KDF rumor: Don't put it to bed quite yet

[NotSoSilentBob]

I was wrong. Let's not put the KDF format flip rumor to bed yet.

In line with what Tibbs reported earlier, I have also now heard from a source inside Citadel that "things at KDF are abnormally tight right now", especially concerning promotions and the sheer lack of support the sales teams are getting from management.

If things are changing, it seems to make sense why Lyon & Burger were canned. But I'm wondering, though, if things really are changing, why them and why separate from everyone else?

My source would not elaborate or speculate on any changes, but said major changes could be on the way very soon. I, personally, think they might try a Nashville version of Earl-FM, which is kicking Jack's a** over in Knoxville, or they'll do the WZZK-Birmingham approach, which is hype the hell out of a format change and then do nothing but shuffle your talent lineup.

It may not be a change back to rock, but something interesting is definitely going on atop Mr. Rutledge's hill.<P ID="signature">______________
Bob
Moderator, Nashville board
Radio-Info.com--Always Tuned In

"I don't spread rumors, but I sometimes make outrageous speculations with no factual basis."</P>

 

[jetfli]

> I was wrong. Let's not put the KDF format flip rumor to bed
> yet.

> My source would not elaborate or speculate on any changes,
> but said major changes could be on the way very soon. I,
> personally, think they might try a Nashville version of
> Earl-FM, which is kicking Jack's a** over in Knoxville, or
> they'll do the WZZK-Birmingham approach, which is hype the
> hell out of a format change and then do nothing but shuffle
> your talent lineup.
>
> It may not be a change back to rock, but something
> interesting is definitely going on atop Mr. Rutledge's hill.
>

> I was wrong. Let's not put the KDF format flip rumor to bed
> yet.

> My source would not elaborate or speculate on any changes,
> but said major changes could be on the way very soon. I,
> personally, think they might try a Nashville version of
> Earl-FM, which is kicking Jack's a** over in Knoxville.
>
> It may not be a change back to rock, but something
> interesting is definitely going on atop the hill.

So you, too, are now seeing what I referred to as a first-in-a-long-time spike on the possibility meter for a major format tweaking or even a change.

Remember, we've seen tightening of the belt at not just 103, but 104 as well. And the belt has been pulled a couple of notches in Chattanooga and Birmingham too. So belt-tightening is definitely going on with the regional sisters, and that could also be what we've been observing locally.

But corporate has also certainly been busy experimenting with formats in nearby markets, and has so far left Nashville alone. But is the time coming?

You mentioned Earl in Knoxville -- could it play here? I like Earl musically over Knoxville's ABC-fed Jack, but Earl's imaging leaves something to be desired. With better imaging, Earl would be much welcome here.

Then there's Chattanooga's Duke. This country station took over a popular Oldies format in order to take on country US101, which routinely has had 20-plus shares there. While Duke saw a big drop in ratings from Oldies, this station and a classic country station have been successful in eroding a small portion of US101's market share. While the classic station may be a bit more responsible for the erosion, Duke does sound dang good. Isn't it interesting how the name "Duke" and KDF just seem to go together in your ears?

And have you heard what they've done to Rick & Bubba's flagship in B'ham? The schedule now runs something like this: Morning Drive, Rick & Bubba. Middays, John Tesh's syndicated show. Afternoon Drive, Rick & Bubba replay. Evenings into late nights, John Tesh's syndicated show. Now wouldn't that be a fairly cheap station to run here?

The big deal is what they've done with talk. Took hold of the WGOW talk twins in Chattanooga, dumped some corny local stuff, shored up the schedules, and strengthed the FM especially. But up in Knoxville, they bumped heritage WOKI from its big beam to plug more power into HHH's flagship, and they are mopping up, in ratings and billings. As a by-product the three signal Sports Animal was created, and it does decently too. Could HHH return to Nashville on a new powerhouse talker? Or could corporate benefit by pulling off a switching of frequencies for their stations here?

At least a handful of interesting scenarios here...

 

[Alpha00z]

Isn't it funny Doogie and Zigz has left the Buzz? Hmmmmm.

