NEW SPORTS STATION

[Tim]

The main debate is 92.3 or 98.5.

The comments I find silly are that WNCX is such a heritage station, CBS wouldn't want to upset it's listeners by moving it's frequency.

And, that of course CBS will tell the world their plans a month in advance so the listeners and advertisers won't be upset or inconvenienced. Sure, no problem. Telling the world & all of the other radio stations exactly what you're going to do...they couldn't possibly make adjustments that might hurt your plan (sic).

Another is they'll start on 92.3, and if it works, later they'll move to 98.5.

Did I forget anything else that's ridiculous? Probably.

The above just isn't done in radio or business. Why? They are illogical plans...and an invitation to fail.

The truth is, we're all just guessing about specifics. Only current and new CBS employees know exactly what's happening.

But, there are certain basics in radio and business in general. Some of the comments and suggested moves and timelines make no sense at all and are irrational from a business and competitive standpoint.

But, this is a blog on the internet. This is the land of never-ending conflict and debate. Throw all common sense out the window. Arguing is a sport.

 

[Rusty Muck]

CBS has a long track record of planning, executing, and succeeding at the sportstalk format. These folks know what they're doing. This isn't brain surgery to them. They are pro's.

Highly successful AM & FM sportstalk formats owned by CBS (& others) are all over the country, and nearby in Detroit, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh.

Put on a well-planned and executed format that's a good fit for the market on a decent signal and the listeners and then advertisers will follow....it's not the other way around.

You don't openly tip off your competitors by publically announcing your moves weeks in advance, and you don't beta test your format on a poor coverage frequency first.

Unless one of the scenarios that the Primary(tm) outlined (that CBS was rather trying Maxwell out for "radio 92.3" afternoons to burn off his contract in the time slot he was most successful at) bears fruit, they probably beta tested in mono to see how 92.3's performance in mono fared, and if it would even make any negligible difference whatsoever. Perhaps they saw it wasn't even worth it given 92.3's obvious limitations, and made up their mind on 98.5.

Point is, I think most stations are already so set in their ways that even if the format was announced this or next week for a Labor Day launch, there's very little anyone else can do. I don't believe that any station will make an immediate flip during the time in between to go after CBS.

And of course, WKNR is incapable of changing, content-wise (little change will come to tRBS, let alone the rest of the lineup) and 6200 Oaktree is in no way scared about the incoming challenger... for now.

But then again, I could be wrong. Heck, I don't think we know everything about the changeover, despite all that yours truly and the Primary(tm) were able to report on. That's why I've always been somewhat skeptical about the frequency for "The Fan."

Lastly, I just feel it's nonsensical for Maxwell to go up against "Kiley and Booms," if he indeed is still a part of NCX mornings (92.3 or 98.5). Even though both shows will be greatly different, they will have a similar style and try to command a similar target audience.

 

[AntDog152]

Of course CBS Radio has other things to worry about, but we know CBS is not stupid when it comes to this. I think CBS is almost certain this station will be on 98.5. I think now (or has already) are looking at WNCX and WKRK. That decision will be based on this:

Economics: WKRK
Total Audience and Name Vaue : WNCX
Other Competition (V 107.3), which station does CBS want to use to compete with V 107.3: ______?____
Value of the 92.3 frequency: Directional Signal so CBS might not want to invest alot of cash so WKRK.
More possible backlash against CBS if station is gone: WNCX listeners.

This is what CBS is faced with IMO. The X-Factor in all of this is Maxwell. Either decision that CBS does wouldn't surprise me, however its both tough. However, if CBS feels they want to protect "Kiley and Booms" by moving Maxwell to PM Drive on 92.3; not spend too much money for a radio market ranked outside of the Top 25; and doesn't feel like whatever they put on 92.3 will be much of a success anyway; then NCX will be a goner by Labor Day.

 

[OhioMediaWatch]

But then again, I could be wrong. Heck, I don't think we know everything about the changeover, despite all that yours truly and the Primary(tm) were able to report on. That's why I've always been somewhat skeptical about the frequency for "The Fan."

