KHLX-Classic 93.1 Switches To All Christmas Music 24/7

[Big D]

I don't think 103.9 is Christmas yet, but Mix 96 is.

KHLX could totally flip to Alternative and pull off better numbers than what (??) they have now. But CC would probably half-ass it. If they are going to operate 6 stations in this market, they need to throw some $$ to put out a good product, which won't happen. Even if only a few jocks like V101, they could still establish a local presence and connect to listeners. KWOD's downfall came when Entercom took over and slowly the station lost that local feel and died. Not to mention having to protect 98 Rock. But the format is still alive and could do well, if programmed correctly. Regardless of being a rimshot.

I'm certainly not holding my breath on a flip anytime soon. Best bet would be a CBS purchase.

 

[DJBigOne]

KSSJ has been rolling in the Christmas music. I've heard KennyG-like stuff, and Mannheim Steamroller.

During Thanksgiving and the day after, I did enjoy more music on 96.9 The Eagle, instead of Mark And Brian replays! NICE! Since Adam Carolla left, I started listening to Mark and Brian. I was happy to see they weren't Disney-fied anymore. I know they battled with Disney during their reign over ABC stations. After they lost there edgyness, I had stopped listening. Now that I'm back, I LMAO!

 

[studiofart]

KWOD's downfall came when Entercom took over and slowly the station lost that local feel and died. Not to mention having to protect 98 Rock. But the format is still alive and could do well, if programmed correctly. Regardless of being a rimshot.

I'm certainly not holding my breath on a flip anytime soon. Best bet would be a CBS purchase.

Advertisers have few (if any) outlets for getting their message to Males 18-34. CBS has recently begun to align themselves as the 1-stop-shop for all demos. Their recent format flips and tweaks in other markets is proof.

Larry Wilson is looking to buy up a cluster that covers all the demos, the 1 problem with CBS Sacramento (aside from KHTK and KZZOs ratings) is that there's a gaping hole in the cluster (and market) for Males 18-34.

The only station in this market that really covers that demo is 98 Rock. Which is why CBS (IF they flip, and I think they will, their Numbers haven't improved) will flip KZZO.

KZZO's target seems to be women 25-54
KYMX also covers women 25-54 and does a pretty bang up job of it, as does;
KNCI who also do great in women 25-54, as well as men 25-54
KHTK Covers men 25-54
KSFM Covers persons 18-34 (and to some extent men)

Whats missing?

Males 18-34.

Thaaaaaaaaats right.

CBS doesn't need money to flip a format successfully. Look at KAMP. Little to NO marketing money.

 

[radiochick1]

Trying to put an Alt. on a rimshot stick is a losing propostion in my book. Anyone disagree? My 2 cents.

The best format for a Rim shot in my opinion is a unique one that has a passionate following. Right now, Sacramento is lacking a alternative rock station. 98 Rock's active rock format, which does feature some alternative music is too oh how do I put it nicely challenged in the area of appealing to a hip midtown crowd.

Appealing to a hip midtown crowd equals about a one share, which in turn leads to a format change and lost jobs. 98 Rock knows that's a losing proposition, that's probably why they don't go down that road.

 

[hammerpants]

98 will not protect their low end, certainly... but the assumption that there is only a 1 share waiting for an alt start up is nutty. I would wager a solid 2.5 sits out there waiting for someone. Thats a money maker. No, it won't be a top 5 billing station in the market. It's all about expectations.

 

[radiochick1]

98 will not protect their low end, certainly... but the assumption that there is only a 1 share waiting for an alt start up is nutty. I would wager a solid 2.5 sits out there waiting for someone. Thats a money maker. No, it won't be a top 5 billing station in the market. It's all about expectations.

Not nutty, here are the facts: It would really help if you knew what you were talking about.The assumption that there's a 2.5 share is not impossible, however, it is unrealistic. Ask the former KWOD. Despite all their efforts, all they could muster as of late was a 1.9 on the high end. In their target demo of 18-34 (NOT a money making demo) they were running about 5th, but only because of the strength of Adam Corolla. Outside of mornings, the rest of the station was abysmal. This is why they're no longer here. This is a general trend nationwide as well. Ask the legendary WBCN in Boston. All they could manage with all their heritage was about a 1.5 share, and they're gone. Simply put, the alternative format is NOT happening...almost everywhere. Live 105 is about to tank. (The Buzz in Houston is an exception, but they are a mainstream alternative that plays Metallica.) That being said, even a 2.5 share with an alternative format, here in Sacramento, is NOT a money maker. The qualitative numbers just do not work out for a financially successful scenario. Ask anyone who knows and they'll tell you the same...(i.e. Fred Jacobs, John Geary, Doug Harvil, Tony Beradini in Boston).

