I understand there is already a PD for the new station, and even a consultant, and of course, a new callsign on the way; that being said, the format is so too good to be true, I am skeptical as to whether or not it's an interim format. I have nothing against Bubba, or his unique music mix, for that matter. In fact, this morning, a caller compared it to a satellite radio station, i.e. it's just too good for regular radio. I would hope the eclectic playlist would remain, but with a consultant involved, will it still remain as eclectic?
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@DToTheJ
Yeah, Randy Kabrich would totally advise against what they're doing. I remember getting into an argument with him on here many years ago where he was championing narrow predictable playlists. As I recall, he told me listeners and sponsors would never go for an anything goes format.
I also feel that this is too good to be true, but I'm absolutely thrilled that it's even being tried. I can't listen while I'm at work, but I've been watching reports roll in on Twitter, and I'm very encouraged to say the least. It's about time that a station around here acknowledges that most people listen to more than just rock, or just rap, or just country... it's 2015, if you look at most people's MP3 players, you'll find at least half a dozen different genres being represented. It's insulting that most radio consultants think we're not smart enough to be able to handle more than just one genre at a time. I think this will be a very good thing for Tampa radio...
Yeah, Randy Kabrich would totally advise against what they're doing. I remember getting into an argument with him on here many years ago where he was championing narrow predictable playlists. As I recall, he told me listeners and sponsors would never go for an anything goes format.
I also feel that this is too good to be true, but I'm absolutely thrilled that it's even being tried. I can't listen while I'm at work, but I've been watching reports roll in on Twitter, and I'm very encouraged to say the least. It's about time that a station around here acknowledges that most people listen to more than just rock, or just rap, or just country... it's 2015, if you look at most people's MP3 players, you'll find at least half a dozen different genres being represented. It's insulting that most radio consultants think we're not smart enough to be able to handle more than just one genre at a time. I think this will be a very good thing for Tampa radio...
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Of course, even "Variety Hits" type stations typically have fairly short/narrow playlists (even if they cross genres). I'd expect Bubba 98.7 to follow suit eventually. The playlist will certainly be tweaked along the way as the numbers come in, and probably settle on 300-500 core songs (with the occasional lost nuggets thrown in).
I like the concept, though I've already heard a few instant "dial changers" (Metallica and Korn really aren't my cuppa.....). IMHO right now it sounds a bit too much like WXTB (even with the Bob Marley thrown in), but maybe that's what they are going for.
The typical Eagle fan may be turned off pretty quickly (as they are accustomed to the familiar and seem to like it that way), but I could see some WXTB and Thunder listeners jumping ship. The mix so far seems to fit Bubba's core audience, but they're gonna need more listeners than just the Bubba Army to succeed.
They get points for trying something different, though.
I like the concept, though I've already heard a few instant "dial changers" (Metallica and Korn really aren't my cuppa.....). IMHO right now it sounds a bit too much like WXTB (even with the Bob Marley thrown in), but maybe that's what they are going for.
The typical Eagle fan may be turned off pretty quickly (as they are accustomed to the familiar and seem to like it that way), but I could see some WXTB and Thunder listeners jumping ship. The mix so far seems to fit Bubba's core audience, but they're gonna need more listeners than just the Bubba Army to succeed.
They get points for trying something different, though.
It's obviously 90's rock based and targeting squarely at a 40 year old male. Dead center in the target demo for Bubba and the format. I don't count Thunder. It's not a full market threat to anyone but a few nibbles at The Eagle. Let's be honest, the majority of BTLS listeners have had nowhere else go too for music after 10am except 98Rock, The Eagle, or maybe Q105. Now that Beasley has moved Q105 to more pop based 70's - 90's, it forces that person to choose between the other two rockers. The Eagle is tired and repetitive. 98Rock sounds dated. This new 98.7 sounds fresh... and Bubba fans are far more likely to stick around after 10 for whatever they do the rest of the day. I think the Eagle will survive but with a smaller share.... the Bone on the other hand is absolutely in big trouble. Also.... I think it'll sound more like Power Pig at night. Although it's been mostly rock this afternoon, I expect more pop and throwback hip hop when 25 Cent voice tracks his shift.
