Mark & Board - I had to dig around for this question but recently you asked:
"What Jacksonville radio station will be the next one to change format, how soon will the format change take place and what will the new format be? To personalize it just a bit, which station would you like to see change its format and to what?"
Part of my response was WFKS (KISS) should flip to Greatest Hits and the sooner the better. Well, I got the format right and the cluster owner right - but not the station. I never mentioned Planet in any type of change because I totally believed they would have done OK in PPM cuming almost identical to X1029. But I got sucked into linear thinking.
I'm not sure how widespread this was but it seemed not too long ago, I noticed a billboard in my area promoting Planet. To a reasonable person, that would indicate they were in it for the long haul or at least long enough into PPM before reacting. Something happened and I believe there is a lot more to this story. Magic has been born, yet to my knowledge there still isn't a website, no streaming and new jingles that each day seem to be added. This happened way fast.
Maybe there are some things at play. One could simply be the real higher ups at CC looked at the long run. For Planet to have continued running less spots with a talent roster probably crossed some revenue/expense ratio that was not acceptable. As an outsider, even now, I have no clue why those who guide radio slam the very hand that feeds them and reinforces the negative opinion about commercials listeners already have.
You have to wonder if CC got wind that someone else was considering bringing greatest hits to Jax. I believe that is a very real and strong possibility.
I recommended the format for KISS because I believed they could build on the audience already there and it would not have had any effects on local talent as they have syndicated programming. I get criticized on occasion and I have to defend myself more than I care to. I never advocated the format at the expense of others and that includes those at Eagle. There is room for both and it is a welcommed change to our market - long overdue.. Anyway, it wouldn't surprise to see WFKS tweaked to the extent they take on more AC elements.
CC has acknolwledged Cox owns males in this market. It's clear, their strategy now is to bring more females into the fold. All anyone has to do is look at the ratings and I've been saying that for years. Magic is sounding great and while the selections are very safe, I think that's more about attracting listeners rather than scaring them off. I expect the station to eventually differentiate itself even more from Eagle. Our market dynamics have changed.Greatest Hits and various forms of AC have been sister stations in many markets where the two stations can be sold. I believe that is about to happen with WFKS and it's new "older" sibbling WPLA.
I don't like seeing anyone lose his livelihood. Apparently, listeners are easily manipulated but the business of radio is very complex indeed.But some of you did realize even before PPM hit, there would be changes.