How low the ratings have to go for a format flip to occur?

[TheGrant]

Some of San Antonio's stations (Digital 104.1, La Ley 95.7, Amor 95.1, Z 106.7, and Mix 96.1) have continuously received bad Arbitron ratings and I am wondering how long they will continue playing the same tired music and getting the same poor ratings without trying a new format. Especially when there are so many formats SA-Town is lacking. Here are a few we need....

Hurban that plays reggaeton and Hip hop, which if you ask me San Antonio could dramatically support (especially if Houston can...look at Mega 101, KLOL).

A true Hot-AC that plays a softer alternative rock like Goo Goo Dolls, Third Eye Blind, Alanis Morisette, Coldplay, Counting Crows, etc. (like KAMX in Austin or KLTG in Corpus and NOT like magic that throws in 80's music that no one wants to hear.)

A REAL hip-hop station like Houston's 97.9 the Box and Dallas' K-104 that plays other rap and hip hop other than what's on the top 10 charts (when our Top-40 station, 96.1, starts to sound the same as our hip hop station, 98.5, I think there is a problem)

And finally a modern/alternative rock station (not like K-Rock and Kiss that mix new and old rock songs together. If you ask me, those are two different audiences, causing lots of channel surfing).


Honestly, I am surprised San Antonio is the # 30 market with all it is lacking. Corpus and Austin should both be ahead of us.
Alright, I am done ranting and I feel better, thank you for listening (or reading, I suppose)

 

[snoman]

> Some of San Antonio's stations (Digital 104.1, La Ley 95.7,
> Amor 95.1, Z 106.7, and Mix 96.1) have continuously received
> bad Arbitron ratings and I am wondering how long they will
> continue playing the same tired music and getting the same
> poor ratings without trying a new format. Especially when
> there are so many formats SA-Town is lacking. Here are a few
> we need....

The Spanish-Languaged stations seem to be reluctant to flip to other formats, especially in a city, in which the population is primarily Hispanic. So, don't look for "Amor" or "La Ley" to flip. I think "Digital" is a fairly new station, so I wouldn't look for it to flip either. Look for the flip to Hurban at "Mix", Clear Channel's test was KLOL here in Houston. Given its success, and "Mix's" downward spiral, it will probably happen sometime this year.
>

>
> A true Hot-AC that plays a softer alternative rock like Goo
> Goo Dolls, Third Eye Blind, Alanis Morisette, Coldplay,
> Counting Crows, etc. (like KAMX in Austin or KLTG in Corpus
> and NOT like magic that throws in 80's music that no one
> wants to hear.)

I always enjoyed "Magic's" music. I will admit that it sounds more what people call "Bright AC", rather than Hot AC. In the key 18-49 demos, KSMG is a top 5 station. Whenever I'm back home, I hear it in a lot of businesses. They do concentrate too much on the 80's, but as long as they are still a Top 5, don't look for them to shift the format any.

Also, when Mix 96.1 first came on the air in 1998, they seemed more like KAMX. Their playlist skewed toward a "Modern AC" format, rather than a CHR/Pop station. And, it did well. They did that to go after a different audience than then #1 CHR/Rhythmic KTFM. When "The Beat" came on the air, and blew KTFM and "Mix" out of the water, everybody started adjusting their formats. "Mix" did well with that kind of playlist though, I just don't understand why they got away from it?!

I don't understand Z106.7 at all. The station is not competitive at all. Maybe Cox is sticking with it, because they possibly see "Mix" going "Mega", and they might finally get an audience. Cox doesn't promote it as well as they do KISS, KSMG, Y100, or KONO.

>
>
> And finally a modern/alternative rock station (not like
> K-Rock and Kiss that mix new and old rock songs together. If
> you ask me, those are two different audiences, causing lots
> of channel surfing).

