Clear Channel had billboards, promotional events with local businesses and all. Not to mention it was personality driven Oldies radio. So why did Clear Channel axe the entire air staff and flip formats. I feel it was one of the best stations to come to Jacksonville in many years. I would visit my Grandmother and we would listen together. Bee Gees, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Eagles, The Beach Boys, Abba and other such artists had a home. Why mess up something good!
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Magic 107.3
- Thread starter gamefreak
- Start date
Don't get me wrong Adult Hits is a good format, 80's, 90's and early 2000's music is an undeserved market. However couldn't it be put on a under-performing signal.
I guess beggars can't be choosers, I just wish the market didn't have so many duplicate formats. Hopefully Jack FM will not heavily play stuff pounded by other stations.
Yes, I agree with Johnjax that an 80''s and 90's format does best freestyle. Otherwise the format becomes very dull and repetitive. Old School Rap, Pop, Alternative and Rock and Eurodance.
Other than that so far so good on Jack FM.
I guess beggars can't be choosers, I just wish the market didn't have so many duplicate formats. Hopefully Jack FM will not heavily play stuff pounded by other stations.
Yes, I agree with Johnjax that an 80''s and 90's format does best freestyle. Otherwise the format becomes very dull and repetitive. Old School Rap, Pop, Alternative and Rock and Eurodance.
Other than that so far so good on Jack FM.
Actually, there are a number of programming elements I like about Jack FM. While there will always be song duplication among different formats, what I particularly like are all the titles featured no one else is touching. As I have listened, there are times I feel like I’m listening to 80’s/90’s themed weekends of WFLC – Miami. For 90’s music I like Ace of Base, Counting Crows, 4 Non Blondes and even the soulful Snap! among dozens of other 80’s/90’s artists. I appreciate a lot of different genres of music and I’m not limited to just a few decades.
As far as Magic 107.3 goes, I will never get into specific conversations I had with them. But as a blanket statement, there were a number of good elements at work. But beyond all the clutter that they were correcting it was the very tight playlist that kept them from being what they could have been IMHO. I just came to realize when corporate decides on a strategy, even an act of Congress can’t change things. Basically I was told there wasn’t any latitude to chart a different course.
I am a huge fan of the Greatest Hits format because it gives listeners a place to hear songs not heard elsewhere. Often times, I’ve spoken of WCBS-FM and the fact their library has thousands and thousands of titles. Through all the music specials they do, it keeps a lot of interest going. Let’s face it, with nostalgia formats there comes lots of fried to a crisp songs. There are literally dozens of songs on the Jack playlist that could have found their way @Magic but it didn’t happen.
I’ve often prided myself on connecting the dots. There were things I noticed but I chose to ignore what my own instincts were telling me. After the Christmas flip, I had figured out there were an increasing number of hours during the week where programming was provided by Premium Choice. I was figuring the PD’s days were numbered.
But now I can say in the end, despite the smoke and mirrors of coming back from Christmas, re-imaged and tweaked, there was no intention to keep the format going. They probably figured Jack may have been on the table to possibly replace Rock 104-5. So CC appeared to give all indication the oldies format would continue for a while with PC. Then they made their move in advance of anyone else.
What I observed about many Magic listeners was how loyal they were to the station. I attended practically all their promotions as they did. Conspicuously absent was any member of management higher than Neal, outside of the Promotions Director, at any of Magic’s events. I thought that spoke volumes. Interesting too was in all my visits to CC, there wasn't one iota in the lobby that showed Magic even existed. Heck, one day even the receptionist was wearing a Planet 107.3 jacket. Not good when there is no identity. But I remained quiet. Jack is a good addition to Jax, I just wish it found a home elsewhere. I’m usually pretty good with words but I can’t really express how upset I am that Magic is no more.
As far as Magic 107.3 goes, I will never get into specific conversations I had with them. But as a blanket statement, there were a number of good elements at work. But beyond all the clutter that they were correcting it was the very tight playlist that kept them from being what they could have been IMHO. I just came to realize when corporate decides on a strategy, even an act of Congress can’t change things. Basically I was told there wasn’t any latitude to chart a different course.