 

[hammerpants]

Any example citing what KWOD was doing in it's last couple of years has NO validity. KWODs playlist was gutted to protect another station in the building. The parent company did so much to destroy the brand that it was a lost cause by the end. But if I keep reading such insightful posts as yours, I might someday "know what I'm talking about".


Please lead us through the fog

 

[radiochick1]

Any example citing what KWOD was doing in it's last couple of years has NO validity. KWODs playlist was gutted to protect another station in the building. The parent company did so much to destroy the brand that it was a lost cause by the end. But if I keep reading such insightful posts as yours, I might someday "know what I'm talking about".


Please lead us through the fog

You're too mired in a small market mentality to understand, or know the facts. The parent company, Entercom, did no such thing to protect another station in the building, in this case KRXQ. In fact, they did everything they could to go AT KRXQ to try to salvage some kind of growth in their numbers, by adding the likes of System Of A Down, Rage Against The Machine, Tool, and even Metallica (4 tracks...Sandman, Nothing Else Matters, Wherever I May Roam and Unforgiven). Does that sound like Entercom protecting KRXQ? Obviously not. You're not in that building over there... you can't be, you know NOTHING at all based on your inaccurate comments...so it's best you not comment at all. And by the way, if you think a station with a 2.5 share is "making a good living", maybe you should set your bar a bit higher. The fact is, if your station is in the 2's you're probably close to a format change. There...did some of your "fog" clear up a bit?

 

[bobbybooey]

The parent company, Entercom, did no such thing to protect another station in the building, in this case KRXQ. In fact, they did everything they could to go AT KRXQ to try to salvage some kind of growth in their numbers, by adding the likes of System Of A Down, Rage Against The Machine, Tool, and even Metallica (4 tracks...Sandman, Nothing Else Matters, Wherever I May Roam and Unforgiven). Does that sound like Entercom protecting KRXQ? Obviously not.

This is quite accurate. Entercom seems to have changed their stance on "protecting" their sister stations over the years. Compare the current playlists of KRXQ and KSEG.... KRXQ, while they play their share of active rock staples such as Disturbed and Mudvayne, sandwich those aggro acts between high-testing classic rock tracks and lengthy jock talk breaks that go beyond your standard frontsell/backsell. If their corporate mandate was to protect the other stations in the cluster, you can be damn sure KRXQ wouldn't be allowed to play Skynyrd and Queen and Boston since KSEG is such a cash cow for them.

However, a well-executed "mainstream alternative" station could be viable. KWOD's demise is directly attributable to the ill-fated KWOD 2.0 fiasco that occured shortly after Entercom took over, and programming by people unfamiliar with the format... but prior to that KWOD was a solid performer, frequently giving KRXQ a run for its money (outside of mornings). The thing to keep in mind with the "alternative" format is that there's no one-size-fits-all approach that will work. For instance, KROQ is catering to a wannabe-trendsetting LA crowd, perfect for that market. KNRK in Portland, which has had a nice resurgence, is going the more understated and eclectic route, perfect for the Pacific Northwest. You mentioned KTBZ in Houston... a very blue-collar town but also a huge city, so they need to strike the right balance of Nickelback and Rise Against as a sort of active/alternative hybrid... they reflect their market and that's why they're successful. Sacramento isn't nearly as trendy as the midtown folks and Roseville kids like to think it is... I think this market is prime for the KTBZ flavor of active/alt, which KRXQ has left the door wide open for. When executed properly (with a full local staff, tight playlist, kick-ass imaging) it delivers much more than a 2 share or the bottom piece of the 18-34 demo... KTBZ is consistently top 5 persons 25-54.

 

[studiofart]

I'm sorry, did someone say "Males 18-34" is not a money making demographic?

Tell that to Dana White and the Fertita Brothers of the UFC,

Tell that to Budweiser, Coors Brewing, or any of the local beverage distributors.

While you're at it, tell that to the owner of Deja Vu, the owner of Centerfolds, the owners of any of the local head shops, the folks who run any of the ski resorts up in tahoe, the Maloofs, local sports bar owners, Best Buy, 24 Hour Fitness, Golf Courses, The Boardwalk, I'll keep going if you've run out of ideas...