I'm actually surprised that when KTFM became KSRX, that they didn't skewer toward the Alternative/Modern Rock audience like KROQ/Los Angeles, considering it's success in a largely Hispanic populated city, like San Antonio. It would also take more from KISS than what they are doing now. KSRX is a combination of KZEP and KISS, their not really doing much different. KSRX had a chance to do something that nobody else is doing and they just didn't take advantage of that.
>
>
> Honestly, I am surprised San Antonio is the # 30 market
> with all it is lacking. Corpus and Austin should both be
> ahead of us.
> Alright, I am done ranting and I feel better, thank you
> for listening (or reading, I suppose)
>
All markets seem to be lacking one thing or another. I live in Houston and would love to have an Active Rocker like KISS and a Rhythmic AC (the kinder gentler Jammin Oldies format) station like the new KTFM. So, I guess all markets have to be missing something. And it gives us something to rant about on the boards. <P ID="signature">______________
KVIL Highland Park
KVIL-FM Highland Park/Dallas-Fort Worth
Thanks for the memories Ron Chapman!</P>

 

[dlf]

> > Some of San Antonio's stations (Digital 104.1, La Ley
> 95.7,
> > Amor 95.1, Z 106.7, and Mix 96.1) have continuously
> received
> > bad Arbitron ratings and I am wondering how long they will
>
> > continue playing the same tired music and getting the same
>
> > poor ratings without trying a new format.


Both "La Ley" at 95.7 and KRIO at 104.1 are broadcasting in mono these days, so that's a change. "La Ley" at 95.7 has only been around since January and you had to figure it would take a ratings hit both with a new dial position and a weaker signal. I'm surprised "La Ley" didn't wind up at 104.1 which has a slightly better signal in most parts of San Antonio.

"Digital 104.1" has not had the impact that I thought it would. I'm not sure if it is sampling, signal, or just a format that doesn't resonate. I would be very tempted to turn "Digital" into a Hurban format. Even with signal limitations, a Hurban format on 104.1 would produce higher numbers than "Digital" has now.

Mix and Z106.7 seem to be in a battle of attrition to see which station will blink first. I suspect one will by the end of the year; if Mix goes, then it could very well be "Hello Mega 96.1" or Cox may opt to challenge "The Beat" with a Hip/Hop format on 106.7.

It's early but the "Progressive Talk" format on 92.5 looks like a bad move. Clear Channel could have placed an Alternative format on 92.5 and pulled in higher numbers and in spite of signal problems, that would have been a good format for 92.5.

99.5 KISS dipped more than a few toes into Alternative from 1995-1997 and paid a heavy ratings price for that. KISS has an Alternative lean, but KISS targets the harder-edged material and it would be very difficult for an Active or Alternative station to go head to head with KISS for those listeners; at this point 99.5 KISS is way too entrenched.

dlf

 

[gibby]

> > > Some of San Antonio's stations (Digital 104.1, La Ley
> > 95.7,
> > > Amor 95.1, Z 106.7, and Mix 96.1) have continuously
> > received
> > > bad Arbitron ratings and I am wondering how long they
> will
> >
> > > continue playing the same tired music and getting the
> same
> >
> > > poor ratings without trying a new format.
>
>
> Both "La Ley" at 95.7 and KRIO at 104.1 are broadcasting in
> mono these days, so that's a change. "La Ley" at 95.7 has
> only been around since January and you had to figure it
> would take a ratings hit both with a new dial position and a
> weaker signal. I'm surprised "La Ley" didn't wind up at
> 104.1 which has a slightly better signal in most parts of
> San Antonio.

La Ley 95.7FM is not flipping formats anytime soon. BMP offered
up a contract to their morning team("El chulo y la bola") in
February 2005. He is simulcast in several markets and are currently
on a campaign roll out promoting the morning show. They are aggresively
going after their rivals Raul Brindis. No Hurban here!

Digital 104.1FM doesn't work in San Antonio beacause of a myriad of
reasons. First and foremost Amor 95.1 plays the same music. On a
recent trip to San Antonio i noticed that their on air staff(Digital) were
starting to speak Spanglish while keeping the same programming mix.
Obviously, they are throwing everything but the sink in to turn this
station around. However, i doubt if this tactic will work. Spanish-language
radio has many different nuances. The typical listener of spanish contemporary radio thinks spanglish is "naco". It's a very common form of communication
for Tejanos but for spanish dominant listeners it's low class. I suspect that
all 20 of Digital's listeners will be making the big switch back to Amor. How familiar is Digital's playlist to Spanglish listeners? Can you effectively communicate to Spanglish listeners without introducing music that is familiar to them? Let's ask BMP's investors.



