the impact of another major retailer, Nike, leaving downtown Seattle?
And the thing about urban living, assuming one can afford it, is that kind of living carries the promise of easy pedestrian or urban transport to shops and services nearby. If all the services and retail is leaving, or one risks assault or death walking to what retail or services remain, that expensive high rise condo or apartment value takes a huge value hit.
On the PNW part of the thread .... I did hear a spot (promo?) this morning on MOVIN' promoting the KPNW music mix.
I think you have a valid point re: urban living and the value statement of being able to get what you want and do what you want from your doorstep. If that value proposition goes away, then much of the reason for living downtown goes away. We have not yet seen this happen- rental rates and average sales in Seattle have not dropped significantly, yet. The big question is right there, no?
As far as crime, violent crime and property crime rates both rose 4% from 2021 to 2022. With visible homelessness comes the perception of danger, if not the reality. In my day job we look at heat maps of property crime and find the most "dangerous" place to be is not in Seattle, but rather S King county and pockets of Pierce county. I have clients in Burien who swear they will never go to "the city" because it is so dangerous...when the stats say they are in more jeopardy outside their front door.
Anyway, sorry to thread jack here. I am always just super wary when I hear stories about statistics. Ever read the classic "Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics"?
Oh, and BTW, KOMO under Sinclair has made quite the cottege industry out of decaring Seattle to be dying. They literally had a series called "Seattle Is Dying"- it was pretty sensational with a whole lot of sizzle but not much steak. Played great with Old Folks in the Suburbs, I am sure. But I don't trust their journalism when it comes to this subject.
As far as crime, violent crime and property crime rates both rose 4% from 2021 to 2022. With visible homelessness comes the perception of danger, if not the reality. In my day job we look at heat maps of property crime and find the most "dangerous" place to be is not in Seattle, but rather S King county and pockets of Pierce county. I have clients in Burien who swear they will never go to "the city" because it is so dangerous...when the stats say they are in more jeopardy outside their front door.
Anyway, sorry to thread jack here. I am always just super wary when I hear stories about statistics. Ever read the classic "Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics"?
Oh, and BTW, KOMO under Sinclair has made quite the cottege industry out of decaring Seattle to be dying. They literally had a series called "Seattle Is Dying"- it was pretty sensational with a whole lot of sizzle but not much steak. Played great with Old Folks in the Suburbs, I am sure. But I don't trust their journalism when it comes to this subject.
Interesting. So are you claiming that because you don't align with Sinclair's politics, that KOMO's reporting of the homeless and crime in Seattle is inaccurate?
Contrary to popular belief, not all young people are homeless advocates who are marching around Capitol Hill with “stop the sweep” signs. Many of us would like to see the losers who are constantly attacking women and families sit behind bars than be out to do whatever they please in Seattle.
Not making that claim at all. They ran an entire long series of features all around the stated thesis of "Seattle is Dying." Seattle is not dying. Seattle is not perfect, and definitely has some problems. But dying? That's not a valid premise.
The only reason I bring Sinclair into the mix is that I have a friend "in the building" who when I asked about "Seattle is Dying" he gave me a tremendous eye-roll and told me that was "all Sinclair."
Sure, but the City Council and Mayor for years has turned a blind eye to something right outside their door: Seattle faces dire challenges, including homelessness and rise in violent crime – in pictures
The homeless and crime thing in downtown has been allowed to get completely out of hand, and would require potentially draconian measures by some to get it under control. From an optics perspective, local city politicians want to PR-sweep it under the rug, so they don't get their name(s) tattooed to the problem.
Both my wife and I grew up in Seattle. I can say without hesitation, the days of downtown being a friendly, safe, clean, and pleasant place to live and work, are long dead.
I recognize that some Sinclair employees probably don't care for Sinclair's corporate right-leaning political stance, as compared with Fisher's more politically neutral one. That said; one needs to separate their feelings about Sinclair management verses what the station(s) are doing when it comes to journalism. That's why I was asking whether you thought Sinclair was being inaccurate or maybe to hyperbolic in their coverage.
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