New Formats for Raleigh/Greensboro

[longjohnmaroon]

Below are the new Formats for the HD2 Channels that are coming here to Raleigh and in Greensboro. Supposed to happen in a few weeks.

Market Calls FM Freq HD1 Freq HD1 Format HD2 Freq HD2 Format
Raleigh, NC WRSN 93.9 93.9-1 AC 93.9-2 Jazz - Smooth Jazz
Raleigh, NC WRVA 100.7 100.7-1 Classic Hits 100.7-2 AC - AC Variety
Raleigh, NC WDCG 105.1 105.1-1 CHR/Pop 105.1-2 CHR - All New
Raleigh, NC WRDU 106.1 106.1-1 Classic Rock 106.1-2 Rock - Deep Rock Tracks

Market Calls FM Freq HD1 Freq HD1 Format HD2 Freq HD2 Format
Greensboro, NC WMQX 93.1 93.1-1 Oldies 93.1-2 Rock - Deep Rock Tracks
Greensboro, NC WGBT 94.5 94.5-1 Spanish Oldies 94.5-2 Spanish - Urban
Greensboro, NC WQMG 97.1 97.1-1 Urban AC 97.1-2 Gospel
Greensboro, NC WSMW 98.7 98.7-1 Adult Hits (Variety) 98.7-2 Comedy
Greensboro, NC WMAG 99.5 99.5-1 AC 99.5-2 Jazz - Smooth Jazz
Greensboro, NC WVBZ 100.3 100.3-1 Rock 100.3-2 Rock - Variety
Greensboro, NC WJMH 102.1 102.1-1 CHR/Rhythmic 102.1-2 Blues
Greensboro, NC WTQR 104.1 104.1-1 Country 104.1-2 Country - New Country
Greensboro, NC WFMX 105.7 105.7-1 Urban AC 105.7-2 Urban - Variety

 

[jcolletta275]

Once again, Cheap Channel misses the point.

Greensboro, NC WVBZ 100.3 100.3-1 Rock 100.3-2 Rock - Variety

Isn't that what WVBZ is to begin with?

Greensboro, NC WTQR 104.1 104.1-1 Country 104.1-2 Country - New Country

Isn't that what WTQR is supposed to be?

Just as I thought... CC's idea of "more choice" just means more of the same.

 

[XTalker]

What didja think, they would do something that cost money?

 

[berlin201]

Will these new HD2 channels also be available online (on those stations that stream online), like CBC does with Mix 101.5's online stream?

 

[youtheman]

What didja think, they would do something that cost money?

Well, when you think about it, the fact that these stations are spending money to upgrade their transmitters and then devoting money to developing formats means that yes...they are doing something that costs money. A great deal of money as a matter of fact.

And yes, the stations that already stream will offer streaming HD2 channels on their web sites also.

Until HD radios become more available, streaming will be the primary way people will listen to the new formats.

And when you add the costs of streaming the channels to the total amount of money being spent on it, it is something that is costing all of the stations a great deal of cash for no short term return. It is instead a long term investment in radio that they hope will turn a profit one day. I would think that the companies like Clear Channel, Entercom, CBS and the others would be commended for this instead of being rediculed for it.

 

[goldencountryradio]

Truthfully I can't commend them for the new formmats. As most of them are just the same crapp different channel.
XM is different, this is just the same CC stuff you should expect from Cheap Channel, they could have put oldies back on in the Triangle, they could have done something like a real classic rock station, but what do they do, they give us more AC and more CHR.

 

[XTalker]

No one will devote much expense to it until more sets are in the marketplace and they can make money on it. You are right, they should be commended for stepping out on the limb and spending the money for the technical upgrades. And we should all be realistic about the content until such time the listenership grows to the point advertisers will want it.

Look for them to take bolder steps in major markets.

I just hope they stick with it - unlike the ill-fated AM Stereo experiment of 20 years ago!

 

[JoshB]

I have to agree with what everyone is saying. The only real new contents is the smooth jazz, spanish urban, and comedy formats, the rest of it is just, well the same stuff that's on now. I think they are already setting themselves up for failure, because people aren't going to justify spending hundreds of dollars in equipment if they get the same thing on current radio, not to mention the large number of channels on commercial free satellite radio with much cheaper equipment.

