Jacksonville

[John FL]

And, has been indicated in the past, another option would be for Cox to install their version of "Easy 93.1 WFEZ" on 104.5 - I think this could fly!

They would pit themselves against 96.9...not a smart move.

G

Not so fast! Look at Tampa. WXGL (Eagle) performs very well - #2 in the market overall with The Dove (WDUV) and all that soft music showing the stations appeal to two totally different audiences. That's even with CBS Radio's heritage Q-105 too being beaten big time. Cox even has an AC in the mix like a WEJZ and even a CHR as they would have here with WAPE and they all are getting numbers - great numbers. I'm not sure you've been listening to WFEZ as some of us here have. It's bright, has some personality, a good number of up tempo, even rhythmic oriented tunes with some real older classics thrown in. It's programmed very well. While to me it's rare for WEJZ to play 3 great songs in a row, I've listened to WFEZ for hours at a time. The only downside is turning it off.

Jack has been brought up a number of times. And while many have been looking at impacts to Eagle, I think we are seeing impacts (maybe surprisingly) to X 102-9. This is probably not scientific but I like looking through radio station FB pages just to see who the typical listeners are. X 102-9 listeners seem to be a unique bunch and loyal - they are not. After all, many of them were defectors from Planet despite years of listening. Planet came on the scene in the 90's. Those in high school at the time are now in their 30's. Variety Hits such as Jack have a lot of appeal to 30 somethings. I've noticed lots of X102-9 FB fans, a fan of Jack too. Perhaps this explains why Jack has been going a bit more rock and even more contemporary - late 90's, early 00's.

I wouldn't think Cox is interested in getting rid of X 102-9 considering how much effort was made to get that format. With one less rock competitor and if X102-9 expanded it's programming to include, let's say, some active rock like on a retro weekend etc., I think it would make X102-9 less vulnerable to further audience decline. Just my opinion. If anyone is to bring a WFEZ to Jax, I would hope it would be Cox because they would launch it perfectly, promote it effectively and program it extremely well. A win/win for lots of displaced listeners and for the cluster. Let's get going!!! ;D

 

[carolinaradio]

I think the older rock arena is more crowded than the new/newer rock arena. The biggest issue, IMO, is that there are 3 stations - 94.1, 96.9, and 107.3 playing so much of the same older rock. One of them will cave eventually as they currently are, and it won't be 96.9. I know Cox calls its "Eagle" format "classic hits", but it's really just safe/more mellow classic rock lacking the attitude of a typical classic rocker. They are nothing like the "typical" classic hits station - Big 98.3 in Savannah, Sunny 105.9 in Orlando, or Q-105 in Tampa.

I don't know about WFEZ, but the biggest issue with WDUV's soft rock format in a market like Tampa (with more retirees than Jax) is that while it can be #1 overall, it isn't even top 10 in billing. WFEZ probably does a little better in billing because it leans a little younger. I don't see much of a threat to Eagle, though, if Cox were to ever attempt such a format. Totally different audiences, IMO.

 

[nfladxer]

I agree with the last two posters, JohnJax and Carolinaradio, 96-9 The Eagle, and a Cox-run "Easy Oldies" format could co-exist very nicely! Plus, with the potential WEJZ erosion caused by a WFEZ-like station, it could even help The Eagle!

 

[upstate29651]

I agree with the last two posters, JohnJax and Carolinaradio, 96-9 The Eagle, and a Cox-run "Easy Oldies" format could co-exist very nicely!

How? You're going after the same demo!

G

 

[nfladxer]

I agree with the last two posters, JohnJax and Carolinaradio, 96-9 The Eagle, and a Cox-run "Easy Oldies" format could co-exist very nicely!

How? You're going after the same demo!

G

While I don't have access to any detailed Arbitron PPM's, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that The Eagle format attracts more males 25 to 54, while the "Easy Oldies" format would naturally be more female friendly, and skew a bit older. This would affect WEJZ more than WJGL! So how is that the same demo?! ???

