Just read on Facebook that KIFM jumped the shark and went "smooth". Checked their playlist and sure enough it's true. The lights of the format have been turned off the terrestial version of the format. Sad day but we knew it was only a matter of time. Long live the internet.
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KIFM goes Smooth
- Thread starter Bill Harmonic
- Start date
Bill Harmonic said:
Sad day for sure, Bill, but inevitable. In the song of Michael Franks, "We're stuck with Mr. Smooth."
In every city whether it be large or small
His tired playlist drones
But some of us remember how much choice there was
Before he took the throne
He's Mr. Smooth - His Hipness, the Great
For Mr. Smooth's verdict we must wait
So Mr. Smooth, when our turn comes round
Dear Mr. Smooth, we only hope it won't be "thumbs down"
His power and reputation he earned cleverly:
Play fifteen-second tracks
Then just tape the electrodes to the average Joe
To see how he reacts
The rest of us mere mortals on the treadmill trace
Out work-a-day gulag
And strive for the tome until the day he falls from grace
And rivals fold the flag of Mr. Smooth
WE bow to Mr. Smooth
Kowtow to Mr. Smooth
We're stuck with Mr. Smooth
Don't ____ with Mr. Smooth!
Posted on KIFM’s Facebook page. Some people said “there really was no change.” There “was” a change of sorts on March 1st (see paragraph 3), but they’re not calling it a format flip, but rather a “new flavor.” Remember when this station was #1 before the god-forsaken PPM.
Dear Valued Listener,
Today, March 3,2011, I am going to have surgery on my elbow to alleviate the chronic pain that I've been dealing with for over a year (Lateral Epicondylitis or chronic tennis elbow). Our morning show fans know that I love to golf and I haven't been able to do so since August, so it's time to fix this! With that, I won't be able to type and respond to any Facebook postings or email. However, I invite you to call me at 619-718-7206 if you'd like to discuss some of our recent modifications.
I have been in the Smooth Jazz format since 1988 (in Fresno & San Diego) and I am one of the biggest fans of this music and I call several of the "stars" my close, personal friends. I have loved and supported this music for nearly 25 years and will do all that I can to keep it alive and on the radio in San Diego. For the record, I have spoken with several of my Smooth Jazz artist friends and THEY totally get why we've made some modifications. Furthermore, they're actually excited about it because THEY know that we'll attract a larger audience, which will expose THEIR music to a larger audience. The artists totally get it and support it.
Why the modifications? On March 1, we made the decision to make our station more familiar and accessible to a broader segment of the audience. We have NOT changed formats as we still play the same core artists (Dave Koz, Sade, Chris Botti, David Sanborn, Luther Vandross, Peter White, Mindi Abair, George Benson, etc.). We have added some new "flavors" to the mix, but they're all still songs that are smooth, relaxing and cool.
The reason is because our ratings have dropped significantly over the past two years and we're currently ranked 23rd in the San Diego market. It's really hard for all of us at 98.1 to stomach this reality since we were consistently in the Top 5 before the ratings methodology changed in April of 2009. Regardless of the the opinions of the new ratings methodology, the truth of the matter is that if we don't generate the ratings necessary to generate revenue, then my bosses will eventually change the station to a format that does. THAT, is the reality. As much as I love the art of the music, this is still a business and if you know anything about business, if you're not generating revenue then you need to make adjustments in order to survive. It's adapt or die.
My family and I love living in San Diego and I feel blessed to have met so many of you, our fans, throughout the years and I truly believe that WE can keep Smooth Jazz alive on the radio in San Diego. If I don't take action and improve the ratings, I will lose my job and you will lose any last remnants of Smooth Jazz on the radio in San Diego. Don't you think that some Smooth Jazz is better than NO Smooth Jazz?
Now more than ever, I am calling upon our "true" loyal listeners to give us the support necessary for us to keep this "smooth and relaxing" sound on the radio in San Diego. If you choose to abandon us, I certainly understand, but for those of you who choose to stick with us and help us survive...god bless you.