> "Digital 104.1" has not had the impact that I thought it
> would. I'm not sure if it is sampling, signal, or just a
> format that doesn't resonate. I would be very tempted to
> turn "Digital" into a Hurban format. Even with signal
> limitations, a Hurban format on 104.1 would produce higher
> numbers than "Digital" has now.
>
> Mix and Z106.7 seem to be in a battle of attrition to see
> which station will blink first. I suspect one will by the
> end of the year; if Mix goes, then it could very well be
> "Hello Mega 96.1" or Cox may opt to challenge "The Beat"
> with a Hip/Hop format on 106.7.
>
> It's early but the "Progressive Talk" format on 92.5 looks
> like a bad move. Clear Channel could have placed an
> Alternative format on 92.5 and pulled in higher numbers and
> in spite of signal problems, that would have been a good
> format for 92.5.
>
> 99.5 KISS dipped more than a few toes into Alternative from
> 1995-1997 and paid a heavy ratings price for that. KISS has
> an Alternative lean, but KISS targets the harder-edged
> material and it would be very difficult for an Active or
> Alternative station to go head to head with KISS for those
> listeners; at this point 99.5 KISS is way too entrenched.
>
> dlf
>

 

[davideduardo]

Re: It's about revenue, not ratings

Formats change when billing is low, and when revenue potential in another format is higher. Ratings are one idicator, but many low rated stations, like all sports, are high billers.

>
> A REAL hip-hop station like Houston's 97.9 the Box and
> Dallas' K-104 that plays other rap and hip hop other than
> what's on the top 10 charts (when our Top-40 station, 96.1,
> starts to sound the same as our hip hop station, 98.5, I
> think there is a problem)

San Antonio does not have enough African American population to support a hip hop station that plays a lot of r&b.

 

[davideduardo]

!
>
> Digital 104.1FM doesn't work in San Antonio beacause of a
> myriad of
> reasons. First and foremost Amor 95.1 plays the same music.
> On a
> recent trip to San Antonio i noticed that their on air
> staff(Digital) were
> starting to speak Spanglish while keeping the same
> programming mix.
> Obviously, they are throwing everything but the sink in to
> turn this
> station around. However, i doubt if this tactic will work.
> Spanish-language
> radio has many different nuances. The typical listener of
> spanish contemporary radio thinks spanglish is "naco". It's
> a very common form of communication
> for Tejanos but for spanish dominant listeners it's low
> class. I suspect that
> all 20 of Digital's listeners will be making the big switch
> back to Amor. How familiar is Digital's playlist to
> Spanglish listeners? Can you effectively communicate to
> Spanglish listeners without introducing music that is
> familiar to them? Let's ask BMP's investors.

The real problem with Digital is that the pop format in the US does not work strongly, no matter how it is executed. KSSE in LA gets a 2 share in a market where there are 27 Spanish shares. It is a niche format, which wors in Mexico in general market due to fragmentation, but not particularly well in the USA.

 

[eepstein]

I think it just depends on the company. Look at KQJZ and KOYT. Both stations were flops that lasted only about 6 months (maybe a tad longer). Where as one was totally signal related, the other one was just bad programming completely.
I still believe that smooth jazz could do well in Austin with a good citygrade signal. Talk?? Well, i don't think that has a chance here...I also feel that KFNC in Houston will be gone within 6 months. FM talk is a tough sell and takes a specific type of market to support it. (not to mention a good signal which will ultimately kill KFNC)

> Some of San Antonio's stations (Digital 104.1, La Ley 95.7,
> Amor 95.1, Z 106.7, and Mix 96.1) have continuously received
> bad Arbitron ratings and I am wondering how long they will
> continue playing the same tired music and getting the same
> poor ratings without trying a new format. Especially when
> there are so many formats SA-Town is lacking. Here are a few
> we need....
>
> Hurban that plays reggaeton and Hip hop, which if you ask me
> San Antonio could dramatically support (especially if
> Houston can...look at Mega 101, KLOL).
>
> A true Hot-AC that plays a softer alternative rock like Goo
> Goo Dolls, Third Eye Blind, Alanis Morisette, Coldplay,
> Counting Crows, etc. (like KAMX in Austin or KLTG in Corpus
> and NOT like magic that throws in 80's music that no one
> wants to hear.)
>
> A REAL hip-hop station like Houston's 97.9 the Box and
> Dallas' K-104 that plays other rap and hip hop other than
> what's on the top 10 charts (when our Top-40 station, 96.1,
> starts to sound the same as our hip hop station, 98.5, I
> think there is a problem)
>
> And finally a modern/alternative rock station (not like
> K-Rock and Kiss that mix new and old rock songs together. If
> you ask me, those are two different audiences, causing lots
> of channel surfing).
>
>
> Honestly, I am surprised San Antonio is the # 30 market
> with all it is lacking. Corpus and Austin should both be
> ahead of us.
> Alright, I am done ranting and I feel better, thank you
> for listening (or reading, I suppose)
>

 

[Wazzie]

David,

You hit the nail on the head. It all boils down to billing. There are several AMs here in Tampa Bay that have VERY little or no ratings, but bill BIG time. Formats range from sports, to satellite talk, to paid programming.