If you can't sell ads for men 18-34 you're looking in the wrong places.

 

[Michael Rivers Kramer]

I'm sorry, did someone say "Males 18-34" is not a money making demographic?

Tell that to Dana White and the Fertita Brothers of the UFC,

Tell that to Budweiser, Coors Brewing, or any of the local beverage distributors.

While you're at it, tell that to the owner of Deja Vu, the owner of Centerfolds, the owners of any of the local head shops, the folks who run any of the ski resorts up in tahoe, the Maloofs, local sports bar owners, Best Buy, 24 Hour Fitness, Golf Courses, The Boardwalk, I'll keep going if you've run out of ideas...

If you can't sell ads for men 18-34 you're looking in the wrong places.

Tell that to CBS where KROQ is still one of he highest billers in the nation. Or KIIS!

 

[radiochick1]

The parent company, Entercom, did no such thing to protect another station in the building, in this case KRXQ. In fact, they did everything they could to go AT KRXQ to try to salvage some kind of growth in their numbers, by adding the likes of System Of A Down, Rage Against The Machine, Tool, and even Metallica (4 tracks...Sandman, Nothing Else Matters, Wherever I May Roam and Unforgiven). Does that sound like Entercom protecting KRXQ? Obviously not.

This is quite accurate. Entercom seems to have changed their stance on "protecting" their sister stations over the years. Compare the current playlists of KRXQ and KSEG.... KRXQ, while they play their share of active rock staples such as Disturbed and Mudvayne, sandwich those aggro acts between high-testing classic rock tracks and lengthy jock talk breaks that go beyond your standard frontsell/backsell. If their corporate mandate was to protect the other stations in the cluster, you can be damn sure KRXQ wouldn't be allowed to play Skynyrd and Queen and Boston since KSEG is such a cash cow for them.

However, a well-executed "mainstream alternative" station could be viable. KWOD's demise is directly attributable to the ill-fated KWOD 2.0 fiasco that occured shortly after Entercom took over, and programming by people unfamiliar with the format... but prior to that KWOD was a solid performer, frequently giving KRXQ a run for its money (outside of mornings). The thing to keep in mind with the "alternative" format is that there's no one-size-fits-all approach that will work. For instance, KROQ is catering to a wannabe-trendsetting LA crowd, perfect for that market. KNRK in Portland, which has had a nice resurgence, is going the more understated and eclectic route, perfect for the Pacific Northwest. You mentioned KTBZ in Houston... a very blue-collar town but also a huge city, so they need to strike the right balance of Nickelback and Rise Against as a sort of active/alternative hybrid... they reflect their market and that's why they're successful. Sacramento isn't nearly as trendy as the midtown folks and Roseville kids like to think it is... I think this market is prime for the KTBZ flavor of active/alt, which KRXQ has left the door wide open for. When executed properly (with a full local staff, tight playlist, kick-ass imaging) it delivers much more than a 2 share or the bottom piece of the 18-34 demo... KTBZ is consistently top 5 persons 25-54.

Well said Bobby...I agree with all of the above. It's refreshing to see intelligent, accurate observations. Some who are not so well informed, Hammerpants, should observe and not comment...

 

[radiochick1]

I'm sorry, did someone say "Males 18-34" is not a money making demographic?

Yes, there are plenty of advertisers that want to reach 18 to 34 year old males...but not enough of them collectively to make an entire radio station out of it. That's the point here. If you, or anyone, formats a radio station that targets 18 to 34 males SPECIFICALLY, you are going to get a one share...maybe a share and a half...and you are going to lose. It's too narrow of a demographic to make sense financially. The stations that are successful program to a broader audience that includes other key demos, not just 18 to 34 males. You can't just go after that one narrow demographic! Holy Christ, I hope you're not a Program Director!

 

[radioxpert]

Well it looks like "Classic 93-1" is here to stay a while longer, however I have to wonder why they aren't yet streaming on iHeartRadio.

 

[studiofart]

I'm sorry, did someone say "Males 18-34" is not a money making demographic?

Yes, there are plenty of advertisers that want to reach 18 to 34 year old males...but not enough of them collectively to make an entire radio station out of it. That's the point here. If you, or anyone, formats a radio station that targets 18 to 34 males SPECIFICALLY, you are going to get a one share...maybe a share and a half...and you are going to lose. It's too narrow of a demographic to make sense financially. The stations that are successful program to a broader audience that includes other key demos, not just 18 to 34 males. You can't just go after that one narrow demographic! Holy Christ, I hope you're not a Program Director!

thats a crock.

