KXOB 107.1 Format Flip

[ZenRedneck]

Anyone notice the countdown on 107.1 Madera/Fresno? Guess we all find out at Tuesday at noon, but the guys at KFSN 30 didn’t seem real happy about their number being used for a publicity stunt when I called (like a sucker) at 6:45 this morning.

So far I’ve heard the phone numbers for the Fresno Bee & KFSN (like I said) offered in the broadcast.

Could this be the format flip & new “New Rock” I’ve heard Notso Young & Danny P talking about? Is Lotus gonna come after Wilks from both angles? Will Batman get out in time? ???

Oh, wait…

 

[kimfresno]

Danny P? You mean the winner of the Edward R. Murrow award Danny P or some other Danny P? I heard they're changing the call letters to KMVO. I wonder if that's going to be the Rhythmic AC format like "Movin'" in LA. It worked here a long time ago when KTHT did it.

 

[ZenRedneck]

Danny P? You mean the winner of the Edward R. Murrow award Danny P or some other Danny P? I heard they're changing the call letters to KMVO. I wonder if that's going to be the Rhythmic AC format like "Movin'" in LA. It worked here a long time ago when KTHT did it.

I thought it was a Marconi Award…but you know Danny: he gets around. ;D

Sorry to wax provincial, I had heard some chatter a few weeks back about a format flip to a new AOR or Alternative…assumptions: making an ass of me since 1979… :

The more informed word indicates something targeting an older demo. Movin/Jammin might fit, but I guess a 60’s era classic hits would be a possibility, too. I think Lotus is swinging in the dark again: look how well The Blaze has fared…’ZR is still with us, The Fox is virtually unaffected, and 104.1 owns the younger demo…

 

[kenrayc]

I'm don't think it 's going to be a NEW ROCK or ACTIVE ROCK because the BLAZE already plays 90's Rock with a lot of Metallica which most ACTIVE ROCK stations play. How about AMP 107.1 a new CHR format, or it could be a CLASSIC HITS format like their station in Bakersfield MAX 96.5, or if mentioned before the call letters are KMVO ,they will go after MEGA 97.9 and KOKO 94.3,the only thing about that is THE MOVIN format has been dying out in Los Angeles and San Francisco ,but it could work here.

 

[ZenRedneck]

KHITS – To compete with Jack, Mega, & Soft Rock. But mostly Jack.

Wild Cherry opens, after a nice little fumble by the board-op and two minutes of IDs.

The birth of a new station…I’m sure my mom will dig it. :-\

 

[kenrayc]

The new CLASSIC HITS K-HIT is also playing The Rollings Stones,The Doors , REO Speedwagon,and BTO. Sound like there going after the FOX to from a different direction,the mainsteem 70's where there sister station is competing with THE FOX from the HARD ROCK direction.The Most impact will be on KABX 97.5 ,because they recently modified there Format to more of a Classic hits of the60s,70s and 80s for one reason and with 107.1 transmitter located in the Madera foothills it comes in great in Merced, the home town of KABX.

 

[stonesmarconi]

They (Lotus) flipped KBKO to The Max 96.5 in Bako and are rolling in the mid-3's already, which
KBO never did and Top10 25-54 already. This station will clean up in Fresno. KHGE should have
flipped to this format as BIG HIS 102.7 (The Biggest Hits of All-Time). Lotus is burning up CC, Peak
and Wilks - This is funny. Good luck Andy (revenge is sweet). AFKNAUB

 

[kenrayc]

The only way JACK will survive now is to concentrate on the 80s more.KABX might as well go back to being a 50s and 60s oldies station.Now that the FOX has competition from both ends of Classic Rock, KHIT and THE BLAZE, the FOX will be history. 104.1 will become the lone NEW ACTIVE ROCK/ALTERNATIVE as KRZR will slowly die.

 

[ZenRedneck]

The only way JACK will survive now is to concentrate on the 80s more.KABX might as well go back to being a 50s and 60s oldies station.Now that the FOX has competition from both ends of Classic Rock, KHIT and THE BLAZE, the FOX will be history. 104.1 will become the lone NEW ACTIVE ROCK/ALTERNATIVE as KRZR will slowly die.

