Jacksonville radio Summer 2013

[jpm3002]

Does anyone think there will be any adjustments in the market since it seems that Cox is done with it's moves?

On a side note, I am hoping that CC will put a rocker back in the market.
If they were to do it, they would have to be social media friendly and be very local like Cox is with X.

Thoughts?

 

[TommyR]

Funny you mention CC...I find it interesting that Skip Kelly was called back (following programming WFKS early on) to program WWJK. What does being the local PD of the ultimate consultant-driven format entail, unless changes--or great improvements--are forthcoming?

 

[John FL]

Folks, I am very, very upset. When I get this way, I tend to jump on a soap box. I don’t like doing it. My love of really great radio just motivates me to no end. Other markets are light years ahead of us in that they are more inclusive of the community served. Spoiler strategy exists beyond Jacksonville but it's not the only strategy. Look at the radio dial here. Can we really be proud of what we got? My goodness. There are 10 FM signals that are under the umbrella of just 3 genres of music. We can do better. Will CC rise to the occasion? If they don’t, then we are just screwed. I never give up hope but in my time in Jacksonville, this has got to be the worst if we think of creative, innovative and unique programming. I’d like you all to consider the following four hours of programming as I make some points :

HOUR 1 HOUR 2

SING A SONG - EARTH, WIND & FIRE TAKE YOUR TIME DO IT RIGHT –S.O.S. BAND
TAKE ON ME – AHA LIVIN’ ON THE EDGE - AEROSMITH
FANTASY – MARIAH CAREY MIRACLES – JEFFERSON STARSHIP
ONE OF THESE NIGHTS – EAGLES THEY DON’T KNOW – TRACY ULLMAN
COVER ME – BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN SIR DUKE – STEVIE WONDER
CAN’T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD – ELO THE LIVING YEARS – MIKE & THE MECHANICS
1-2-3 – GLORIA ESTEFAN STRONG ENOUGH – CHERYL CROW
A HARD DAY’S NIGHT – BEATLES MY LIFE – BILLY JOEL
SENIMENTAL LADY – BOB WELCH LET MY LOVE OPEN THE DOOR – P. TOWNSEND
ON THE DARKSIDE – JOHN CAFFERTY BABY HOLD ON – EDDIE MONEY
FIRE – POINTER SISTERS USE ME – BILL WITHERS
YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE DANCING – LEO SAYER DON’T DREAM IT’S OVER -
WILL IT GO ROUND IN CIRCLES – BILLY PRESTON HOT STUFF – DONNA SUMMER
JESSIE’S GIRL – RICK SPRINGFIELD TUMBLING DICE – ROLLING STONES
PICK UP THE PIECES – AVERAGE WHITE BAND
SARA SMILE – HALL & OATES
PHILADELPHIA FRREDOM – ELTON JOHN

HOUR 3 HOUR 4
MAGIC MAN – HEART ROCK ‘ N ME – STEVE MILLER BAND
AXEL F- HAROLD FALTERMEYER HOLDING BACK THE YEARS – SIMPLY RED
LINGER –CRANBERRIES I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU – WHITNEY HOUSTON
FOOLED AROUND & FELL IN LOVE – ELVIN BISHOP COME SAIL AWAY - STYX
DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE – HUEY LEWIS/THE NEWS TAINTED LOVE – SOFT CELL
I’M NOT IN LOVE – 10CC LE FREAK - CHIC
NEED YOU TONIGHT – INXS THAT’S WHY THEY CALL IT THE BLUES – E. JOHN
HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME (’69) – SLY/F STONE DREAMLOVER – MARIAH CAREY
LET’S GO – THE CARS PEG – STEELY DAN
GOODY TWO SHOES – ADAM ANT LIFE IN ANORTHERN TOWN – DREAM ACADEMY
IF I CAN’T HAVE YOU – YVONNE ELERMAN GREASE – FRANKIE VALLI
THAT’S THE WAY I LIKE IT – KC/SUNSHINE BAND COME AND GET IT - BADFINGER
JUST YOU ‘N ME – CHICAGO WITH OR WITHOUT YOU – U2
LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER – BON JOVI DON’T STOP TILL YOU GET ENGH – MICHAEL JACKSON
YOU’RE IN MY HEART – ROD STEWART SPRIT IN THE SKY – NORMAN GREENBAUM
SHAMBALA – THREE DOG NIGHT THUNDER ISLAND – JAY FERGUSON

This is a representative sample of songs heard on WDRC-FM from Hartford Conn known as “The Biggest Hits on the Big D.” It’s not perfect but the station is transitioning into featuring 90’s titles. I love their PD - Grahame Winters. She'll get this nailed down really good IMO because the station has a great track record. First, The Big D is a classic hits station. It certainly breaks stereotype, doesn’t it? I've listened to them over the years and the one thing that always stood out - they have a "big" playlist. They keep things fresh and they work hard to be a success. You can tell. The station also has a full roster of jocks, personality and a Saturday night request show. It breaks my heart that in virtually every other market, there is at least that one station like this that offers a level of excitement that we just don’t have here.

