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Lights out @ Shine 96.7

They don't want to beat 101.1 (it's impossible). They want to take them down enough to keep the country stations, especially WSSL, above WROQ in the important demos. They can also package sale 96.7 with 92.5 and 100.5.
When they did rock before, they were going after both Rock 101 and Planet. It's harder to try to take down two stations than one. If they just set their sights on one station, they might be successful.

All of that being said, I don't think the station sounds bad. The processing is fantastic. I've said for years on here that 96.7 had great processing despite what they were playing. I personally like their music selection more because it doesn't have the "southern rock" element that Rock 101 has (never could get in to that). They certainly are attacking them on air. This is just pure speculation and guessing, but The Road may have more appeal to listeners that are from outside this area/"transplants", as opposed to 101 who has more of a "southern" sound. Road doesn't seem to have as much harder stuff. Funny they launched the same day that the GHS Radiothon started on Entercom's stations - perhaps to try to grab switchers from ROQ who don't want to hear the talking?

Look at it this way - before, we had 5 or 6 gospel stations. Now we have 2 classic rock stations. 96.7 sounds way better with classic rock than trying to do Christian AC. I'd take the rock. CC will never put much in to that signal. I wonder if this will have any effect on Chuck-FM. Signal wise, they're similar to 97.7 but somewhat better. 97.7 includes some classic rock in to their playlist. I don't know what they should/could do, if anything.
 
carolinaradio said:
I personally like their music selection more because it doesn't have the "southern rock" element that Rock 101 has (never could get in to that).  They certainly are attacking them on air.  This is just pure speculation and guessing, but The Road may have more appeal to listeners that are from outside this area/"transplants", as opposed to 101 who has more of a "southern" sound. 
Click to expand...

I didn't listen to them long and won't listen to them long as it just isn't my taste in music. Sure, there's some older rock bands that I still like every once in a while -- like Rush -- but I just prefer newer rock.

That said, what you say above makes sense. Again, from the bit I did listen, I didn't hear a single song that I would classify as Southern Rock ("Freeeebirrrrdd!!!"). So that may be what does set them a part from Rock 101.

I agree there's no way they'd ever be able to take down WROQ. But it may appeal to the more "transplant" crowd that likes Classic Rock and pave a way for some other stations to move up the ladder by taking them down a notch or two.
 
Oh, I'm Jim Graham. I won't hide. ;) I frequently forget my log on for this page, I had it in a database of usernames/passwords. Still forgot it. Re-registered. Suppose I should have used my new Country On-Air Stage Name, Bucky Lastard!
 
Bill Clinton would have never been elected President if it were not for Ross Perot's run on a third party. Perot drained enough votes off of the Republican side to allow the Dems to sail through.
Later, Ross would star as Gourt, the Ferringi, in Star Trek, the Next Generation.
I monitored 96.7 most of the day, and like most of us members of The Think Tank, we all have concluded what Think Tank member, Carolinaradio posted earlier. We are now back to shaving some of the male numbers off of WROQ, in order to give/allow Whistle an easier Toot in the ratings. For me, I agree, but yet (still)have a lesser sugar-coated vent: Stupid is as...stupid does. So, who is Boob responsible for that crock of (sensored word) playlist? You have one-forth of ROQ's coverage, and you are going rub them with the same Horse(sensored sufix) playlist that they have already bored us with. The Clear Channel turd polishers really had to work overtime to get this one pointed on both ends. Why didn't you just borrow Entercom's "God & Country" format? They weren't using it. "The Road"...My Big (sensored word)! Their promo voice, with 30-weight Test-tos-te-groin running through his veins, spouting about being a new choice. If you want to pull from Rock 101, you need to be decisively different,...and deep! FOGHAT-"Eight Days On The Road",
DEEP PURPLE-"Pictures Of Home", KANSAS-"Wheels"...Deep Cuts...
Deeper than a Consultants ego!
 
Scooter, DEEP down you've got to know going deep does not work ... at all.. in the ratings game. You become an afterthought and at best a 'third' button IF nothing else is on. It's just the way it is on commercial radio. If it worked, 95-7 would be kicking The Fox and The End up and down the street in Charlotte. Instead, they are wrapped up in being 'cool' and what not and sucking more than anything has ever sucked before as a competitor. Sure some titles can be spiced in from time to time to make it sound like you're not going to play John Cougar Mellancamp everyday at 2:06pm. (Old Buzzard vs. Rock 101 joke) I think The Road has a real chance to dent the 'Q enough to make it more of a worthwhile venture than Shine. The last few months of The Buzzard I ran classic rock days and new rock nights and the station really started to move better - as a weapon, directed at it's main competitors for the time and available listeners. In reference to the southern rock, if you truly want to effect Rock 101 in Greenville, SC you HAVE to play Skynyrd and such. No need to clump it up but certainly an artist that shouldn't be missing. It would be like a classic country station signing on to take down WESC a notch or two and not playing George Jones. So, classic rock 24/7 will give them a focused and concentrated identity to hammer away at the Fossil with minimal effort. And, I'm fairly certain that's the boat that The Road will use to travel. That, and focusing on Greenville and forgetting about trying to reach and play to the whole market. It's 700 watts. Laser it in and wait for it to burn a hole. If the 96-7 timeline plays out, you've got 5 years.
p.s. Kudos to 96-7 The Road on their 'road signs' in prominent intersections.
 