 

[nfladxer]

I just noticed, after selling his Tulsa cluster a few months ago, Tony Renda is selling his Oklahoma City stations as well, and thus exiting that state altogether. Is Renda Broadcasting cashing out? Who's next? For what it's worth, they have a winter home in Florida, maybe they'll maintain their Sunshine State radio properties. Any opinions on any operators who could, or would, be possibilities to enter Jacksonville, Florida if Renda decides to split? :

 

[carolinaradio]

Heck, in Tampa, Cox owns a classic hits station like The Eagle, a soft AC, and a mainstream AC!

Not many companies out there that I can think of that are expanding, or can. Cumulus doesn't have a presence in Jacksonville, but I don't know if they're planning to expand any more right now after buying out Citadel recently. Entercom has operations down in Gainesville.

 

[radiobum]

I know people on this board tend to complain about all the rock in Jax...but here in Gainesville I wish we had the option to listen to a station comparable to 104.5-which sometimes comes in well in the car.

 

[JAWilson]

If Renda cashes out of Jax in the near future, we know CBS Radio will not be a suitor....I like to think Cumulus could be the operator that comes in if in fact this does happen. Just makes the most sense in a lot more way than one.

 

[nfladxer]

If Renda cashes out of Jax in the near future, we know CBS Radio will not be a suitor....I like to think Cumulus could be the operator that comes in if in fact this does happen. Just makes the most sense in a lot more way than one.

Who knows, Renda could very well stay put in Jax, and in Florida. Time will tell!

 

[carolinaradio]

I'm starting to wonder why Clear Channel branded 107.3 as Jack. They clearly don't "play everything." They remind me a lot of CC's "next generation" classic rock stations - many are named "The Brew", or "The D" in Detroit. The biggest difference is that there's a little lighter pop/rock thrown in occasionally...but this is way more of a classic rock station than variety hits station.

 

[mediawatch22]

If Renda cashes out of Jax in the near future, we know CBS Radio will not be a suitor....I like to think Cumulus could be the operator that comes in if in fact this does happen. Just makes the most sense in a lot more way than one.

My god...are you insane? Cumulus is the last group you want to see in Jacksonville (or anywhere for that matter!). I'm not trying to be a smart-ass but you obviously don't know too much about their tactics. They basically trim all of the meat to the bone and pay next to nothing to the poor saps that are left on the payroll. Two years ago (when they were even a nicer company), they cut all of their part-timers down to minimum wage regardless of what they happened to be making at the time (typically about $10 an hour).

Have you seen what they've done to Citadel? Do your homework before you invite another evil empire into your neighborhood.

 

[ok walters]

And that is different from most major broadcasters how? Those "tactics" are pretty much the new rule everywhere.

 

[John FL]

And that is different from most major broadcasters how? Those "tactics" are pretty much the new rule everywhere.

I suppose we have to be careful what we wish for. The bigger operators, as a general rule, will probably offer a lot more of the same – and that’s the last thing this town needs.

In the Flagler County string, I talked about the rise of the “real” small operator as some much needed medicine. In Jax, the closest thing we have to a small operator is Renda Broadcasting. I’m not privy to what goes on there but I can only give my opinion. I feel they have lost their way.

What we do know is T.R. overpaid for WSOS. Add in the expense of moving the transmitter etc. for better Jax coverage and mix in a bad economy and you have a recipe that mirrors how big operators act – it was all about slashing costs and to hell with the listeners.

To me, Renda is just one big contradiction. During the time Planet died and Magic was born, a Renda poster was quick to point out how companies such as CC were the evil empire. He spoke of Ipods on a stick as the probable course for Magic and spoke often too of all the fallen comrades who lost their livelihood all in the name of greed. Apparently, what the other guys do is bad. I always though he needed to look in the mirror. His company was no better given all the comrades lost, voice tracking and automation that defines their cluster If there is a bright spot, TR is lucky to have hard working and dedicated associates.