Lastly, we are now featuring "Pure Smooth Jazz" on our HD2 channel, so you might want to look into an HD2 receiver at Best Buy, Radio Shack or the internet. They don't cost very much and you'll be able to listen to "Pure Smooth Jazz" whenever you'd like. I've listened to satellite radio and several internet radio stations and I think that you'd like our "Pure Smooth Jazz" channel better! Maybe I'm biased, but I prefer our presentation!
If you'd like to discuss this further, please feel free to call my direct line at 619-718-7206. To those who have contacted me in the past to either compliment or complain, you know that I am one to take the time to talk or correspond with you. I don't "hide" from the tough questions. I sincerely value each and every one of you and will do my best to answer your questions. Thank you for your time and I hope that we don't lose your longtime friendship over a few subtle changes. Take care...
Sincerely,
Mike V. Vasquez
Program Director/Morning Show Host
Smooth FM 98.1
* On a side note, just read where KRVR in Modesto/Stockton changed to adult hits after 16 years in the SJ format.
Dear Valued Listener,
Today, March 3,2011, I am going to have surgery on my elbow to alleviate the chronic pain that I've been dealing with for over a year (Lateral Epicondylitis or chronic tennis elbow). Our morning show fans know that I love to golf and I haven't been able to do so since August, so it's time to fix this! With that, I won't be able to type and respond to any Facebook postings or email. However, I invite you to call me at 619-718-7206 if you'd like to discuss some of our recent modifications.
I have been in the Smooth Jazz format since 1988 (in Fresno & San Diego) and I am one of the biggest fans of this music and I call several of the "stars" my close, personal friends. I have loved and supported this music for nearly 25 years and will do all that I can to keep it alive and on the radio in San Diego. For the record, I have spoken with several of my Smooth Jazz artist friends and THEY totally get why we've made some modifications. Furthermore, they're actually excited about it because THEY know that we'll attract a larger audience, which will expose THEIR music to a larger audience. The artists totally get it and support it.
Why the modifications? On March 1, we made the decision to make our station more familiar and accessible to a broader segment of the audience. We have NOT changed formats as we still play the same core artists (Dave Koz, Sade, Chris Botti, David Sanborn, Luther Vandross, Peter White, Mindi Abair, George Benson, etc.). We have added some new "flavors" to the mix, but they're all still songs that are smooth, relaxing and cool.
The reason is because our ratings have dropped significantly over the past two years and we're currently ranked 23rd in the San Diego market. It's really hard for all of us at 98.1 to stomach this reality since we were consistently in the Top 5 before the ratings methodology changed in April of 2009. Regardless of the the opinions of the new ratings methodology, the truth of the matter is that if we don't generate the ratings necessary to generate revenue, then my bosses will eventually change the station to a format that does. THAT, is the reality. As much as I love the art of the music, this is still a business and if you know anything about business, if you're not generating revenue then you need to make adjustments in order to survive. It's adapt or die.
My family and I love living in San Diego and I feel blessed to have met so many of you, our fans, throughout the years and I truly believe that WE can keep Smooth Jazz alive on the radio in San Diego. If I don't take action and improve the ratings, I will lose my job and you will lose any last remnants of Smooth Jazz on the radio in San Diego. Don't you think that some Smooth Jazz is better than NO Smooth Jazz?
Now more than ever, I am calling upon our "true" loyal listeners to give us the support necessary for us to keep this "smooth and relaxing" sound on the radio in San Diego. If you choose to abandon us, I certainly understand, but for those of you who choose to stick with us and help us survive...god bless you.
Lastly, we are now featuring "Pure Smooth Jazz" on our HD2 channel, so you might want to look into an HD2 receiver at Best Buy, Radio Shack or the internet. They don't cost very much and you'll be able to listen to "Pure Smooth Jazz" whenever you'd like. I've listened to satellite radio and several internet radio stations and I think that you'd like our "Pure Smooth Jazz" channel better! Maybe I'm biased, but I prefer our presentation!