And that’s just it, Jacksonville has so much bias against certain formats such as a softer AC and even hybrid oldies that no one really thinks of what could be. This town is more interested in destroying certain formats than in trying to build them into something really good. I see so many examples where managers and owners have given the format the time and the support to succeed. To me, a little creativity and thinking outside that box can make a world of difference. Will anything here ever change?

The 60’s rotation has certainly slowed down and we can all understand and appreciate why. Most doing a traditional classic hits station offer at least 1 60’s song per hour and there’s still a number of early 70’s per hour to still give that “oldies” feel. It’s a good trade-off and I believe it keeps the format viable while still trying to appeal to those who really have no radio home. That inclusion thing I mentioned before. The other thing to consider is if you just don’t play certain songs they will remain unfamiliar, not test well and then you are back to a lot of sameness which defines Jacksonville radio. Another reason other markets are ahead of us on many levels.

So now Jack-FM has a new PD. I don’t have a good track record convincing anyone in this town when it comes to offering something a bit different than all the rest. That small sample of songs presented above would not sound like Eagle and it would not sound like WEJZ. I realize there are regional songs in every playlist. But honestly, there are dozens and dozens if not hundreds of hit songs that a good, variety based classic hits station can present over time. I know listeners. Build something really good – and they will come. It's a win-win.

There are two major format holes. One would be an alternative, either softer or more modern AC, to what WEJZ presents. The other would be a real classic hits station but this time with a twist. Instead of being a classic rock hybrid, I suggest it be a variety hits/adult his hybrid – mainly 70’s, 80’s and 90’s with a few 60’s blasts from the past for good measure. Including some rock tunes is perfectly OK as long as it represents minimal overlap per hour.

I find Jacksonville radio is probably at its' lowest point if you consider format variety, excitement, and creativity. Being a spoiler is a strategy and it does work. But enough is enough. Virtually the entire radio dial is a spoiler to something. It's very, very depressing. Listeners would gravitate to a really tight, well-programmed Soft AC too. If by some miracle Jack-FM became a very today's version of classic hits, I would not expect CC to offer a Soft AC as well. But then most people agree an AC format paired with a classic hits station has proven a very successful combo.

There's been a lot of disappointment. I suppose the best thing to wish for is nothing. That will at least meet expectations. Between you and me, I don't know why I still have a passion for any of this. But again, what motivates me is seeing how other markets, other PD's, other GM, owners, you name it truly put the listener in the center of the decision making.

 

[upstate29651]

Does anyone think there will be any adjustments in the market since it seems that Cox is done with it's moves?

On a side note, I am hoping that CC will put a rocker back in the market.
If they were to do it, they would have to be social media friendly and be very local like Cox is with X.

Thoughts?

X is local? Huh?

G

 

[John FL]

Funny you mention CC...I find it interesting that Skip Kelly was called back (following programming WFKS early on) to program WWJK. What does being the local PD of the ultimate consultant-driven format entail, unless changes--or great improvements--are forthcoming?

What seems obvious to me is CC Jax has a great big target on their back. Someone in another string mentioned CC does not perform well against direct competition. There are a good number of reasons for that. I believe a lot of it has to do with their corporate structure, red tape that slows down major decisions and the requirements their stations offer national programming, corporate approved talent who often know nothing about the Jax market and sound like it too as well as promote other corporate products that really act as more of a distraction and clutter than anything else.

I look at the other major company in the market – Cox – and CC Jax is not in the same arena when it comes to strategic thinking and flawless format execution. This brings us to Jack FM. There are a number of other things to consider as well such as offering the right format on the right stick and to also consider the effects CHR as in the case of WAPE have made on this market. CC could actually position themselves as the main recipient of certain older-end listeners who may not like the future new crop or artists and music direction. Obviously, I can’t present all my arguments in one post. So, more will follow.

So for now, here are some thoughts from a listeners’ perspective on Jack FM. I’ve noticed some subtle changes even with the voice imaging but it won’t matter. Jack FM is not a major player in Jax, nor will it ever be unless they radically transform the format to become more mass appeal and unique.

Bragging about no “DJs” does not mean much to listeners. Look at the Jax radio landscape and the market is loaded with lifeless stations. Even the ones who have talent have suppressed their participation to such a degree that many listeners outside of morning drive couldn’t even tell you who is on the air. No DJs does not separate Jack from all the rest. Perhaps a decade ago, it would have.