A while back, I listened to their classic hits KOMA in OKC. My goodness, they stream (even during Renda’s ownership) and have a smart phone app. They have the Retro Top 40 feature and not a Blues program and a roster of jocks giving the station a good live and local feel. They even run music specials. We weren’t so fortunate in Jax. Interesting too, KOMA is sister station to their AC and the world didn’t come to an end. Unfortunately, IMHO adult hit formats required too much TLC and in big operator fashion, they were allowed to die on the vine. Think back to how many years Gator was in the ratings basement. That station was promoted and supported. No one thought of pulling the plug because that golden ticket was probably in closer reach. Another big operator way of thinking.

Many of you may think I’m petty or hold a grudge. I prefer to look at the facts. Years ago, the Renda cluster really offered Jax metro listeners lots of choices in that they had an oldies/classic hits hybrid and a soft EZ Oldies type AC – two formats that are certainly conspicuous by their absence.

I would expect a large company to use a second station to bring down the market leader – in this case – country. I would expect a smaller company to offer country classics on a station already committed to the format. Many doing country today offer a 70/30 or 60/40 mix of modern to gold. They could have done that too. They didn’t and so now Jax has 3 country formats.

I can’t prove it but I believe the old WSOS was deliberately held back to protect WEJZ. With continued low ratings and it didn’t have to be that way, there was loss of livelihood for the talent they did have. So now, WSOS is classic rock competing for men in 25-54 where that demo and format genre is certainly represented and certainly fragmented too. The answer was a mass-appeal format like EZ oldies and an opportunity for WEJZ to shed the real old stuff. Decisions were made and I don't expect a reversal but then I suppose we should never give up.

Anyway, perhaps one day TR will come to the conclusion he can’t take it with him. I would welcome a new operator. I was a big fan of Renda Broadcasting at one time. Today, they have disappointed me more than any other operator here. It’s 50/50 anew player could be better. I'll take those odds.

 

[carolinaradio]

And, KOMA's sister AC (KMGL) is very old leaning, giving them a TON of overlap. I think it's almost too close for comfort, but it seems to work well for them. I don't think TR or the company overall dislikes oldies, I think it's local management.

WSOS had maybe a slight chance of making it with classic rock last year (when Renda was still showing in PPM, it got around a 1.7 I believe), but now with 107.3 being 75% classic rock, and on a better signal with more personality (despite both being jukeboxes), plus the continued success of 96.9 The Eagle, I think that station's coffin has been nailed shut.

If Renda in Jacksonville doesn't like oldies (that might have been previous management), as I read a long time ago, I find it funny that they must like "country oldies" and didn't mind flipping to that. That format doesn't have extremely desirable demographics. I think Country Legends sticks around because it's able to be sold with 99.1 QIK and is added value. Maybe they think getting FSU for 94.1 will help some.

Oldies/Classic Hits would still compliment WEJZ and not hurt their ratings. As AC becmes more modern, a direction WEJZ has been taking, the listeners for 70s and 80s music that are still in 25-54 and dislike a lot of the new stuff are going to have to settle for Jack or Eagle. Pop classic hits on 94.1 would keep that audience from going to another company's stations. Of course, I'm no expert, and that's just my opinion. Classic Rock 94.1 WSOS is in a bad position. We don't know the performance, but it will be interesting to see if it sticks around as long as Sunny and Country Legends, both underperformers, have.

 

[nfladxer]

I suppose we have to be careful what we wish for. The bigger operators, as a general rule, will probably offer a lot more of the same – and that’s the last thing this town needs.

In the Flagler County string, I talked about the rise of the “real” small operator as some much needed medicine. In Jax, the closest thing we have to a small operator is Renda Broadcasting. I’m not privy to what goes on there but I can only give my opinion. I feel they have lost their way.

JohnJax, I agree, Renda Jax is the one operator that probably has had more freedom, with both 100.7 and 94.1, to make some different adult leaning format choices available. I personally think it's a shame that a radio market this size doesn't have an uptempo, local, personality type Oldies/Classic Hits station on the air. I know and respect many of the people at Renda Jacksonville, but it appears they are mainly concentrating on their Cash Cows, Lite 96.1 WEJZ and 99.9 Gator Country, while 94.1 WSOS and Country Legends 100.7 seem to be in more of a low maintenance mode. Unless they have something fresh up their sleeves, that's probably where it will remain! The most likely ray of hope might be if Renda decides to eventually split from Jax, then another group may bring in new ideas! While a new operator may seem like a good idea, be careful what you wish for!