 

[XTalker]

Cheaper equipment today ... but what about tomorrow. HD receivers will be comparaly priced with XM hardware with NO monthly fee! I say HD can outlast satellite radio.

Latest word is both XM and Sirius have lost over a billion dollars last year. Preciction - a merger of the two servics into one. They will give away the receivers for a one year or two year contract (like the cell phone companies).

If radio embraces HD, and programs variety and truly interesting and entertaining programs, pleople will buy the sets and XM/Sirius will be an also ran!

 

[youtheman]

Yes, the equipment will get cheaper. Just like satellite receivers, cell phones, computers and just about every other type of communication equipment, the price falls as production and sales ramp up.

This is just the first phase for HD. HD3 will follow soon also. The major companies such as Entercom, CBS, CC, etc are working together to roll out HD. This is not a case like AM Stereo where each station was on it's own and there were two competing non compatible systems. The content will be there so there will be a reason for the consumer to buy the radios.

Plus, the HD alliance is working together to make sure that there are no two formats on HD that are alike in the same market, and they have agreed to keep it commercial free for at least two years. Once it gets established then companies will start attempting to sell advertising on at least some of the channels and you will probably see the companies start changing formats to go up against a local competitor just like they do with their stations now.

Will it splinter the audience into portions so small that no one will be able to make any money? That is the unknown question, but this road has to be taken because if they don't, they won't stand a chance in the future.

Just few years ago the entire TV audience in any market was divided among CBS, NBC and ABC. Now instead of 3 choices on the TV the audience has 100's of choices. And CBS, NBC and ABC are still surviving along with Fox, Lifetime, CNN, MSNBC, MTV, Bravo, TCM....well you could go on and on. Radio may be able to survive the same way.

 

[jcolletta275]

HD may very well outlive satellite radio, but it sure as hell won't outlive Internet radio. That's a rude awakening this industry has yet to see coming... despite the fact that it's already almost here... and long before HD will ever hit it's stride.

EDIT: On top of that, these HD2 sub-channels are mostly going to be syndicated from Cheap Channel's HD sub-channel line-up. That means that, unless they're smart about it (and I don't expect them to be), they'll be wasting money on a crapload of bandwidth to stream the same HD2 channels through various stations' sites... streams which, for the same reasons why no one will bother listening to them over the air, no one will listen to. Can we say "futile half-assed attempt at mediocrity"?

 

[johnqdoe]

HD may very well outlive satellite radio, but it sure as hell won't outlive Internet radio. That's a rude awakening this industry has yet to see coming... despite the fact that it's already almost here... and long before HD will ever hit it's stride.

EDIT: On top of that, these HD2 sub-channels are mostly going to be syndicated from Cheap Channel's HD sub-channel line-up. That means that, unless they're smart about it (and I don't expect them to be), they'll be wasting money on a crapload of bandwidth to stream the same HD2 channels through various stations' sites... streams which, for the same reasons why no one will bother listening to them over the air, no one will listen to. Can we say "futile half-assed attempt at mediocrity"?

The HD channels are all programmed in house so far. Internet radio is here...but how are you gonna listen to it in the car? Internet radio was gonna be the next big thing 8-10 years ago. CC and the other big boys are using HD to re-inforce their brands. I agree that they need to be a lil more adventurous and give you a reason to check out the HD stuff and not just have the same ol same ol...

 

[XTalker]

You can already get the Internet in your car - through wireless carriers like Verizon or Clear Wire. It is only a matter of time before someone offers a simple, inexpensive PC for the car and connection to your car radio.

 

[JoshB]

HD may very well outlive satellite radio, but it sure as hell won't outlive Internet radio. That's a rude awakening this industry has yet to see coming... despite the fact that it's already almost here... and long before HD will ever hit it's stride.

EDIT: On top of that, these HD2 sub-channels are mostly going to be syndicated from Cheap Channel's HD sub-channel line-up. That means that, unless they're smart about it (and I don't expect them to be), they'll be wasting money on a crapload of bandwidth to stream the same HD2 channels through various stations' sites... streams which, for the same reasons why no one will bother listening to them over the air, no one will listen to. Can we say "futile half-assed attempt at mediocrity"?