> I was wrong. Let's not put the KDF format flip rumor to bed
> yet.
>
> In line with what Tibbs reported earlier, I have also now
> heard from a source inside Citadel that "things at KDF are
> abnormally tight right now", especially concerning
> promotions and the sheer lack of support the sales teams are
> getting from management.
>
> If things are changing, it seems to make sense why Lyon &
> Burger were canned. But I'm wondering, though, if things
> really are changing, why them and why separate from everyone
> else?
>
> My source would not elaborate or speculate on any changes,
> but said major changes could be on the way very soon. I,
> personally, think they might try a Nashville version of
> Earl-FM, which is kicking Jack's a** over in Knoxville, or
> they'll do the WZZK-Birmingham approach, which is hype the
> hell out of a format change and then do nothing but shuffle
> your talent lineup.
>
> It may not be a change back to rock, but something
> interesting is definitely going on atop Mr. Rutledge's hill.
>

 

[tibbs]

I can say the one thing that seems to be getting the
best blank stares is "will rock return?" If you think
about it from a marketing standpoint - another re-tweak
of another country station - is about as unexciting as
dead air. BUT, if they re-rock, and do it right, they
don't even have to spend a dime on marketing because
all the TV stations and local newspapers will announce
the heck out of it. I think it is high time that radio,
like any other business, just admit they made a mistake
and the listeners have "won." Whether KDF really flips
back to rock, I cannot say. It would be appropriate to
pull it on April 1st. I cannot believe they will take
that signal and try Earl, but you never know. Jack
live vs. Knoxville would make it quite a tough battle.
But, you gotta go after the $$$ and numbers and it's
not in Country at KDF. Nor will it be anytime soon
at the rate they are going. I'd say we'll hear nothing
until next week...then it'll get really really quiet.

Or they could live up to the Citadel expectations of
the past and do nothing original or dramatic.

Jetfli - I was in Birmingham last week and really
only listened to the "new sound" of the X. They are
Teshing it middays and overnight on 94? That's gotta be
a format switch. I cannot imagine even Citadel would
take 100kw station and rest on R&B and Tesh's laurels.
Soft Rock 94 has never been that strong since the
old WAPI days. Yet CC's WMJJ (Magic 96) swings +/- and
surprises me, although I think it's the worst
AC station on the planet. Ain't my demo, so
that means nothing. Birmingham is the weirdest
sounding radio market for it's size. They have
huge holes in obvious formats and have loads of
similar formats fighing for virtually nothing.

The real question here is which level of management
at Citadel has put some fire into competiting. Nashville's
been allowed to auto-pilot to long as it is. Could
be interesting...or nothing at all.

 

[the_scoop]

Damn, I go off the board for a week and all kinds of interesting things happen.

Here's my thought on the KDF rumors: something is going to happen be it small or large. Too many forces are at play right now and that causes things to happen.

If they are to mess with formats, I could see the rock format coming back but in a Jack like way. Why? For wisdom let's examine the past KDF and another rock stalwart in Indianapolis, IN-- WFBQ. Back in the day, KDF would play a pretty decent mix of tunes. Didn't have to be the bang your head stuff all the time but a mix of what was popular with a rock/edge lean. It worked, mainly for the same reason Jack is working today-- people like all kinds of music, not just one thing. KDF also had a great morning show in Carl P. I don't see him ever coming back, but a good morning show is the basis for a great rest of the day.

Now to Q95 in Indy. For a format that's dead it's still doing quite well and for years it has played music all over the planet. I heard "Candle in the Wind" from Elton John a few times. It also helps that they have Bob and Tom. Not to mention they haven't messed with it much over the years, save a few personalities changing. In the late 80's/very early 90's KDF and Q were almost exact twins and they were enjoyable to listen to.

One other thing that makes this all intersting is the Titans. Something that has played out in other cities is the placement of sports broadcasts on traditional album or classic rock stations. Great male audience, gets young listeners all geared towards the music they play. Q95 does it with the Colts. KDF does it with the Titans-- with big ratings-- except they do it with country. Not the best opportunity.