I am a huge fan of the Greatest Hits format because it gives listeners a place to hear songs not heard elsewhere. Often times, I’ve spoken of WCBS-FM and the fact their library has thousands and thousands of titles. Through all the music specials they do, it keeps a lot of interest going. Let’s face it, with nostalgia formats there comes lots of fried to a crisp songs. There are literally dozens of songs on the Jack playlist that could have found their way @Magic but it didn’t happen.
I’ve often prided myself on connecting the dots. There were things I noticed but I chose to ignore what my own instincts were telling me. After the Christmas flip, I had figured out there were an increasing number of hours during the week where programming was provided by Premium Choice. I was figuring the PD’s days were numbered.
But now I can say in the end, despite the smoke and mirrors of coming back from Christmas, re-imaged and tweaked, there was no intention to keep the format going. They probably figured Jack may have been on the table to possibly replace Rock 104-5. So CC appeared to give all indication the oldies format would continue for a while with PC. Then they made their move in advance of anyone else.
What I observed about many Magic listeners was how loyal they were to the station. I attended practically all their promotions as they did. Conspicuously absent was any member of management higher than Neal, outside of the Promotions Director, at any of Magic’s events. I thought that spoke volumes. Interesting too was in all my visits to CC, there wasn't one iota in the lobby that showed Magic even existed. Heck, one day even the receptionist was wearing a Planet 107.3 jacket. Not good when there is no identity. But I remained quiet. Jack is a good addition to Jax, I just wish it found a home elsewhere. I’m usually pretty good with words but I can’t really express how upset I am that Magic is no more.
Re: Magic 107.3already
JohnJax, I think you're exactly right. The powers that be at Clear Channel, most likely, were already making plans to make the change during the Holidays. When Magic 107-3 returned as "Jacksonville's ONLY Oldies Station", they were only "playing" with the format. The "real" plan to eventually become Jack FM was probably well underway, behind the scenes.
And, IMHO, since the real "Classic Hits" listeners are SO loyal, I think it would make sense for Renda Jacksonville to re-visit the possibility of launching an Oldies type format on 94.1, especially since this market is now too Rock heavy. Presented correctly, with some personality and energy, this WOULD attract enough listeners to be a WIN-WIN, for the station and the loyal listeners!
JohnJax said:
JohnJax, I think you're exactly right. The powers that be at Clear Channel, most likely, were already making plans to make the change during the Holidays. When Magic 107-3 returned as "Jacksonville's ONLY Oldies Station", they were only "playing" with the format. The "real" plan to eventually become Jack FM was probably well underway, behind the scenes.
JohnJax said:
And, IMHO, since the real "Classic Hits" listeners are SO loyal, I think it would make sense for Renda Jacksonville to re-visit the possibility of launching an Oldies type format on 94.1, especially since this market is now too Rock heavy. Presented correctly, with some personality and energy, this WOULD attract enough listeners to be a WIN-WIN, for the station and the loyal listeners!
Been listening nonstop for the past day and love the format. I have heard some of the 60's-80's stuff magic played. Plus with a wider variety of 80s thou now. Like the O'Jays next to Phil Collins. I heard Elvis right now play in a set with Information Society, Katy Perry and Vanilla Ice. At 1st I thought it was David Bowie s "Under Pressure", that's how long ago I heard the song on radio. I heard plenty of 80's and 90's music, not just the rock and alternative tracks.
Keep it up Jack!
Keep it up Jack!
Gamefreak, yes - wider variety - that is key and what listeners have been looking for. This is why I believe there was a lot of growth for Magic 107-3. They needed to go deeper, they didn't - end of story. Things can move rather fast in radio. Near Regency @ SS Blvd today I noticed a Jack billboard already. Gees. the body ain't even cold yet....
Nfladxer, you are a gentleman and probably more adult and forgiving about things than I will ever be. It all comes down to how much local management supports a format. The way the "system" works I believe people such as the MM often influence outcomes to their own advantages especially if it means personal and financial gain and looking better than the guy across town. They have the power to pick and chose winners and to me - a huge flaw in taking a focus away from what it should be - listener centric demand.
I couldn't help but notice a rather large banner @ The Avenues Mall last month promoting all the Gator Spring Concert Series. Literally, seeing that pissed me off big time. A company that has a reputation for being cheap somehow manages to spend lots of $$$ on a format they apparently are vested in its success. Despite whatever potential may have existed, KOOL 100.7 listeners couldn't even be treated to an artist with 1 foot in the grave. There were so many talented people on the beach who could have made a big difference to make that station a success. No budget = no surprise @ failure.