The HD channels are all programmed in house so far. Internet radio is here...but how are you gonna listen to it in the car? Internet radio was gonna be the next big thing 8-10 years ago. CC and the other big boys are using HD to re-inforce their brands. I agree that they need to be a lil more adventurous and give you a reason to check out the HD stuff and not just have the same ol same ol...

After listening to the CC's HD streams on their website, I noticed most are syndicated. The smooth jazz channels seems to be playing the same tracks, but on a time-delay for each station. Aside from the limited selection of choices, the programming also seems to be the same bland stuff we're use to hearing from commercial radio. You would think with all the competition from satellite radio, mp3 players, the Internet, etc,they would spice up the programming somewhat, but I guess not.

It's only a matter of time before Wifi radio will be available for cars and Internet radio will crush both satellite and HD IMO.

 

[XTalker]

While I agree with Josh that Internet radio for your car is not that far away, I doubt it will CRUSH regular radio of HD. Just as it took many years for satellite TV and cable to reach saturation, it will take years, decades, for mobile Internet to achieve the kind of penetration necessary. And then, you are assuming radio will take no action to stem the tide! Just as over the air TV has survived, radio will survive. It will change, no doubt, but it will survive.

Problem for Internet radio is royalties - at the moment, way more than for over the air performance - when you talk about enough listeners to make it a business success. Problem is the current agreements are tied to the number people tuned in! Its like a station paying each time somebody turns on the radio!

 

[carlosswicegood]

So these new HD signals. Are they going to radiate off new antennas on the existing towers ? or are they going to upgrade to new antennas altogether that handle noth the HD and current signal ?

Just curious.

 

[XTalker]

HD is just a digital component of the current tower. Will require HD transmission equipment, but not whole new transmitter sites. I am sure there is an engineer lurking who can give us a full rundown of the process of adding HD.

 

[VODood]

HD Radio is a waste of time and money by radio. Once market wide broadband is available in the Top 75 markets, at less than the current $50 per month, internet radio will take off.

I have yet to see a HD marketing campaign on tv. Sure, radios will start to be installed in GM/Ford vehicles this Fall, along with Sirius and XM in those makes, and other cars. Which to choose when adding to your monthly payment?

And if you don't have a HD compatible car..you need the desktop, currently priced at $300.

HD needs marketing, outside of it's radio stations, and it needs it heavy and hard. PLUS, the price point for desktop/portable devices needs to be under $99.

HD is too late. It's a finger in the dike. And here's the real issue. HD radio, ie better quality audio, is NOT what listeners want. Most don't care about audio quality. CONTENT is what they want.

HD-2 is great. I like the idea of another stream. Essentially it doubles the number of outlets for listeners...oh that's right. No one has heard of HD or HD-2, and no one is going to spend $300 on a radio.

HD for AM. I like it. But again, need a HD radio.

Cells, sidekicks, etc all can connect to the 'net via marketwide broadband. Laptops will be mobile.

Internet radio is the future. At least over HD.

 

[XTalker]

While I do believe there is a future for Internet Radio, it has a long way to go before it will be competitive with AM, FM, or HD! Sure, HD is new, but you forget that Big Radio is behind it and they will make it work. Too many companies like Clear Channel and CBS have large amounts of money invested to let it go.

You are right, VODoo, it is about content - but I can tell you that the over the air radio companies have such a head start over the Internet. And while the Internet stations may have a lead (although I doubt it) on content, the are so far behind in the business arena they may never survive. Look for broadcasters to take full advantag of the Internet.

Meanwhile, television is considerably ahead of radio in the HD arena and radio will take a lesson from the visual medium. Look for expanded services and program content as the medium grows.

Don't be so quick to write off traditional radio and it's HD incarnation!

 

[slogan]

HD costs about $100k-$150K to get up and running...and it DOES take another transmitter and ibiquity software which runs about $5K per month forever. That being said, $200K is cheap to put on a adio station and the quality is very good and it will be the death of satillite as we know it today. As many agree.CONTENT is king. you would think these corporate goofs would realizie that and give us something good to listen to. I've listened to the CC channels. typical crap!!