I just don’t see it going this way. Jack’s a mess, Mega’s loss of Brian Anthony was bad timing, and Soft Rock’s not exactly a promotional powerhouse.

Sure, the Fox will take a hit. But blown out of the water? I think your hat’s on too tight. It’s not like Lotus did any worse promoting the station than when they fired up the Blaze, and that property is still waiting for an audience…

Killing KRZR should be Priority 1 for the Blaze. They (‘ZR) have no direction, they’re anchored by their PM drive guy, and they’re focused on catching up with 104 (who would’ve ever seen THAT coming?). The Blaze could more than double their numbers if they could sink that ship.

Lotus has gotta get off the pot if they want to see KHIT make a dent. No promotions, no AM drive, no jocks…the recipe for an uphill battle.

 

[Churchillis1]

Mega still has a live morning show and afternoon jock, which is more than most stations can say. This is a crowded field and Lotus will need more than one billboard to make a dent in this catagory. Stations targeting Women 25+
Jack (sort of)
Y101
Alice
Soft Rock
Kiss Country
Mega
K-Jewel (sometimes)

I don't see it. But then again, Kyno has come out of the chute with such amazing strength that anything could happen.

 

[kimfresno]

The death of the Fox might be a wee bit premature. You can hurt someone tactically by maneuvering around their music but beating heritage morning shows like Bob & Tom is a lot tougher. If anyone can do it Roddam & Lipp can (local shows in other markets have done so) but B&T will get their share. That said, the Fox crew should be plenty nervous because they are being flanked tightly on both sides. Classic Hits WILL make a splash here. Remember, Oldies used to get solid numbers up through the mid-90's. All Classic Hits is is an updated Oldies format. Sure there are places you can hear Elton John and Hall & Oats but most of K-HITS artists are the fringe for the other formats that played them up until now. Soft Rock is much more current than they used to be, Jack is much more 80's & 90's focused for that really to be a battle (plus their imaging is too smart ass to appeal to most women in their late 40's) and K-Jewel's average listener is about 60. There is room in Fresno for a station like this. I thought the criticism of "no promotions" was humorous. How many stations have a big promotions push on day two?

 

[ZenRedneck]

The death of the Fox might be a wee bit premature. You can hurt someone tactically by maneuvering around their music but beating heritage morning shows like Bob & Tom is a lot tougher. If anyone can do it Roddam & Lipp can (local shows in other markets have done so) but B&T will get their share. That said, the Fox crew should be plenty nervous because they are being flanked tightly on both sides. Classic Hits WILL make a splash here. Remember, Oldies used to get solid numbers up through the mid-90's. All Classic Hits is is an updated Oldies format. Sure there are places you can hear Elton John and Hall & Oats but most of K-HITS artists are the fringe for the other formats that played them up until now. Soft Rock is much more current than they used to be, Jack is much more 80's & 90's focused for that really to be a battle (plus their imaging is too smart ass to appeal to most women in their late 40's) and K-Jewel's average listener is about 60. There is room in Fresno for a station like this. I thought the criticism of "no promotions" was humorous. How many stations have a big promotions push on day two?

I’m pleased that you’re amused by my suggestion that promotions might be necessary for a station that had crap numbers and a Spanish language format pre-flip. I’ll bet word-of-mouth works as well for KHIT as it did for 105.9 The Edge…

…Oh, yeah! That’s Jack now.

You sound like an experienced man…are you sure you aren’t just playing Devil’s Advocate to get some conversation flowing? That comment about Roddam & Lipp was certainly humorous. ;D

 

[Farney]

Phil Kane, Sam Kane, whatever you are going by now, stop being so blindly defensive of the Fox. You seem to think if you just keep saying something that it will be true. Me and the guys at work listen to the Blaze now, but if you want to keep hiding in your studio and pretending that heritage stations are immune to competition, that's cool. I remember you from KRZR back when everyone thought that station would always be number 1. I could be wrong, but as a Front Row listener, I remember Bob and Tom had a hard time beating KRZR, if ever. I'm glad to hear Jenn back and definitely listen to her and Rick over Bob and Tom. I'm looking forward to checking out the new station as well.