Apparently, there is someone new at the helm @ Renda Jax. I know nothing about him but all I will say is I hope he is far less self-serving and manipulative as was his predecessor. Since I have no skin in Jax radio anymore with J.T., Tony, Neal and my favorite station all gone, what I won't do is get sucked into making the case for Renda to do anything to bring the "magic" back. The ball is in their court as far as I'm concerned. It's just my opinion but I always smelled a rat that the former GM was highly talented and skilled in keeping WEJZ on top and making WGNE a huge success. Yet Soft AC and Oldies were just too complex for his skill set. Bull. Interesting too that this former Cox employee decides on a format that Jax didn't really need but I always thought it was to get back @ Cox for some kind of perceived injustice. Maybe I'm wrong - i don't know anymore.
You are all witnessing a side of me I personally don't like. I'm angry. Loyal listeners don't mean much to those running things. Despite it all, I tend to be an optimistic. Maybe one day someone in upper management will surprise me.
Nfladxer, you are a gentleman and probably more adult and forgiving about things than I will ever be. It all comes down to how much local management supports a format. The way the "system" works I believe people such as the MM often influence outcomes to their own advantages especially if it means personal and financial gain and looking better than the guy across town. They have the power to pick and chose winners and to me - a huge flaw in taking a focus away from what it should be - listener centric demand.
I couldn't help but notice a rather large banner @ The Avenues Mall last month promoting all the Gator Spring Concert Series. Literally, seeing that pissed me off big time. A company that has a reputation for being cheap somehow manages to spend lots of $$$ on a format they apparently are vested in its success. Despite whatever potential may have existed, KOOL 100.7 listeners couldn't even be treated to an artist with 1 foot in the grave. There were so many talented people on the beach who could have made a big difference to make that station a success. No budget = no surprise @ failure.
Apparently, there is someone new at the helm @ Renda Jax. I know nothing about him but all I will say is I hope he is far less self-serving and manipulative as was his predecessor. Since I have no skin in Jax radio anymore with J.T., Tony, Neal and my favorite station all gone, what I won't do is get sucked into making the case for Renda to do anything to bring the "magic" back. The ball is in their court as far as I'm concerned. It's just my opinion but I always smelled a rat that the former GM was highly talented and skilled in keeping WEJZ on top and making WGNE a huge success. Yet Soft AC and Oldies were just too complex for his skill set. Bull. Interesting too that this former Cox employee decides on a format that Jax didn't really need but I always thought it was to get back @ Cox for some kind of perceived injustice. Maybe I'm wrong - i don't know anymore.
You are all witnessing a side of me I personally don't like. I'm angry. Loyal listeners don't mean much to those running things. Despite it all, I tend to be an optimistic. Maybe one day someone in upper management will surprise me.
JohnJax said:
JohnJax, I understand your anger, since, you obviously care, and have a real passion for radio! As I recently stated elsewhere in another post, IMHO, the "listener" has been given less priority in recent years. Radio now seems to focus more on Arbitron and Advertisers, and if the listeners follow, great. Case in point: When the local broadcasters knew the new PPM ratings methodology was coming to Jacksonville, some of the stations made adjustments to their staffs, and tweaked their presentations, BEFORE the PPM's actually were implemented. While this may have seemingly been a good business move, it appears to me, a premature programming decision. Why didn't these broadcasters stand behind and maintain the format that had already historically brought in a large listener base? And then, after PPM was in place, made the proper adjustments. I always thought if you put a really good product on the air, and stuck with it, you would attract more listeners, and the ratings and revenue would follow. Seems like the pressure to get that revenue into the stations quickly, has resulted in more impatience, and more format flips!
Re: Magic 107.3already
To take it a step further, how viable is classic hits vs. classic country? 100.7's a bigger stick - classic hits there and send Country Legends down to 94.1? Old country seems like more of a niche and 94.1 is a good signal for a niche format.
I agree.nfladxer said:
To take it a step further, how viable is classic hits vs. classic country? 100.7's a bigger stick - classic hits there and send Country Legends down to 94.1? Old country seems like more of a niche and 94.1 is a good signal for a niche format.
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