Also remember, companies can twist the ARB numbers as well. Sales can say that their A/C station is number 2 in their demo (females 18-49), but overall are 9th in the market with a 2 share. We have a station that touts it is the most listened to station (Number 1, 12-65) but in the all important 18-54, they rank #17.

 

[gibby]

> The real problem with Digital is that the pop format in the
> US does not work strongly, no matter how it is executed.
> KSSE in LA gets a 2 share in a market where there are 27
> Spanish shares. It is a niche format, which wors in Mexico
> in general market due to fragmentation, but not particularly
> well in the USA.

There lies the difficulty in transplanting a station that
originated in the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo and making it viable
south of there. Also, there isn't anything in the pop en espanol
horizon that will be turning this station around.

 

[mboard]

> Honestly, I am surprised San Antonio is the # 30 market
> with all it is lacking. Corpus and Austin should both be
> ahead of us.
> Alright, I am done ranting and I feel better, thank you
> for listening (or reading, I suppose)
>

San Antonio is #30 because of the market size, no because of the quality of programming. new york is market number one because they have the biggest audience in the country.

 

[RFMan]

> David,
>
> You hit the nail on the head. It all boils down to billing.
> There are several AMs here in Tampa Bay that have VERY
> little or no ratings, but bill BIG time. Formats range from
> sports, to satellite talk, to paid programming.
>
> Also remember, companies can twist the ARB numbers as well.
> Sales can say that their A/C station is number 2 in their
> demo (females 18-49), but overall are 9th in the market with
> a 2 share. We have a station that touts it is the most
> listened to station (Number 1, 12-65) but in the all
> important 18-54, they rank #17.
>
It also has to do with cost vs return. An all satellite talk station costs almost nothing to run (sports included in that) so every dollar brought in is profit. With music stations you have cost for talent and promotions that can make that bottom line less appealing. There is also the problem that some formats will run people the wrong way. A good example of that is Beat 104.3 in Austin. They were consistantly high in the ratings, but they lost some national accounts that were trying to back off the hip-hop image and were having trouble getting money from the local businesses that would go after their audience. That's why it was easy for them to shift to The Coyote....and even easier to shift back after they tanked so big.

 

[RFMan]

Well, if we're making wish lists....here are a few for Austin.

Wants: Good FM Talk....and by that I mean a mix of satellite and local talent and a competent promotions plan (Live 105 in Dallas does it fairly well)

Jazz....something along the lines of the old KAJZ (among the many formats of 93.3 in the last 10 years) with maybe a little more classic jazz added in.

News talk....So far the only station that has really tried it was KVET-AM and they only kind of half assed it (remember Joyce Issacs and Susan Powter?)KLBJ does a decent job and I like the fact that they have a local show with Jeff Ward, but news needs another point of view. 1600 could be a possibility but I don't think they will ever really get into the news gathering business...plus their signal is weak.

80's Music....yeah, I know, you will all probably hate this but I miss it. I listen to 106.9 in Houston whenever I am their and I miss the classic American Top 40 replays that 107.7 used to do on Sundays.

Here's a few I wish would go away:

Rap/Hip-hop....I just don't see the need for two of those formats in Austin, especially considering the quality of the rap coming out today. I'm not really a fan of it anyways, but I can appreciate the artistry that is put into some of it.....however, most of it these days is just simply crap.

Tejano....I'm sure the hispanic population will disagree with me, but there are other forms of Latin music that are much better and much less annoying....and don't have accordians.

KO-OP Radio....I have some friends their that do a decent job, but the infighting and the politcal crap are just annoying. Let the students have the whole frequency. They can do just as good a job and maybe will get some better trained radio people out of it.


Thanks for listening...or reading.