As stated before KROQ targets males 18-34 and is one of the most successful stations CBS has.

KZZO is the ONLY station in Sacramento that really plays any Alternative Rock in Sac, (albeit very little). a Tweak to a Alternative Rock station would make sense.

CBS's KITS bills very well, it wouldn't be hard for them to do a dual market morning show with Live 105, or perhaps take Kevin & Bean and to have KITS programming staff assist in the operations.

 

[radiochick1]

thats a crock.

As stated before KROQ targets males 18-34 and is one of the most successful stations CBS has.

KZZO is the ONLY station in Sacramento that really plays any Alternative Rock in Sac, (albeit very little). a Tweak to a Alternative Rock station would make sense.

CBS's KITS bills very well, it wouldn't be hard for them to do a dual market morning show with Live 105, or perhaps take Kevin & Bean and to have KITS programming staff assist in the operations.


[/quote]

As usual, you have no idea what you're talking about. Do you know Kevin Weatherly? I do. KROQ DOES NOT target 18-34 males....specifically. They target 22-49 adults with a 50-50 male/female split. Yes, the 18-34 male demo is a component of their strategic plan, NOT THE ENTIRE PLAN...WHY DO YOU NOT GET THAT? To repeat an earlier quote, "HOLY CHRIST, I HOPE YOU'RE NOT A PROGRAM DIRECTOR!!!"

 

[DonnieV]

You may know Kevin Weatherly, but that doesn't change the fact that you seem to be a wholly unpleasant person. And that cuts across all demos.

 

[studiofart]

and just because you know kevin weatherly doesn't mean you understand what i'm saying.
let me spell it out for you:

KROQ'S CORE DEMOGRAPHIC IS 18-34 YEAR OLD MALES.


IF they were targeting Adults 22-49 as you incorrectly suggest, they wouldn't be Loveline's flagship station. That duty would be brought over to their sister station KAMP. Same goes for Kevin and Bean.

YES, the audience of KROQ happens to vary widely, however their CORE LISTENERSHIP is in the range of 18-34 males. I don't know many 40 year olds in LA that listen to KROQ.

IF the station was really targeting this demographic why would their events page include
A- Sunday 1/10
Join us losers at the Santa Monica Pier from 1-4PM. We’re going to chug a gallon of milk then ride the rollar coaster. Find us hurling and win cool stuff.

B- Wednesday 1/6
KROQ Locals Only at the Viper Room featuring the 10 Days Of 2010 Concert Series featuring the Crash Kings.

C- Thursday 1/7
We’re back for another night of KROQ Locals Only at the Viper Room’s 10 Days Of 2010 Concert Series featuring The Tender Box.

I'm sorry, again, don't see any 45 or 50 year olds showing up for any of these events, but i do see 18 to (gasp) 34 year olds attending such events.

I'll admit KROQ has gone less male oriented in the last 5 or so years, but that doesn't mean that their core demographic.

Name dropping is a HORRIBLE way to try to win a debate, and usually indicates that the person has a flimsy argument, in this case it's true.

 

[Gregg]

There is no Alternative radio station today that is 50/50 male/female. Maybe they'd like to be but it ain't happening.

Some years ago when Eurythmics, Thompson Twins and Duran Duran were at the top of the Alternative charts, Modern Rock stations were 50/50 male/female. I suppose when Nirvana and the grunge sound became so incorporated into Alternative music, women left the format. The music became much more guitar driven and today very few females make the Alternative charts, let alone listen.

That's the reason why KROQ and KITS have 6+ ratings that are poor today compared to their 12+ ratings 10 or 20 years ago. They still deliver young white men and they are a valued demo... no family, disposable income and still responsive to advertising. But Alternative stations don't get many men past their 30s or women of any age. And with demographic trends that every new generation is less white than the previous generation, Alternative stations will continue to see their 6+ numbers drop.


Gregg
[email protected]

 

[DonnieV]

Your theory makes sense, Gregg, and I there is certainly no disagreement with the way the demographics of the US are going. Sacramento is certainly no exception, and I would guess we're ahead of the curve in that regard.

So, how would you explain the 6+ numbers of KRXQ? I can't attribute them to anything other than a complete lack of competition for the male 18-34 demographic.