And why I kept saying "92.3-or-98.5-or-whatever". Running the western edge of the 92.3 signal on Saturday, I just could not picture CBS mounting a high profile format on that signal. Period.

Maxwell being scooted over to 92.3 PMD makes sense, too, at least to run out his deal.

But there are things we don't know about, and chances are we're wrong on SOMETHING. The information you and I have gotten, nearly all separately, seems to mesh. I haven't told you privately about a lot of this, and you're coming up with the same answers I am.

But there's gonna be something different that'll throw us both for a loop.

I know Tim, you keep saying it'll start as soon as tomorrow morning. That seems a bit early for me based on some of what I've heard, but...we'll see in about 12-ish hours or less.

I totally forgot, until Nathan and one other person, reminded me that CBS blew up heritage active rocker WBCN to launch "The Sports Hub" in Boston. IIRC, what happened is that the "Hub" took over 98.5 there, and CBS scooted WBMX (hot AC) from 98.5 to 104.1, displacing WBCN. (Interesting, that CBS has three of the same FM frequencies here as there!)

They did have a farewell week on WBCN, but I don't know if they'd do the same for WNCX. They wouldn't have anyone to do it for WKRK.

 

[Tim]

I'm guessing if it doesn't happen tommorrow sometime...it will be soon.

Don't think they'll wait til Labor Day (that's another month).

WKNR got a phone call Saturday on the air, and the caller said something about "don't worry about a CBS sportstalk station in Cleveland". Sorry, can't remember much more, but I chuckled. Have to assume he's a radio person or reads this blog.

p.s.: Gotta believe of the two formats...CBS will move classic rock to 92.3...and maybe totally kill the alternative format (heck, they have a lot of talk any way, don't they?).

 

[vjm]

When the dust settles, I would put credits on the scenario of alt-rock being the odd format out once "The Fan" gets rolling, regardless of it being on 92.3 or 98.5

It's gonna be one of 2 things:

1. 92.3 The Fan and NCX staying as is

2. 92.3 NCX and 98.5 The Fan

And if NCX goes to 92.3, it wouldn't shock me to see V 107.3 slowly morph into more of a straight up classic rock station (perhaps picking up the slack of 92.3's signal difficencies...especially to the west).

As far as Maxwell goes, I think they'll merely let him finish out the string on WNCX (regardless of frequency), and then find a new, more classic rock friendly morning host.

If his contract only runs for a couple of more months, it wouldn't make sense to do all kinds of schedule manuvering just to accomodate him.

 

[Rusty Muck]

When the dust settles, I would put credits on the scenario of alt-rock being the odd format out once "The Fan" gets rolling, regardless of it being on 92.3 or 98.5

It's gonna be one of 2 things:

1. 92.3 The Fan and NCX staying as is

2. 92.3 NCX and 98.5 The Fan

And if NCX goes to 92.3, it wouldn't shock me to see V 107.3 slowly morph into more of a straight up classic rock station (perhaps picking up the slack of 92.3's signal difficencies...especially to the west).

As far as Maxwell goes, I think they'll merely let him finish out the string on WNCX (regardless of frequency), and then find a new, more classic rock friendly morning host.

If his contract only runs for a couple of more months, it wouldn't make sense to do all kinds of schedule manuvering just to accomodate him.

The only question is: does CBS WANT to accommodate all the new salaries for The Fan in addition to the established salaries at WNCX (in combination with WDOK and Q104)? Or do they keep the cheap jukebox in "radio 92.3" and wave WNCX buh-bye?

Re:Maxwell - if he stayed on NCX, should it still exist at wherever frequency... where does he go? No way he'll displace Micheal Stanley. And again, I can't wrap my mind around him going head-to-head against Kiley and Booms. Bad match-up competing for the same demos, and literally cancels both of them out. Heck, Booms' super-powerful agent would likely have "something to say" about it, no?

Max has got to go SOMEWHERE... so why not in the timeslot he was most successful in? 92.3 NCX won't afford him that. "radio 92.3," however, WILL.

I could see V-107.3 mostly picking up the format if WNCX ceased, although they probably couldn't afford any of the former hosts. It's the closest to classic rock out there, even though, again, the format will be suffering from diminishing returns in the next five years. A classic-heavy AAA would seem to be the best bet for them.

