Is KRBE the most conservative [mainstream] Top 40 station in America?

[victorres43]

Looking at the playlist, and sampling the station a few times, it feels that 104.1 KRBE in Houston is a borderline Hot AC, almost sounding like a station such as NOW 100.5 in Sacramento (KZZO), which is a Hot AC. KRBE repeats a few of their currents very frequently, yet a large portion of its playlist consist of older songs that are more than 5 years old. However, unlike KZZO, KRBE still has Gabby Barrett's I Hope in rotation. It's also strange that KRBE is playing Kali Uchis's Telepatia only during the nighttime, but KZZO is playing it during the daytime!

Recent playlists:

KRBE: 104.1 KRBE On Air Playlist

NOW 100.5: Now 100.5



Compare to Z100 in New York, KIIS-FM in Los Angeles, and even fellow Cumulus station Q99.7 (formerly Q100) in Atlanta:

Z100: Find the most recently played songs on Z100 New York

102.7 KIIS-FM: Find the most recently played songs on KIIS FM

Q99.7: Q99.7 Atlanta On Air Playlist



Interesting to note that both KRBE and Q100 were very conservative CHRs, especially under the guise of Jan Jeffries. Both were heavy on the likes of Rob Thomas/Matchbox Twenty, John Mayer, and Kelly Clarkson. But, over time, WWWQ has became more of a mainstream CHR, even playing rap hits during the day, unlike KRBE (which reserves reggaeton or heavier rap songs during nighttime hours) but not unlike a typical mainstream CHR. Very few, if any, Top 40 stations seem to sound as conservative as KRBE, and such stations are not really found in major markets.

Granted, CHR is not in the best state right now, but KRBE sounded safe even during a time when CHR is booming. I once caught them playing Tubthumping and Soak Up The Sun in 2010.

 

[Kent]

As you mention, Cumulus has preferred conservative CHR's in general. I seem to recall KRBE went in a more conservative direction after PPM and almost immediately began seeing dividends. That same formula was probably not working so well in Atlanta.

 

[victorres43]

As you mention, Cumulus has preferred conservative CHR's in general. I seem to recall KRBE went in a more conservative direction after PPM and almost immediately began seeing dividends. That same formula was probably not working so well in Atlanta.

In Atlanta, Star 94 became less of a formidable competitor for Q100 over time. And then there came Power 96.1. I wonder if part of the ratings strength of Q100/Q99.7 is the result of The Bert Show, given that many Yelp reviews on Q100 mention glowingly about the morning show, even if they do not listen to Top 40 radio in general.

As for KRBE, it's interesting how the conservative sound remains, even if Cumulus CHR stations began to have more reign over their playlists. But I believe KRBE was more hot and rhythmic-friendly during the 90s and early 2000s?

Also, interesting to note that in the neighboring Beaumont-Port Arthur market, iHeartMedia's 104.5 Kiss FM has beaten Cumulus's Q94 in most books, all without local presenters. Also in the Bryan-College Station market, Candy 95 (KNDE) is maintaining high ratings by leaning towards hip hop, even though it serves a conservative college town; this, despite the presence of a hip hop station.