In response to what Scooter said, I actually think it is quite different than Rock 101. They're playing more of a mainstream classic rock mix that isn't as "targeted" as Rock 101.
As far as the Southern Rock, it's probably going to be kept to somewhat of a minimum since they're running Premium Choice. Clear runs the exact same feed on 105.7 The Eagle in Augusta and it does well. Premium Choice is distributed nationwide, so it's going to play hits; not tailored to a specific region. I've heard Skynyrd on 96.7 (actually "Freebird" and "Gimme Three Steps"), but they aren't playing them and the likes to the extent that 'ROQ does, if that makes any sense. I agree that it's smart for them to just focus on Greenville (well, actually the whole county I'm guessing). That's the core of the market, anyway.

I know Chuck FM doesn't just play classic rock, but that makes up a decent portion of their playlist. I can't help but wonder if this will hinder them after sampling 96.7 for a while. I always assumed 97.7 was to draw some audience from Rock 101 (and also Magic 98.9). With 96.7 now doing that with 101.1 as well, perhaps now would be a nice time for Chuck to diversify their 70s/80s mix a little more (like Simon FM in Greensboro)?

Edit: has anyone else noticed no RDS? They didn't have it most of the time as Shine.
 
Hi, Gang! Hi, Craig!... gotta work in some time to test that sub audible LOL!!

If I may, Craig mentioned that 96.7 is 700 watts. It is actually a 6,000 watt equivalent because it is so over height. AM radio doesn't seem to have the signal strength it once had because of really, really bad AM receivers and lots of uncontrolled (by the FCC) man-made noise such as power lines and other wireless devices. FM radio's coverage is diminished because there are so many FM radio stations on the air. From @950 feet HAAT, 96.7 would go "forever" if it were the only station on that frequency and none on close adjacents. Another FM station in the area is on 96.3 with the tower in Tamassee, SC. Those folks were the luckiest, and had no idea! Because of terrain, the antenna is 500 feet AGL (should have been 528 feet..another story). And, because of the mountains on the "back side", on paper the HAAT is only around 300 feet. It runs a full 6,000 watt ERP from a Non Directional 3-bay antenna. Lots of RF. It would be a shame to see that destroyed. Chit happens.

Have fun! -JG
 
carolinaradio said:
I know Chuck FM doesn't just play classic rock, but that makes up a decent portion of their playlist. I can't help but wonder if this will hinder them after sampling 96.7 for a while. I always assumed 97.7 was to draw some audience from Rock 101 (and also Magic 98.9). With 96.7 now doing that with 101.1 as well, perhaps now would be a nice time for Chuck to diversify their 70s/80s mix a little more (like Simon FM in Greensboro)?
Click to expand...

With Chuck already kind of settled in, they probably won't change much, but think that a move towards a Charlie like mix (ie., 80s/90s/2000s) would be good. Still think Charlie was never given enough time.

Still, even with The Road, I still feel like Chuck has an edge in that they do go a little deeper or play something a little offbeat. The lack of overhead on the translator probably helps, but 96.7's signal isn't that strong either so even though "deeper" may mean taking a risk, I think The Road should do as much to make itself different from Rock 101. Even with WROQ's long established base, I'm sure there is a portion of its audience that would like a little more variety.
 
Yes, I do enjoy the fine art of deee-skusion. Well, not as much as beating a Consultant with a Cat of Nine Shares, but since I ain't wearin' the Black Hat, and Marv has gone to bet on the **** fights, I'll be somewhat tame, and factual. For those that can't see my point: Years ago, I found fault with the Compact Disc. We are now in an epidimic of CD rot. I predicted a resurgence of Vinyl, and it too is now happening, and sadly, I predicted the Shuttle-Challenger disaster.
If there is a song played on THE ROAD, that is not on Rock 101's playlist...then, someone please list. All new formats spike, but at present, THE ROAD is nothing more than a pre-set button destination.
Hats off to my friend, and Engineer-Extroy-din-neer, Jim Graham for his Grum-o-phonic stereo sound; a +plus for THE ROAD. However, those VT breaks sound like they were recorded in a tin bucket. Again, I praise the thick playlist of CHUCK FM, with great promise.
A thicker, deeper list for THE ROAD would cause ROQ some problems, but apparently CC ain't out for blood, but merely sweat.
A live air staff would be too much to hope for. ROQ only has two respectable air talents: Mark Hendrix, and Stoneman. The rest, there, really needs some coaching. Tracks from BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, the new YES release, "Fly From Here", ASIA "Thirty" or the new one from RUSh would also be too much to hope for.
This market ain't done. Still mo' changes,...Hang on Sloopy!
 