And the most I try to listen to 92.3... it's not worth it putting sports on there. For much of the same problems OMW laid forth in his post today, the signal is terrible and subject to so many reception issues. You could get away with music on the signal, not so with spoken word programming.

In the end, it's all about common sense. And dollars and cents. To that end, my two projections are:

1) WNCX moves to 92.3, 98.5 becomes "The Fan."

2) 92.3 remains as "radio 92.3," WNCX is extinguished in favor of "The Fan."

 

[vjm]

When the dust settles, I would put credits on the scenario of alt-rock being the odd format out once "The Fan" gets rolling, regardless of it being on 92.3 or 98.5

It's gonna be one of 2 things:

1. 92.3 The Fan and NCX staying as is

2. 92.3 NCX and 98.5 The Fan

And if NCX goes to 92.3, it wouldn't shock me to see V 107.3 slowly morph into more of a straight up classic rock station (perhaps picking up the slack of 92.3's signal difficencies...especially to the west).

As far as Maxwell goes, I think they'll merely let him finish out the string on WNCX (regardless of frequency), and then find a new, more classic rock friendly morning host.

If his contract only runs for a couple of more months, it wouldn't make sense to do all kinds of schedule manuvering just to accomodate him.

The only question is: does CBS WANT to accommodate all the new salaries for The Fan in addition to the established salaries at WNCX (in combination with WDOK and Q104)? Or do they keep the cheap jukebox in "radio 92.3" and wave WNCX buh-bye?

Re:Maxwell - if he stayed on NCX, should it still exist at wherever frequency... where does he go? No way he'll displace Micheal Stanley. And again, I can't wrap my mind around him going head-to-head against Kiley and Booms. Bad match-up competing for the same demos, and literally cancels both of them out. Heck, Booms' super-powerful agent would likely have "something to say" about it, no?

Max has got to go SOMEWHERE... so why not in the timeslot he was most successful in? 92.3 NCX won't afford him that. "radio 92.3," however, WILL.

I could see V-107.3 mostly picking up the format if WNCX ceased, although they probably couldn't afford any of the former hosts. It's the closest to classic rock out there, even though, again, the format will be suffering from diminishing returns in the next five years. A classic-heavy AAA would seem to be the best bet for them.

And the most I try to listen to 92.3... it's not worth it putting sports on there. For much of the same problems OMW laid forth in his post today, the signal is terrible and subject to so many reception issues. You could get away with music on the signal, not so with spoken word programming.

In the end, it's all about common sense. And dollars and cents. To that end, my two projections are:

1) WNCX moves to 92.3, 98.5 becomes "The Fan."

2) 92.3 remains as "radio 92.3," WNCX is extinguished in favor of "The Fan."

Nate, you're obviously more connected then I am...are you saying The Fan going on 98.5 (regardless of the other dominoes that would fall) is a done deal?

 

[Tim]

vjm & others...I don't believe Nathan (or anybody) is claiming to know 100% what's going to happen.

Many of us "know people" who are near the CBS "inside" and know pieces of this puzzle....and, based on experience in media and common sense...we're all just giving opinions based on each of us putting together the clues and guessing what/where/when it might happen.

CBS is not going to let 100% of the information out til they're ready. The element of surprise has always been huge. Unless that philosophy suddenly changes, the final info won't leak out til hours or a day or two before the flips. Til then, we're all just guessing. Some very, very good guesses, but guesses!


p.s.: Interesting theory that CBS might kill classic rock. Me, I doubt that, because with or without live personalities, classic rock still makes a lot more money than alternative...but, both are down the list of top revenue radio formats. Classic rock is fading due to an aging core audience, alternative has rarely been a huge money maker. Usually such stations are pieces of clusters who own multiple stations who want to build a "wall of men".

However...I'm guessing WNWV 107.3 is surely waiting to pick up either format that doesn't survive the CBS changes. Again...an educated guess.

p.s. #2: On music-intensive formats, the quality (or even existence) of air personalities, sadly, is far less critical in 2011 than it was decades ago.