 

[gibby]

>
> Tejano....I'm sure the hispanic population will
> disagree with me, but there are other forms of Latin music
> that are much better and much less annoying....and don't
> have accordians.
>
There are some forms of Mexican Regional music that utilize
the accordian that have absolutely nothing to do with Tejano.
Like Norteño, Grupero and even Urban Regional which fuses
Regional Mexican music with hip hop beats. There is no Tejano
format on the FM dial in Austin. You can find Austin's only
Tejano station on 1560AM.

 

[eepstein]

My Austin Radio Dial take....

As a recent subscriber to sirius satelite radio, I can honestly tell you that I have little use for the traditional FM dial, but being the radio geek that I am, I still listen here and there (mainly in the car because I haven't upgrading the car stereo yet) Here is my take on the Austin radio dial.

KUT, KGSR, and KPEZ are the only stations I will listen to. KUT is great for NPR, news, and information--also some musical programs as well. KGSR is also a great variety station--keeps it austin local whenever it can. KPEZ is also a pretty good station. A good variety of classic rock and some newer stuff--no worthless morning show and the DJ talk is kept to a minimum. (as are commercials)

I couldn't agree more. KDHT and KXBT are two completely wasted signals in Austin. Especially KDHT with one of the best signals in the state. Hip hop is nothing more than whiny love songs, and songs about degrading women. Both of these stations have about a 10-15 song playlist.. The repetition is SO high, that it is common to hear both stations playing the same song at the same time.

A jazz station would be nice, I think it could work on a citygrade stick. I personally would like to see KFMK be switched to smooth jazz. But that isn't happening. SMooth jazz would be good, but also more traditional jazz would be nice on KUT. I love the sunday morning jazz show on KGSR.

80's music?? Well, it proved to just be a fad. I think KAMX and KBPA pretty much have the 80's relm covered.

FM talk??--that isn't happening in austin especially since its failed twice in the past 5-7 years. Wasn't it on 98.9 back in the late 90's or around that time??

KOOP sometimes has some interesting programming. Their signal is decent in and around Austin. They have some good jazz programming periodically. Also, KAZI has some good programming as well.

Believe me when I tell you, traditional FM radio is on it's way out. Maybe not today, or next week, but I believe in our lifetimes traditional FM radio will be as obsulete as broadcast TV without cable is today. GET SIRIUS!! YOULL NEVER GO BACK!!! TRUST ME!!!

> Well, if we're making wish lists....here are a few for
> Austin.
>
> Wants: Good FM Talk....and by that I mean a mix of satellite
> and local talent and a competent promotions plan (Live 105
> in Dallas does it fairly well)
>
> Jazz....something along the lines of the old KAJZ
> (among the many formats of 93.3 in the last 10 years) with
> maybe a little more classic jazz added in.
>
> News talk....So far the only station that has really
> tried it was KVET-AM and they only kind of half assed it
> (remember Joyce Issacs and Susan Powter?)KLBJ does a decent
> job and I like the fact that they have a local show with
> Jeff Ward, but news needs another point of view. 1600 could
> be a possibility but I don't think they will ever really get
> into the news gathering business...plus their signal is
> weak.
>
> 80's Music....yeah, I know, you will all probably
> hate this but I miss it. I listen to 106.9 in Houston
> whenever I am their and I miss the classic American Top 40
> replays that 107.7 used to do on Sundays.
>
> Here's a few I wish would go away:
>
> Rap/Hip-hop....I just don't see the need for two of
> those formats in Austin, especially considering the quality
> of the rap coming out today. I'm not really a fan of it
> anyways, but I can appreciate the artistry that is put into
> some of it.....however, most of it these days is just simply
> crap.
>
> Tejano....I'm sure the hispanic population will
> disagree with me, but there are other forms of Latin music
> that are much better and much less annoying....and don't
> have accordians.
>
> KO-OP Radio....I have some friends their that do a
> decent job, but the infighting and the politcal crap are
> just annoying. Let the students have the whole frequency.
> They can do just as good a job and maybe will get some
> better trained radio people out of it.
>
>
> Thanks for listening...or reading.
>

 

[Kent]

Re: My Austin Radio Dial take....

> As a recent subscriber to sirius satelite radio, I can
> honestly tell you that I have little use for the traditional
> FM dial, but being the radio geek that I am, I still listen
> here and there (mainly in the car because I haven't
> upgrading the car stereo yet) Here is my take on the Austin
> radio dial.

I have to admit that I have both XM and Sirius. However, I also frequently find myself pushing buttons, not only between both services but including terrestrial radio.

