New Country Station

[xmamfm]

For Discussion

Since Citadel owns ratings leader KIIM 99.5 along with jockless BOB 97.5 ...

What is stopping them from boosting their market potential and turning 97.5 into a Classic Country style format? There is still a sizable market of hard line Country listeners who crave pre 90s and 80s country music artists.

Every once in a blue moon they will play some Ronnie Milsap, Alabama, or Kenny Rogers and it's such a refreshing treat.

 

[caveman-97]

The prevailing opinion is that Classic Country appeals only to the elderly who can't or won't buy advertisers' products. If you want to reach that age group, you might as well use A.M. Once a person turns 45 he loses his hearing, can't recognize static and can't tell the difference between mono and stereo. No point in programming to the dead or nearly dead.

Head a little east of Tucson and you'll pick up a Benson FM that bucks the trend and plays all kinds of classic country. Ironically, 97.5 prevents 97.7 from being heard in Tucson.

 

[Northwest Bobby]

The problem with classic country is that 60's and 70's music gets no airplay in current country formats, so alot of that is unknown to listners in their 20's and 30's...where as "oldies" have been running on the air as a format for over 30 years........... :-*

 

[bobjlv]

In the near future, Tucson will have a Classic Country FM station. The all new HD Radio is on the way, watch out!

 

[spongebag7890]

A country station? They haven't heard of KIIM yet?

Maybe because there's no missing format in Tucson. Urban isn't here, but since when was this an African-American market? There's more than enough ACs, it seems nothing will kill KRQ, KFMA is doing better and better, and two classic rocks. There's even rhythmic oldies for crying out loud. There's no active rock but KFMA seems to be a Tucson-teen "one and only station". The only (maybe) successful format would to make a hispanic version of an urban (hurban), which Z will likely be doing since their new Z format is also flopping (along with their JJ&R-wannabe morning show, it's lame enough attempting to be them), and even then Hot 983 is a powerful station in this market.

 

[2Son]

I wanted to clarify something - Kidd Kraddick (morning show on Z104.1) has been around MUCH longer than JJ&R - I remember him on KEGL (Dallas) in the early-mid 80's. His show is now on God knows how many stations around the country. I would hardly classify his show as a JJ&R wanna-be. Secondly, if you're speaking about the FM dial, how can you make a declaration that there is no missing format in Tucson? You must not get out much. I will agree that we do not need two classic rock stations nor two or more contemporary christian stations (or on multiple frequencies)when these stations play pretty much the same music. I also wanted to clarify that Tucson has only ONE true AC. KZPT is a MODERN AC. KWMT is AAA (Adult Album Alternative). These are sub-genres.

These formats ARE some missing (on FM) in the Tucson Market:
Oldies - KKYZ should fill that gap
Classic Country
Dance
Ryhthmic AC
Jazz

Some of these were tried before and failed due to ratings, some due to corporate changes, and some haven't been tried. KIIM, like KMXZ are powerhouses. They must be doing something right which is why you don't see other stations popping up with the same format (or sticking around). I guess you can argue that KRQ sits up somewhat close to them, but it's stuck with its format for better or worse and is still around. The Tucson is not oversaturated with different formats, but we are lucky to have a AAA. BTW, having a rhythmic oldies station isn't unusual.

 

[lamey]

Re: Kraddick/JJ&R

I wanted to clarify something - Kidd Kraddick (morning show on Z104.1) has been around MUCH longer than JJ&R - I remember him on KEGL (Dallas) in the early-mid 80's. His show is now on God knows how many stations around the country. I would hardly classify his show as a JJ&R wanna-be.

Thought the same thing myself, also - you might remember Rich was Kidd Kraddicks producer for awhile, nice guys great show but credit where credits due.

Lamey