 

[Rusty Muck]

vjm & others...I don't believe Nathan (or anybody) is claiming to know 100% what's going to happen.

Many of us "know people" who are near the CBS "inside" and know pieces of this puzzle....and, based on experience in media and common sense...we're all just giving opinions based on each of us putting together the clues and guessing what/where/when it might happen.

CBS is not going to let 100% of the information out til they're ready. The element of surprise has always been huge. Unless that philosophy suddenly changes, the final info won't leak out til hours or a day or two before the flips. Til then, we're all just guessing. Some very, very good guesses, but guesses!


p.s.: Interesting theory that CBS might kill classic rock. Me, I doubt that, because with or without live personalities, classic rock still makes a lot more money than alternative...but, both are down the list of top revenue radio formats. Classic rock is fading due to an aging core audience, alternative has rarely been a huge money maker. Usually such stations are pieces of clusters who own multiple stations who want to build a "wall of men".

However...I'm guessing WNWV 107.3 is surely waiting to pick up either format that doesn't survive the CBS changes. Again...an educated guess.

p.s. #2: On music-intensive formats, the quality (or even existence) of air personalities, sadly, is far less critical in 2011 than it was decades ago.

I reread the existing PPM report. 250+ pages... oof. Actually WNCX still does well given the format nationally (and even with Maxwell having weighed down their numbers in mornings as opposed to Scott and Jeff). Moreso that radio 92.3 does, even with no talent and a simplistic presentation. Honestly, with past success that the 92.3 signal has had ("Jam'n 92" and O&A notwithstanding) WNCX might not really miss that much of a beat over there after all.

92.3 is a good landing pad for WNCX to play the format out with no changes in presentation or lineup, albeit Max's contract could simply be bought out.

To modify:

1) WNCX goes to 92.3; "radio 92.3" goes on 92.3 HD-2 literally unchanged, and the existing "k2" subchannel on 92.3 goes away. Nard is retained in some way on WNCX as weekend or fill-in talent, Verlane is retained for WNCX production.

2) 98.5 become "The Fan" - and all HD subchannels will relay other CBS sports stations like WSCR/Chicago, WXYT/Detroit, KDKA-FM/Pittsburgh and WFAN/New York.

Lastly, with the Rib Cookoffs and whatnot on Labor Day weekend, what better time could there be for a "make the switch" party for WNCX - headlined by a Michael Stanley concert - and an introduction of the brand-new "98.5 The Fan" airstaff? (Coupled with a simulcast of WNCX on 92.3 and 98.5 starting that Friday while the "Fan" studios are actually built...)

If CBS Cleveland management actually does all that stuff, I will be highly impressed. And charge $200 for a consultant fee.

 

[AntDog152]

vjm & others...I don't believe Nathan (or anybody) is claiming to know 100% what's going to happen.

Many of us "know people" who are near the CBS "inside" and know pieces of this puzzle....and, based on experience in media and common sense...we're all just giving opinions based on each of us putting together the clues and guessing what/where/when it might happen.

CBS is not going to let 100% of the information out til they're ready. The element of surprise has always been huge. Unless that philosophy suddenly changes, the final info won't leak out til hours or a day or two before the flips. Til then, we're all just guessing. Some very, very good guesses, but guesses!


p.s.: Interesting theory that CBS might kill classic rock. Me, I doubt that, because with or without live personalities, classic rock still makes a lot more money than alternative...but, both are down the list of top revenue radio formats. Classic rock is fading due to an aging core audience, alternative has rarely been a huge money maker. Usually such stations are pieces of clusters who own multiple stations who want to build a "wall of men".

However...I'm guessing WNWV 107.3 is surely waiting to pick up either format that doesn't survive the CBS changes. Again...an educated guess.

p.s. #2: On music-intensive formats, the quality (or even existence) of air personalities, sadly, is far less critical in 2011 than it was decades ago.

I reread the existing PPM report. 250+ pages... oof. Actually WNCX still does well given the format nationally (and even with Maxwell having weighed down their numbers in mornings as opposed to Scott and Jeff). Moreso that radio 92.3 does, even with no talent and a simplistic presentation. Honestly, with past success that the 92.3 signal has had ("Jam'n 92" and O&A notwithstanding) WNCX might not really miss that much of a beat over there after all.