> A jazz station would be nice, I think it could work on a
> citygrade stick. I personally would like to see KFMK be
> switched to smooth jazz. But that isn't happening. SMooth
> jazz would be good, but also more traditional jazz would be
> nice on KUT. I love the sunday morning jazz show on KGSR.

Smooth jazz has been tried many times in the last 15 years. In fact, even KGSR did smooth jazz in the late 80's/early 90's when it was still called new AC. It may have even been when it had calls KSSR. I like smooth jazz, too, and it was one of my main reasons for getting satellite, but it never has worked in Austin. It's been on 107.1, 93.3, 92.1 and 106.3, maybe even more, and has not worked.

> 80's music?? Well, it proved to just be a fad. I think
> KAMX and KBPA pretty much have the 80's relm covered.

For the most part, yes. However, 80's stations normally bill better than their ratings would indicate. In markets with a lot of fragmentation, 80's stations can do quite well, as is the case with KHPT 106.9 in Houston.

> FM talk??--that isn't happening in austin especially since
> its failed twice in the past 5-7 years. Wasn't it on 98.9
> back in the late 90's or around that time??

It was tried on 98.9 as KJFK. I believe it was the late 90's when KUTZ flipped. I'm not sure it couldn't work, but the mold that's been used in the past has not worked. If KLBJ 590 were to take its format to FM, you very well might see better results though that model has not been successful on FM everywhere either. I wouldn't be surprised if you started seeing more AM talkers simulcasting on FM once digital radio takes off and multicasting becomes the big thing. They can simply simulcast on a sister station's additional channel.

> Believe me when I tell you, traditional FM radio is on it's
> way out. Maybe not today, or next week, but I believe in
> our lifetimes traditional FM radio will be as obsulete as
> broadcast TV without cable is today. GET SIRIUS!! YOULL
> NEVER GO BACK!!! TRUST ME!!!

I do believe the way we listen to radio will change in the next 50 years or so. Given how fast technology moves, change is almost inevitable. Whether or not that means traditional FM radio will be out is more up to interpretation than anything. I tend to think traditional radio as a concept will still be around and doing rather well. In other words, we may no longer find ourselves listening to AM and FM, but the same or similar stations will be around and doing well just maybe on another band. If you look at some of the NAB demonstrations, you'd think the transmitter is destined to become scrap metal. I've even heard of a system that would use satellites to broadcast traditional radio digitally, up to and including replicating existing coverage areas. Like I said earlier, I frequently find myself flipping between XM, Sirius, AM and FM. I do find myself listening to satellite more than terrestrial radio, but many of those times are when I was not listening to radio before. For example, I like to listen to smooth jazz and soft AC when getting ready for bed, but I don't have smooth jazz as an option and I can't stand Delilah. So, I'm now listening to satellite when I previously wasn't listening at all. However, I still listen to my favorite morning show, my favorite afternoon show, etc just like always. There are also times when I just can't listen to Sirius. I literally can't pick it up at all certain times of the day. I admit I only have the home setup run from indoors, but I don't have the same problem with XM.

 

[RFMan]

> >
> > Tejano....I'm sure the hispanic population will
> > disagree with me, but there are other forms of Latin music
>
> > that are much better and much less annoying....and don't
> > have accordians.
> >
> There are some forms of Mexican Regional music that utilize
> the accordian that have absolutely nothing to do with
> Tejano.
> Like Norteño, Grupero and even Urban Regional which fuses
> Regional Mexican music with hip hop beats. There is no
> Tejano
> format on the FM dial in Austin. You can find Austin's only
>
> Tejano station on 1560AM.
>
Please forgive my ignorance. Apparantly I don't like Norteno, Grupero or Urban Regional. I also don't like listening to music on the AM dial.

 

[RFMan]

Re: My Austin Radio Dial take....

> As a recent subscriber to sirius satelite radio, I can
> honestly tell you that I have little use for the traditional
> FM dial, but being the radio geek that I am, I still listen
> here and there (mainly in the car because I haven't
> upgrading the car stereo yet) Here is my take on the Austin
> radio dial.

I subscribe to XM and I do listen to that quite a bit, but I am still a local radio fan. I don't think that local radio will ever go away. What I think will happen is that local radio will adjust itself to be more local oriented. I think local vs Satellite radio will be analagous to local vs cable TV.