 

[kenrayc]

KFSO 92.9 with there super 60s and 70s a few years back was in the top 10 before CLEAR CHANNEL decided to flip it to a Spanish format. As mentioned in a earlier post when CC relized KHGE 102.7 was a HUGE mistake ,they should have brought it back.Oh by the way I notice KHGE is using the same satellite format at night as KUBB,their signals have a big overlap. As far as the FOX ,True Bob and Tom will remain strong,but their numbers will drop the rest of the day, unless they expand their 300 song playlist.I think KHIT will become a top 10 station,It's taking time be THE BLAZE gets better every rating period and KRZR continues to drop,not just becouse of THE BLAZE ,but also the improvements that KFRR 104.1 have done over the last year.I think the Fox will fall below KHIT and the Blaze and Jenn and Rick's ratings will rise as Bob and Tom's drop.

 

[Madmansam]

Where I live at (Stockton), I cannot pick up the new KHIT 107.1 because it is in the middle of Two Powerhouses, KFRC-106.9 San Francisco (Simulcasting KCBS-740) and KSTN-107.3 (Regional Mexican). I do however listen to KCCL-92.1 Placerville-Sacramento, known as "K-HITS 92.1." They are CLASSIC HITS of the 60's And 70's and plays a mix of ROCK, POP and R&B. They play everything from ELTON JOHN to PETER FRAMPTON to THE BEATLES to EARTH WIND AND FIRE to WILD CHERRY to JIMI HENDRIX to BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS to STEVIE WONDER to THE BEE GEES to ELVIS PRESLEY to WAR to THE GRATEFUL DEAD to THE ROLLING STONES to CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL to ....... You get what I mean? I love listening to this station. Does your KHIT resemble my K-HITS? Do they play the Blend of ROCK, POP and R&B or is it mostly ROCK oriented? Thanks!!! Sam

 

[kenrayc]

Where I live at (Stockton), I cannot pick up the new KHIT 107.1 because it is in the middle of Two Powerhouses, KFRC-106.9 San Francisco (Simulcasting KCBS-740) and KSTN-107.3 (Regional Mexican). I do however listen to KCCL-92.1 Placerville-Sacramento, known as "K-HITS 92.1." They are CLASSIC HITS of the 60's And 70's and plays a mix of ROCK, POP and R&B. They play everything from ELTON JOHN to PETER FRAMPTON to THE BEATLES to EARTH WIND AND FIRE to WILD CHERRY to JIMI HENDRIX to BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS to STEVIE WONDER to THE BEE GEES to ELVIS PRESLEY to WAR to THE GRATEFUL DEAD to THE ROLLING STONES to CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL to ....... You get what I mean? I love listening to this station. Does your KHIT resemble my K-HITS? Do they play the Blend of ROCK, POP and R&B or is it mostly ROCK oriented? Thanks!!! Sam

KHIT plays most of the artist you have mention, I haven't heard Elvis yet ,they play a little more ROCK than they play R&B,Maybe because MEGA 97.9 plays nothing but R&B, They play more 70s than 60s and 80s I would say there time range is from 1965-1985. They play the Beattles,The Byrds, The Beach Boys, The Mamas and The Papas, Hall and Oates,Huey Lewis, John Mellencamp, Temptations, The Cars , But no HEAVY METAL like AC/DC and I haven't heard Led Zeppelin yet ,this is because There sister station 105.1 The Blaze is a HARD CLASSIC ROCK station that plays mostly hard rock and heavy metal from 1970-2000 ,Metallica, Ozzy ,Dio, Van Halen ,Stone Temple Pilots well you get the point.

 

[kenrayc]

I did hear KHIT play Aerosmith, Foreigner,BTO, and Styx.

 

[ZenRedneck]

Phil Kane, Sam Kane, whatever you are going by now, stop being so blindly defensive of the
Fox.