If you'd like to discuss this further, please feel free to call my direct line at 619-718-7206. To those who have contacted me in the past to either compliment or complain, you know that I am one to take the time to talk or correspond with you. I don't "hide" from the tough questions. I sincerely value each and every one of you and will do my best to answer your questions. Thank you for your time and I hope that we don't lose your longtime friendship over a few subtle changes. Take care...
Sincerely,
Mike V. Vasquez
Program Director/Morning Show Host
Smooth FM 98.1
* On a side note, just read where KRVR in Modesto/Stockton changed to adult hits after 16 years in the SJ format.
Wow can't believe this, RIP Smooth Jazz 98.1. It was one of my favorite SJ stations of all time. I just saw their new playlist and it's complete garbage, more of the same :-[. Like I mentioned before in my other thread, if they wanted to try something "new", why not follow what CIWV in Canada is doing? All those "new" smooth ac songs are one's I can hear everywhere else. FM radio is so behind on the curb. :
Bill Harmonic said:
KIFM was 15th in 25 54 in the last diary book, Jan to Mar of 2008, and it fell to 23rd in the most recent PPM book. The decline in sales demos had begun four to five years ago, three years before the PPM. 15th in 25-54 is not able to sustain sales, let alone 23rd.
PPM just showed how far the station had fallen more often, but this is not a PPM issue.
looking at their playlist on the website they are playing a lot of oldies that are from the 70s and early 80s..basically making them an oldies station. Will be interesting to see how this works for them as far as revenue because it's still skewing 45-64 with about 1 "hip" recent song an hour but nobody is going to tune in KIFM for One Republic or Colbie C....
Bill Harmonic said:
Just reading this, I am saddened, but not shocked like others have said. Wondered what will happened when Dave Koz joined the lineup and they added as a BA station, now we know. I think stations like KYSJ, WEIB, and WSJW will now be one of last of the remaining stations left.
I'm sure Mike is sitting by his phone just waiting to pick the phone up and answer calls. This format needs a Dr.The CD sales are just miserable for all of
the core artists and new ones will not come and take over-The radio,BA and the artists failed the format-You reap what you sow
the core artists and new ones will not come and take over-The radio,BA and the artists failed the format-You reap what you sow
They are playing more instrumentals than most smooth A/C stations...still heavy on gold vocals but more instrumentals than
The Wave or the BA network.
The Wave or the BA network.
AnotherCat said:
I don't know, Cat. Here's what they have played recently (this afternoon). Looks like an Oldies station to me. By my count, 9 VERY SAFE, BA-variety instrumental cuts in the last 39 tunes. And Hall & Oates' "Kiss On My List"???? WOW.
As far as KTWV, they are even worse, as you stated. As much as it pains me to admit it, BA is playing more instrumentals than both of them right now, but of course of the overplayed variety and from core artists.6:23 PM "SEPTEMBER" - EARTH WIND & FIRE
6:11 PM "WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES" - DOOBIE BROTHERS buy on iTunes
6:03 PM "FLY LIKE AN EAGLE" - SEAL buy on iTunes
6:00 PM "HIP SWAY" - CHRIS STANDRING buy on iTunes
5:55 PM "DAUGHTERS" - JOHN MAYER buy on iTunes
5:51 PM "MAS QUE NADA" - MARC ANTOINE buy on iTunes