James Bradley said:
Hi, Gang! Hi, Craig!... gotta work in some time to test that sub audible LOL!!

If I may, Craig mentioned that 96.7 is 700 watts. It is actually a 6,000 watt equivalent because it is so over height. AM radio doesn't seem to have the signal strength it once had because of really, really bad AM receivers and lots of uncontrolled (by the FCC) man-made noise such as power lines and other wireless devices. FM radio's coverage is diminished because there are so many FM radio stations on the air. From @950 feet HAAT, 96.7 would go "forever" if it were the only station on that frequency and none on close adjacents.
Click to expand...
I notice that 96.7 is trying to move to 104.9. Seems like that might give it a little more room. I always thought 96.7 had a pretty impressive signal for a class A. I've gotten it pretty decently going to Columbia until it weakens and WLTY at 96.7 gets the upper hand. The processing on The Road is fantastic - great job!

awp69 said:
carolinaradio said:
I know Chuck FM doesn't just play classic rock, but that makes up a decent portion of their playlist. I can't help but wonder if this will hinder them after sampling 96.7 for a while. I always assumed 97.7 was to draw some audience from Rock 101 (and also Magic 98.9). With 96.7 now doing that with 101.1 as well, perhaps now would be a nice time for Chuck to diversify their 70s/80s mix a little more (like Simon FM in Greensboro)?
Click to expand...

With Chuck already kind of settled in, they probably won't change much, but think that a move towards a Charlie like mix (ie., 80s/90s/2000s) would be good. Still think Charlie was never given enough time.

Still, even with The Road, I still feel like Chuck has an edge in that they do go a little deeper or play something a little offbeat. The lack of overhead on the translator probably helps, but 96.7's signal isn't that strong either so even though "deeper" may mean taking a risk, I think The Road should do as much to make itself different from Rock 101. Even with WROQ's long established base, I'm sure there is a portion of its audience that would like a little more variety.
Click to expand...
The Road won't go very deep. It's running Premium Choice, so it is going to be very safe (like I said, PC is designed to be carried nationwide, so it's not going to get adventurous). From comparing 96.7 and 101.1, I think there are some noticeable differences. 96.7 is a little more "polished" and less in your face. That's JMO. For my tastes, when I want to hear classic rock, that's enough to make me listen to them over ROQ.

I agree that Chuck probably won't change anything as of now. I guess as long as they keep the station freshened and not repetitive, they can keep their base. I don't know if Charlie's mix would have done as well as Chuck's has. Chuck's music could, almost, be considered a somewhat updated "oldies" format. Nobody else is really doing anything like that. The more older music they play, as long as they balance the classic rock out, the less competition they have (for example, I don't know if anybody else around here plays KC & The Sunshine Band, The Bee Gees, or Three Dog Night anymore other than 97.7). If you start focusing mostly on the 80s, 90s and newer stuff, you risk sharing more audience with MY, Magic, etc. JMO.
 
it was a gamble for cc to think that a true commercial christian station would work and it didn't maybe christians don't buy cars and eat fast food. it failed and now they are using it as a tool to help their other stations. only arbitron knows and i am not sure they do
 
freqdev said:
it was a gamble for cc to think that a true commercial christian station would work and it didn't maybe christians don't buy cars and eat fast food. it failed and now they are using it as a tool to help their other stations. only arbitron knows and i am not sure they do
Click to expand...
Commercial Christian stations (outside of Urban gospel) rarely work anywhere. Salem has some (like The Fish in Atlanta), but they are typically in markets where nobody else is covering the format. Trying to go up against stations like 89.3 and 106.9 is pretty much suicide. Those stations have very loyal audiences that have formed a connection with them. I don't think Clear Channel (or any other commercial operator) is willing to or even can put in the resources that the listener-supported stations do. That's just my opinion. I think, overall, Clear is making the best use of the 96.7 signal that they can. I believe The Buzzard was for the same reason, but this will be cheaper to run.
 
Disagree that Classic Rock is the best use of 96.7. It's Rock 101 "lite", with the weak signal and no local talent. There's no reason to choose this over Rock 101, with no meaningful playlist difference. This one won't last 5 years like the last two attempts.
 
A Sheeeeesh, and a Woooosh!! I don't have to say anything. Please refer to reply post #51 by
Freqdev...I totally agee! Then, refer to reply post #53 by MarkSC...I totally agee there too!
Respectfully,
Scooter Lesley.
 
agree that the road is rock 101 lite with a weak signal and no local talent, but it takes time to explain that to a listener. if it is their favorite songs, that's the station they are listening to. cc is pretty smart here. a share or two is worth something in rank.
 
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