 

[gamefreak]

I'm starting to wonder why Clear Channel branded 107.3 as Jack. They clearly don't "play everything." They remind me a lot of CC's "next generation" classic rock stations - many are named "The Brew", or "The D" in Detroit. The biggest difference is that there's a little lighter pop/rock thrown in occasionally...but this is way more of a classic rock station than variety hits station.

My god do those stations that go by "The Brew" suck. C.C has one in Portland, Or as well as St. Louis. Basically its 80's Classic Rock with some 70's and early 90's Black Crowes mixed in. How much Bon Jovi mixed with Riot and Billy Squier can I stand. Basically Clear Channel's Brew station are what WHPT/ 102.5 The Bone in Tampa was between 1999 and 2007 when they starting adding 90's rock. I already heard "Stroke' 3 times today mixed with "Dr. Feelgood" and "Hard to Handle", Do I need any more.

 

[carolinaradio]

I'm starting to wonder why Clear Channel branded 107.3 as Jack. They clearly don't "play everything." They remind me a lot of CC's "next generation" classic rock stations - many are named "The Brew", or "The D" in Detroit. The biggest difference is that there's a little lighter pop/rock thrown in occasionally...but this is way more of a classic rock station than variety hits station.

My god do those stations that go by "The Brew" suck. C.C has one in Portland, Or as well as St. Louis. Basically its 80's Classic Rock with some 70's and early 90's Black Crowes mixed in. How much Bon Jovi mixed with Riot and Billy Squier can I stand. Basically Clear Channel's Brew station are what WHPT/ 102.5 The Bone in Tampa was between 1999 and 2007 when they starting adding 90's rock. I already heard "Stroke' 3 times today mixed with "Dr. Feelgood" and "Hard to Handle", Do I need any more.

Agree about The Brew stations. I've listened to the one in Columbus before. Same songs over and over. 105.7 The Brew in Columbus' playlist has 297 songs according to its website. Wow. :

I feel that's an entirely wrong direction for 107.3 to take - it was better when it signed on, but there have been some changes at CC/Jacksonville since then (including the exit of the station's first PD that held that position for a whole month), so obviously whoever is running it now sees something in this direction. I don't know why the heck they want to share audience with 94.1, 96.9, 102.9, and 104.5, instead of a more female-friendly mix to snag some listeners from WEJZ, but whatever. The market is oversaturated with rock stations.

 

[nfladxer]

While I realize this thread is about "Jacksonville", after taking a quick trip to South Florida last weekend, it was interesting to hear some of what was happening (and not happening) "on the radio" between Jax and Miami. I don't know what the situation is this week, but the first thing I noticed, when I was heading South, was the new Palm Coast 98.7 Kix Country was on, seemed to be in a testing mode, and their audio was quite soft, possibly due to a lack of compression, although the signal coverage was good for a Class A facility. Until I got closer to South Florida, the only station that had ANY personality was 105.9 Sunny FM in Orlando. Most of what I heard on the Space/Treasure Coast, while professional, sounded either canned or generic. The only standout was 98.5 WSBH-FM The Beach, the music was well balanced, very good imaging, too bad the signal isn't larger. On the way back on Sunday, I noticed one voice tracked station somewhere on the Treasure Coast where you could hardly hear the jock. He/she was buried underneath the music - sad! I don't know what station it was, because I just couldn't listen, it was too upsetting to this listener! I also took note of 99.5 WLOV in Daytona, the audio was very good, and their presentation of EZ Oldies was quite good! Unfortunately, while I spent time in South Florida over the weekend, I wasn't able to listen with a critical ear long enough to get a real handle or accurate impression of what was going on, but it was obvious that the level of personality and professionalism coming out of most of the major stations was very good, as would be expected in a larger market.

 

[Whiplash]

nfladxer you pretty much listened to anything that was good, and summed it up very well. Kix Country 98.7 is now on the air with JT Thomas mornings, and Kevin Kane from noon until 5.