5:42 PM "COME AWAY WITH ME" - NORAH JONES buy on iTunes
5:38 PM "KISS ON MY LIST" - HALL & OATES buy on iTunes
5:33 PM "LAYLA" - ERIC CLAPTON buy on iTunes
5:29 PM "360 GROOVE" - JIMMY SOMMERS
5:24 PM "DANCE WITH MY FATHER" - LUTHER VANDROSS buy on iTunes
5:12 PM "LET'S FALL IN LOVE" - DIANA KRALL buy on iTunes
5:08 PM "LADY (YOU BRING ME UP)" - COMMODORES buy on iTunes
5:01 PM "WHEN CAN I SEE YOU AGAIN" - BABYFACE
4:56 PM "THE SWEETEST TABOO" - SADE buy on iTunes
4:50 PM "WHILE YOU SEE A CHANCE" - STEVE WINWOOD buy on iTunes
4:40 PM "TROPICAL RAIN" - JESSY J buy on iTunes
4:35 PM "THAT'S THE WAY LOVE GOES" - JANET JACKSON buy on iTunes
4:32 PM "BEYOND THE SEA" - BOBBY CALDWELL buy on iTunes
4:27 PM "IT'S BEEN TOO LONG" - NICK COLIONNE buy on iTunes
4:23 PM "JUST TO SEE HER" - SMOKEY ROBINSON buy on iTunes
4:13 PM "BEAUTIFUL" - CHRISTINA AGUILERA buy on iTunes
4:09 PM "WHAT CHA' GONNA DO FOR ME" - DARREN RAHN/W. TISDALE
4:05 PM "SEND ONE YOUR LOVE" - STEVIE WONDER buy on iTunes
4:01 PM "I CAN'T TELL YOU WHY" - EAGLES buy on iTunes
3:57 PM "NO ONE" - ALICIA KEYS buy on iTunes
3:52 PM "YOU MAKE ME SMILE" - DAVE KOZ buy on iTunes
3:42 PM "LEAN ON ME" - BILL WITHERS buy on iTunes
3:37 PM "HAVEN'T MET YOU YET" - MICHAEL BUBLE'
3:33 PM "UNBREAK MY HEART" - TONI BRAXTON
3:28 PM "BODY LANGUAGE" - BONEY JAMES buy on iTunes
3:24 PM "THIS IS IT" - KENNY LOGGINS buy on iTunes
3:13 PM "APOLOGIZE" - ONE REPUBLIC
3:09 PM "BE STILL MY BEATING..." - STING
3:06 PM "ORBIT" - JESSE COOK buy on iTunes
3:03 PM "AT LAST" - ETTA JAMES buy on iTunes
2:59 PM "LADY LOVE ME" - GEORGE BENSON buy on iTunes
2:55 PM "CHANGE THE WORLD" - ERIC CLAPTON buy on iTunes
2:45 PM "TOMS DINER" - SUZANNE VEGA
They must have been gradually cutting down on the instrumentals...there were more on the list the first day. It's an oldies station. Oldies stations do about as well (sic) as smooth jazz stations when it comes to demos that advertisers want - it's still a 45+ station so why bother?
M
majaman78
Guest
AnotherCat said:
For a real laugh go over to KTWV and look at their playlist. I saw at least 10 out of 15 tunes that were 25+ years old in one sample...it'ssomething my 80 year old mother would listen to...and the same overplayed oldies as well. Saw 1 instrumental...Walter Beasley I believe.
These hypocrite radio execs are so FOS when it comes to the 18-49 demo b.s.
Still firmly believe PPM is rigged...but at this point who gives a sh*t?
p.s. - This Jhani Kaye is a real genius NOT! LOLOLOLOLOL
A good friend of mine has a saying
We Know,They Guess
We Know,They Guess
G
gaylec
Guest
This is such a shame. I loved the Smoothe Jazz format, and have been a loyal listener for 15 plus years.
The new format is just a blah, easy listening program, with the occasional great piece thrown in. I wish there was some other option, it's either KIFM or Jazz88 - KSDS 88.3 FM. 88.3 is more classic jazz, which is great sometimes, but I loved the variety that KIFM offered.
I'll still tune in sometimes, but not as much as I previously did.
The new format is just a blah, easy listening program, with the occasional great piece thrown in. I wish there was some other option, it's either KIFM or Jazz88 - KSDS 88.3 FM. 88.3 is more classic jazz, which is great sometimes, but I loved the variety that KIFM offered.
I'll still tune in sometimes, but not as much as I previously did.
gaylec said:
There is another option if you have an HD radio. Their HD side channel is how the station used to sound.
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