So, let's devise a wild plan for the remake of KDF. Swipe Bob and Tom from the Buzz and promote it. It's an easy move down the frequency dial. Second, it's a natural home on a powerful frequency provided KDF is rock formatted. If not that, a strong local morning show. Second, the music is rock but in the scheme of Jack. How about a Jack for album rock? Throw in some currents a little edgy AC stuff and see what happens. Add a good afternoon jock for some interaction with listeners. Finally add the Titans games, but only the pre, post and game action. Push them to GFX for the pre and post talk follow up.

Remember this, people can get all the music they want from an iPod, CD or satellite radio. They can't get the personality. Get some of the KDF personality back and you have something.

Yeah, some it might be a stretch, but KDF can still do very well and bill very well. Country has a following I agree, but rock isn't dead just yet.


> I can say the one thing that seems to be getting the
> best blank stares is "will rock return?" If you think
> about it from a marketing standpoint - another re-tweak
> of another country station - is about as unexciting as
> dead air. BUT, if they re-rock, and do it right, they
> don't even have to spend a dime on marketing because
> all the TV stations and local newspapers will announce
> the heck out of it. I think it is high time that radio,
> like any other business, just admit they made a mistake
> and the listeners have "won." Whether KDF really flips
> back to rock, I cannot say. It would be appropriate to
> pull it on April 1st. I cannot believe they will take
> that signal and try Earl, but you never know. Jack
> live vs. Knoxville would make it quite a tough battle.
> But, you gotta go after the $$$ and numbers and it's
> not in Country at KDF. Nor will it be anytime soon
> at the rate they are going. I'd say we'll hear nothing
> until next week...then it'll get really really quiet.
>
> Or they could live up to the Citadel expectations of
> the past and do nothing original or dramatic.
>
> Jetfli - I was in Birmingham last week and really
> only listened to the "new sound" of the X. They are
> Teshing it middays and overnight on 94? That's gotta be
> a format switch. I cannot imagine even Citadel would
> take 100kw station and rest on R&B and Tesh's laurels.
> Soft Rock 94 has never been that strong since the
> old WAPI days. Yet CC's WMJJ (Magic 96) swings +/- and
> surprises me, although I think it's the worst
> AC station on the planet. Ain't my demo, so
> that means nothing. Birmingham is the weirdest
> sounding radio market for it's size. They have
> huge holes in obvious formats and have loads of
> similar formats fighing for virtually nothing.
>
> The real question here is which level of management
> at Citadel has put some fire into competiting. Nashville's
> been allowed to auto-pilot to long as it is. Could
> be interesting...or nothing at all.
>

 

[digitaldevil23]

> I was wrong. Let's not put the KDF format flip rumor to bed
> yet.
>
> In line with what Tibbs reported earlier, I have also now
> heard from a source inside Citadel that "things at KDF are
> abnormally tight right now", especially concerning
> promotions and the sheer lack of support the sales teams are
> getting from management.
>
> If things are changing, it seems to make sense why Lyon &
> Burger were canned. But I'm wondering, though, if things
> really are changing, why them and why separate from everyone
> else?
>
> My source would not elaborate or speculate on any changes,
> but said major changes could be on the way very soon. I,
> personally, think they might try a Nashville version of
> Earl-FM, which is kicking Jack's a** over in Knoxville, or
> they'll do the WZZK-Birmingham approach, which is hype the
> hell out of a format change and then do nothing but shuffle
> your talent lineup.
>
> It may not be a change back to rock, but something
> interesting is definitely going on atop Mr. Rutledge's hill.
>

Here in Atlanta we had a major format change many moons ago when one of our Top 40 stations (Power 99 - 99.7FM) changed to Alternative Rock (99X). People were taken aback by this change because this was one of the most popular stations around town. I can remember rocking out to songs from Prince's Batman album while riding to school...

Anyway, it took some time, but this station became one of the most popular stations knocking many other stations with the same target audience out of their seats. They brought in rock nobody else had been listening to. They were grabbing up hot bands from the local college radio stations and what was rising in the CMJ charts.

Don't look right now, since they're being bought by another company and their morning show is in limbo. We have no idea what may be happening right now. Good, bad, ugly? Hmm.

Just my ramblings.<P ID="signature">______________
Album 88 - 88.5FM
Psychobilly Freakout Mondays from 8-10pm</P>

 

[OldiesCat]

KDF

Lost in all of this is why was Jeff Lyon fired at KDF? Any insight?