The vast majority of listeners also realize radio stations play what THEY want. Radio people will tell you they do play what their P1’s want via music testing. Management still has to “interpret” the data. I believe music tests should be used as a guideline but not as the final decision. There are many reasons a format/station fails. Many have invested in music testing. Rock 104.5 did as well. It’s not the cure, sometimes it is among the problems. On the subject of music, Jack FM offers a lot of what could be found elsewhere and what has been featured in the recent past elsewhere. They lack that "hook."

The representative music playlist I presented above from WDRC-FM lends itself to increased TSL. I find stations like that, although under the marketing designation of classic hits, offers far more variety and those wow song moments than many variety hits formats. Just like the line in the Wild, Wild West – heading for the 90’s – the format is. The clock is advancing but I also believe listeners enjoy a reprieve too from music everyone else is playing by going way back on occasion too. Those who discount the viability of a really good, variety based, multiple decades music station that offers something different from the rest of the pack are mired in a bias that even the most persuasive argument will not sway.

There are such fine lines nowadays among formats but real, traditional classic hits also have personality and that’s something Jack FM does not have. But it’s run on the cheap. Sadly, that trumps just about everything. In my opinion CC made a horrific mistake in dumping classic hits. I believe the classic hits format should have been offered on 97.9 when Planet went away. Radio Now should have moved to 107.3. I still feel the same today but with radio Now moving away from being in direct competition to WAPE.

With a big stick there are big expectations. Perhaps it’s why a new PD has been brought in. I think it's also a major reason why Magic 107.3 had too much interference because expectations were set too high and too fast. A great signal is a plus but content is what really defines and establishes success. Something else on 97.9 and an enhanced Radio Now on 107.3 need to happen IMO for CC to gain some footing in the market. More to come!

 

[John FL]

In the last post, I mentioned CHR. If you look at the ratings, there was a time the format dipped some when the “kids” headed back to school. Over the last couple of years, the format has become very mass-appeal. Upper-end numbers for the format have been on the rise and from what I figure and from what I have read; those soccer moms are listening on their own without prodding from their daughters. Apparently, today's artists and overall sound works among varied groups of people.

Adult based formats such as AC and even traditional classic hits stations have modified their music as well to stay competitive. Remember Simply Red on the WDRC playlist? It’s not uncommon. These formats have always had to advance the music chronologically over time but in the case of AC and for our market – WEJZ – that clock was advanced faster and more pronounced. Today, AC fights for certain listeners that were once considered a slam dunk.

With this type of market change, I saw a lot of opportunity for a challenger to emerge that offered nothing at all that sounded like a WAPE or not too much like WEJZ as well. Honestly, I really believed a Soft AC represented a very good fit for Cox because there would have been virtually no music overlap. The nature of CHR is the music and the artists reflect current tastes and trends. Today, mom can tolerate what the daughter listens to, tomorrow that could change. Cox will not benefit much when those soccer moms move to something else that's more along their taste. Radio Now could be it provided they actively target them aggressively.

If a Radio Now moved to a bigger and better signal and if they positioned themselves as a Modern or very, very Hot AC they would not be as concerned about being first playing that new song but playing favorites over the past 20 years or so. That would appeal to a very viable group of women right smack in the middle of the money demo.

If a Big Hits type format emerged at 97.9, then technically that station could end musically in time where Radio Now could begin. “Big” 97.9 - Jacksonville’s Biggest Hits could emerge as a hybrid variety hits/classic hits station focusing mainly on hit music from the 70’ 80’s with some 90’s, very occasional 60's losing the Jack attitude and getting CC’s plentiful talent pool to VT most dayparts. Is Skip Kelly the same guy who is on WOLL in PB? He could do a shift. Hey, if you are going to dream – dream “big!”

Last Saturday night, I was out and about driving around quite a bit. I did a good deal of listening around the dial. Saturday nights are not considered a critical daypart for advertising reasons. I don’t quite agree with that. People are having a good time and radio here needs to do a better job reflecting that. Most of what I heard was rather boring and predictable. I was almost hoping I could pick up Tom Kent or even Charlie Tuna. Even though I don’t care much for syndicated programming, those shows would have sounded more live and local and exciting than anything else I heard. Imagine a request show on Saturday night!

Ironically, I found some interesting songs over at Hot 106.5. I’ve listened other times as well but what I’ve noticed is at least 1 out of 5, sometimes 2 out of 5 songs, can be found on a lot of today’s classic hits stations. It’s still another reason I believe Jacksonville does not really have a true classic hits format and why I believe a programming hole truly does exist.