I'm a firm believer that this is INDEED the format for this frequency for the foreseeable future. It's a handcuffed signal that requires something different and this is exactly what should work. As far as Beasley is concerned, it's a no-brainer for a signal that had almost a zero share. You give one guy a bunch of money, let him pay HIS guys, run it 24/7 from HIS studios, and all you do sell ads. They're not investing another cent on talent. Bubba IS. He's the one on the hook for all of it. Seems like a pretty good gamble to me based on his ratings track record for the male demo in this market. The signal was already trending up following the sports format and I really don't see reason why it wouldn't continue no matter what they do.
Ultimate key is to not burn out the listener on too many bits and parodies. Personally, I'll roll though a set of music with AC/DC, 2Pac, and Billy Idol; however, I burn quickly on the Ned stuff.
I'm a firm believer that this is INDEED the format for this frequency for the foreseeable future. It's a handcuffed signal that requires something different and this is exactly what should work. As far as Beasley is concerned, it's a no-brainer for a signal that had almost a zero share. You give one guy a bunch of money, let him pay HIS guys, run it 24/7 from HIS studios, and all you do sell ads. They're not investing another cent on talent. Bubba IS. He's the one on the hook for all of it. Seems like a pretty good gamble to me based on his ratings track record for the male demo in this market. The signal was already trending up following the sports format and I really don't see reason why it wouldn't continue no matter what they do.
Ultimate key is to not burn out the listener on too many bits and parodies. Personally, I'll roll though a set of music with AC/DC, 2Pac, and Billy Idol; however, I burn quickly on the Ned stuff.
Two more items....
What about running the morning show replays 24 hours a day on the HD2? I honestly thought that had some use for people who can't listen between 6-10. I mean... why not? Currently, they have the HD2 turned off.
Anyone know if the NASCAR rights are up for grabs or has 102.5 retained them?
What about running the morning show replays 24 hours a day on the HD2? I honestly thought that had some use for people who can't listen between 6-10. I mean... why not? Currently, they have the HD2 turned off.
Anyone know if the NASCAR rights are up for grabs or has 102.5 retained them?
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Most of the music I'm hearing isn't going to appeal to the typical 107.3 listener. This station is basically 3 parts Active Rock, 1 part "random." It sounds VERY good so far. I think 98Rock is likely to take on far more collateral damage than The Eagle.
102.5 was already in trouble. Bubba being available on a competing station will simply serve to speed up their demise.
Most of the music I'm hearing isn't going to appeal to the typical 107.3 listener. This station is basically 3 parts Active Rock, 1 part "random." It sounds VERY good so far. I think 98Rock is likely to take on far more collateral damage than The Eagle.
102.5 was already in trouble. Bubba being available on a competing station will simply serve to speed up their demise.
It's obviously 90's rock based and targeting squarely at a 40 year old male. Dead center in the target demo for Bubba and the format. I don't count Thunder. It's not a full market threat to anyone but a few nibbles at The Eagle. Let's be honest, the majority of BTLS listeners have had nowhere else go too for music after 10am except 98Rock, The Eagle, or maybe Q105.
Given the Bubba demographic (M 25-54), I'm sure many switch over to WQYK and WFUS as well.
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This morning he's talking about letting listeners call his show to veto songs they don't like, and he's talking about adding more songs to the playlist... I think that's great. I heard a few poopy songs yesterday, those were mainly the ones that sounded like something already available on 107.3 or 98 Rock. If I were in their shoes, I'd try to play more stuff that the competition isn't. I think they're on the right track. I can't complain about anything though, I live in downtown St. Pete so the signal is great, and I've been begging for a station with the guts to play random music for awhile...
Given the Bubba demographic (M 25-54), I'm sure many switch over to WQYK and WFUS as well.
Agreed. I neglected to mention the country stations. I also agree that 98Rock has way more to worry about than The Eagle or 97X. The Bone is a no-brainer as they're crumbling already.
I'm listening in altamonte Springs FL via tunein. I love it. I wished someone in Orlando would do a similar format. I'm really enjoying it.
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