OH MY GOD! A SEVEN YEAR OLD RADIO HANDLE! BURN!

Sorry.

If you know me as “Sam Kane” and you know I’m affiliated with the Fox why the “whatever you’re going by now” pretense? ???

Part of the beauty of coming here is anonymity, a place to discuss radio stuff from the privacy of a blank screen. While I’m perfectly happy to stand behind anything I’ve said I was content to be one of the many private voices in the forum. Your decision to “out” me was uncalled for at best. I don’t see your name & number on your posts, cowboy.

You seem to think if you just keep saying something that it will be true…but if you want to keep hiding in your studio and pretending that heritage stations are immune to competition, that's cool.

My position on this has been the same since day one: the Blaze is in a great position to go after KRZR, but they’re just not equipped to go heads-up with the Fox (yet). That’s not “blindly defensive,” that’s the opinion of someone who’s deeply invested both personally and professionally in Fresno rock radio as a whole.

I don’t think I ever said heritage stations are immune to competition, but I would go so far as to say a new property like the Blaze is going to make more successful progress if they address the over-stretching of Fresno’s male listenership before going heads-up with a better entrenched station.

Look at KRZR: most of the damage dome at that property was self-inflicted. Between Carolla and a shift in public perception KFRR is now on top. KFRR didn’t beat KRZR by going head-to-head, they won by focusing on their strengths and capitalizing on KRZR’s eventual shortcomings.

Or go back further and see how well Z-Rock did against KRZR, especially after ‘ZR killed KKDJ.

I remember you from KRZR back when everyone thought that station would always be number 1. I could be wrong, but as a Front Row listener, I remember Bob and Tom had a hard time beating KRZR, if ever.

Again with the “just a listener” thing!

I honestly don’t know how Bob & Tom performed against Chris Daniel & The Front Row, I didn’t pay attention to the ratings back then except to hear the boss say “Good job, kids” in our quarterly meeting. But I’m sure the late 90’s ratings of KRZR don’t factor into this equation. It’s not the late 90’s and the Blaze isn’t KRZR.

You’ve got an interesting perspective (and command of industry jargon) for just a listener. You’re also the first person to call me “Phil Kane” in about seven years. Made me laugh. You should get in touch at [email protected], I’d love to hear what a seriously invested guy like you has to say in an actual conversation.

Now, to wrap up this off-topic train-wreck:

Speaking for myself, without expressing the views of KJFX, Wilks Broadcasting, or the good folks I share a studio with…

I’m not worried. I’m staying alert and I’m looking forward to friendly competition in this now five or six-way fight. At the end of the day we’re all trying to feed our families and make some good radio. I’d love to see it boil down to a “KSJO vs KOME” type battle, that would be a lot of fun for everyone…especially our listeners.

I’m gonna go make up a new handle now. Anyone know if “Spider Jerusalem” is taken?

 

[Farney]

AGAIN ALL YOU DO IS TALK, AND YOU WORK FOR THE FOX!!!!!

anyway the reason I knew who you were and are COWBOY, I remember the Posts you used to write on the Bar Napkin.

Just keep doing your Job, sorry you got fired from Zr, you could have been afternoons by now!!!

 

[BossRadio62]

Lotus has slapped these two stations together with gum and tape. Mr. Clean!!!!! they hired a hip hop kid as the Marketing Director. Roddman and Lipp pick up more listeners? Well they better hurry. Fresno isn't too kind to new stations and hiring cast-off's has never worked. all the jox are "tired". KRZR was dying way before the Blaze, mostly because of KRZR. Jack FM does have that Nicole problem of theirs but word is she's on her way out too. Mega 97 does have a live jox mid days. K-Hits...all that music we can get anywhere here in fresno...way to research Lotus!!!! And top 10 station? only the top 7-8 make any money...and 5 are Peak Broadcastings, plus CC still has b-95, so there's another slot taken, not to mention spanish. The music is great on the blaze, but add the jox and the cut and paste website (from KRZR)