So, at any rate, that is my thinking how CC could affect market changes that can make Jacksonville a more interesting and varied radio market. I’d like to end with a personal note. I hold no animosity toward WEJZ or any of their team as I have been recommending a challenger to them. I’m not out to see them beaten. To WEJZ’s credit, they do a great job recognizing diversity in the workplace and their music reflects that diversity. But their overall sound and approach is just not everyone's taste.

I’m all about giving listeners choices and a number of us just don’t have any. Jacksonville remains too top heavy among certain formats. I’d like to see that change. Perhaps the new PD @CC will try to make that happen. We can only hope ‘cause that’s all we got! Thanks for listening. I'm sure you guys may have a different point of view and that's OK too.

 

[John FL]

Well, well. I can see the response has been overwhelming. Really, that’s OK. I’d like to tie this all up by sharing some personal thoughts and providing some realism in the midst of my fantasies.

What are the odds that CC will create a cutting-edge, personality-driven classic hits station? You got it. The odds CC brings back Planet and an Active Rock format are more favorable but I believe unlikely at this moment. Probably just tweaks will rule for now but who really knows.

A major part of my motivation that I’ve talked about for a long time has revolved around the listener. But there is something else too and it’s about fairness. For those of you who have a livelihood in radio, I would think you would want to be judged fairly on your performance. You probably have experienced a lot of stress and frustration when that new owner and/or that new boss just wrote you off because they wanted their hand-picked team or that format that worked well somewhere else to replace the one you are on which means you are out.

I see radio in a different light. I get competition and I understand how great it feels to win. But there are many ways to victory. What I have noticed about many who participate on these boards and who obviously work in radio is how they seem to enjoy drawing blood. Some can lose their livelihood in the process and something very heritage can go away lost to something that will never be as memorable. Career opportunities continue to wither away yet many in the business seem to support models that are making their roles extinct. Maybe I’m missing something but it makes no sense to me. Look at the radio product that remains...nothing to crow about.

There are exceptions out there and it really gives me hope that all is not lost. I’ve met a good number of radio folks in my lifetime and this has mostly been at the “DJ” level and PD/MD level too. Way back when I met a guy by the name of Dennis Collins who was a very long-term GM in South Florida.

WMXJ (Magic 102.7 – Classic Hits) was purchased by a company called Jefferson Pilot, today it is Lincoln Financial. That may have been back in the 80’s or maybe early 90’s. During a station promotion, I had an interesting chat with Mr. Collins. My concern was the new owner would flip the format to something else. What I heard was music to my ears. He said he absolutely loved the oldies format and he also went on as to why pairing that format with their AC (WLYF) was such a winning combo. All these years later, I have remembered his words and have witnessed that success repeated in many other markets.

Jacksonville has not been as fortunate if you look at the hard knocks the oldies and hybrid oldies format have endured. Jax has not had that key person who really loves the format. WMXJ has had a number of tough years. Today they have reinvented themselves, they sound better than they have in years under a new PD. No company in Jacksonville would have kept it going. There would have been the pursuit of that golden ticket with the promise of a bigger payout.

Recently, their afternoon personality Ron St. John retired. He was around 69 years of age. Age apparently didn't matter to the company; it was all about performance and Ron delivered the goods. He had been with the station since it started back in the mid 80’s. Listeners had the opportunity to say goodbye to him in a promotion at a park. That is just class. It’s not the first time they did that. Several years earlier, legendary DJ Rick Shaw was given a very human and touching sendoff as well. Their MD has been with the station as well since Day One. It’s almost unheard of nowadays to see that longevity. Had that been torn down, consider how much would have been lost.

In my career, I don’t believe I ever hand-picked my own team. I usually followed someone else and I usually got the scoop as to who were the good employees and who were not. I never paid much attention to that. For those who lagged behind, I made sure they were coached, trained and got a little TLC. I figured they and our team would fail if I didn’t invest the time and effort in them. Sometimes these things didn’t work but at least we gave it our best shot and our team was still better as a result.

GMs often manage a cluster of which they did not hand-pick the formats. They could lend their support to turn a station around or they can choose not to invest any significant time and effort into it. When that format flips, none of us should be surprised. Fairness doesn’t exist much in radio. The company that owns WSOS-FM is known for being frugal. Yet, when it comes to enhancing the signal, apparently money is no concern. Maybe it's just me, but it's in your face arrogance.

It should be obvious, the former Soft AC format never stood a chance to succeed with a better Jacksonville signal. Come hell or high water, they were going to get themselves a rocker. If Cox even decided to take 104.5 back to its’ classic rock glory, 94.9 could have wound up as the Active Rocker. Just my opinion.

I’m running long as usual but got things off my chest. Really, I can hold my head high. I’ve used these boards to tell it like it is and even though I have not been able to really change anything, I really do believe I have gotten some of you to think, especially in how the Jacksonville radio market can really be and should be. Peace.