> KUT, KGSR, and KPEZ are the only stations I will listen to.
> KUT is great for NPR, news, and information--also some
> musical programs as well. KGSR is also a great variety
> station--keeps it austin local whenever it can. KPEZ is
> also a pretty good station. A good variety of classic rock
> and some newer stuff--no worthless morning show and the DJ
> talk is kept to a minimum. (as are commercials)

I do like stations like KPEZ and BOB-FM that do the eclectic mix thing...on occasion. There are times, however, that I am in the mood for a certain type or music and I want to be able to find it, which is why I hate checkerboard formats like KUT and KOOP. "HMM, I want to hear some jazz so I guess I'll get up at 2am on Thursday when they play it." As for KGSR, I really like the idea of them.....but I just can seem to enjoy listening to them. It seems like everytime I turn them on....I find myself bored very quickly and turn them off. I do like them in Theory though.....


> FM talk??--that isn't happening in austin especially since
> its failed twice in the past 5-7 years. Wasn't it on 98.9
> back in the late 90's or around that time??

Actually, the format which is called "Hot Talk" usually has been tried 3 times in Austin. 98.9 KJFK, KJCE before it went conservative and of course The Coyote. I really don't think that any of these attempts were really full blown. Maybe 98.9, but they didn't really have the resources to make it work and they got stuck with Howard Stern who charged them more than the rest of their station was making just to run his show. KJCE was just killing time with some stock Infinity stuff until they could get their conservative stuff together and The Coyote was just an attempt to keep Russ Martin happy. As I've said, you need a good mix of local and national talent and a good promotions plan and department and a willingness to let it take hold.

 

[jras20]

Re: My Austin Radio Dial take....

Yes radio is going down hill ever since it seems like sat. radio came out, but still, I hate that they charge extra per month for extra radios on Sat radio. I would half to have at least 4-7 radios, I got about 4 at home one in my Truck 2 at my other place, that would cost me a bundle on sat. radio. I think if they ever stop charging for extra radios, either service I'll switch, but untill then, I think I am going to stick with traditional fm.

 

[Pat2]

Re: My Austin Radio Dial take....

>
> Believe me when I tell you, traditional FM radio is on it's
> way out. Maybe not today, or next week, but I believe in
> our lifetimes traditional FM radio will be as obsulete as
> broadcast TV without cable is today. GET SIRIUS!! YOULL
> NEVER GO BACK!!! TRUST ME!!!
>
>
I'm not from San Antonio but I tend to agree with you. It seems that FM radio sounds just like AM radio did around 1979 when they kept playing the same disco songs over and over, while new pop stations were popping up on FM and stealing listeners. The big difference was that the AM stations were a lot better in many ways than todays FM. The old stations weren't nearly as annoying as they are now with their self promotions and other hogwash between every song. AM just played the jingle and spun the record and the jock talked over the intro. Too many positioning statements and other racket on todays radio. thing that I remember when radio stations played old tape cartridges and old scratchy 33s and 45s (remember those) and you know what? They actually sounded better. I remember when FM actually had sound quality worth listening too. Many of todays stations are in some sort of contest to see who can turn the volume and compression up the loudest. It sounds like everyones eating the microphones and the band can only play one volume. Loud. I can understand using some sort of compression or automatic volume control so people in a noisy car can hear the soft parts, but don't go overboard and peg all the meters and distort the audio. One local station where I live is so bad the bass drums go splat and the cymbals sound like tin foil. And of course when the compression kicks in you hear that familliar rush of hiss and background noise.
I'm considering getting satelite just so I don't have to deal with the racket anymore.

 

[eepstein]

Re: My Austin Radio Dial take....

Well I think in the years to come, people will just get used to paying for quality radio, just as they did cable television. Many people swore they would never pay for cable television and look at today?? Nearly everyone has cable in some form or another. Radio will be the same way. The quality of many stations in the country is so bad with so much commercials and worthless talk, it is a GIVEN that people will eventually expect more and GET more with satelite radio. I think the 10 or 12 bucks a month is WELL worth the cost to actually be able to enjoy MUSIC the way it was intended. BULLSHIT FREE.


> Yes radio is going down hill ever since it seems like sat.
> radio came out, but still, I hate that they charge extra
> per month for extra radios on Sat radio. I would half to
> have at least 4-7 radios, I got about 4 at home one in my
> Truck 2 at my other place, that would cost me a bundle on
> sat. radio. I think if they ever stop charging for extra
> radios, either service I'll switch, but untill then, I think
> I am going to stick with traditional fm.
>