92.3 is a good landing pad for WNCX to play the format out with no changes in presentation or lineup, albeit Max's contract could simply be bought out.

To modify:

1) WNCX goes to 92.3; "radio 92.3" goes on 92.3 HD-2 literally unchanged, and the existing "k2" subchannel on 92.3 goes away. Nard is retained in some way on WNCX as weekend or fill-in talent, Verlane is retained for WNCX production.

2) 98.5 become "The Fan" - and all HD subchannels will relay other CBS sports stations like WSCR/Chicago, WXYT/Detroit, KDKA-FM/Pittsburgh and WFAN/New York.

Lastly, with the Rib Cookoffs and whatnot on Labor Day weekend, what better time could there be for a "make the switch" party for WNCX - headlined by a Michael Stanley concert - and an introduction of the brand-new "98.5 The Fan" airstaff? (Coupled with a simulcast of WNCX on 92.3 and 98.5 starting that Friday while the "Fan" studios are actually built...)

If CBS Cleveland management actually does all that stuff, I will be highly impressed. And charge $200 for a consultant fee.

This is actually what I hope happens. It would be sad to see longtime NCX personalities get fired. However, this is my final prediction (at least until further details is known):

Within the next 2 weeks, CBS announces the following:

1. 98.5 The Fan will launch at 9AM on Labor Day [9/5/11].

2. WNCX moves to 102.1-HD 2 also on Labor Day.

3. Maxwell moves to PM Drive on 92.3 (This move would protect Kiley and Booms AM Drive show since both shows have similar audiences).

4. Yahoo! Sports Radio [formally Sporting News Radio] takes overnights.

A good number of people will hate to see NCX go away but while CBS is taking a huge financial investment with 98.5, they don't feel the same way about 92.3. And because of that, CBS won't hire an entirely new air staff and keep an whole staff with big contracts already in place in a Non-Top 25 market.

Also, I know a few people say that announcing this move weeks in advance is against the norm. This is not a new music station. There is no need for stunting for this. 98.5 The Fan could be the future home of the Cleveland Browns and is currently the home for Westwood One NFL and College Basketball (which means home to the Super Bowl and the Final Four among other events). People in Cleveland need to know about this station. CBS is not just launching a new station, but also a new website that will compete against the likes of Cleveland.com and the local team websites, and Social Media use as well.

To CBS, 92.3 doesn't really matter. Their goal with 98.5 The Fan is to become the #1 radio station in Cleveland (and more importantly "one up" Clear Channel) and this will happen if they can gain local PBP rights; and also to have the #1 website in Cleveland as well.

 

[Tim]

Ant...Don't disagree with your passion for the new CBS sportstalk station & expected website.

Please realize...revenues from advertising on local radio & TV stationssimply blows away by a long, long, long, long way, that of ANY local website (or 20 of them combined)....mainly due to the web's much, much lower costs.

Believe me....if there was even equal money possibilities.....there would be a ga-zillion local commercial websites run by radio, TV stations, and newspapers making unreal ad dollars. Maybe...probably some day.

Sure wish it was now....and many of us would quit our jobs and open a local-content website and retire in Fiji. (Again, God, I wish that was possible in 2011! I love the beach! LOL).

 

[Rusty Muck]

Now word is coming out from Philly that CBS' classic rock WYSP-FM could be blown up to simulcast Eagles/76ers flagship WIP-AM - as soon as Labor Day.

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phillygossip/Will-WIP-soon-take-over-WYSPs-signal.html

If WYSP is being shut down, could WNCX meet the same fate?

???

 

[Buckeyes2001]

OMW pointed out the fact that CBS registered the domains 923thefan.com and cbsclevelandsports.com. However I noticed that someone has registered 1041thefan.com but not 985thefan.com. So this begs the question could CBS be planning to launch 104.1 the fan and move classic rock to 92.3 and move the hot ac format to 98.5? (Perhaps a return of G98?)

 

[AntDog152]

Ant...Don't disagree with your passion for the new CBS sportstalk station & expected website.

Please realize...revenues from advertising on local radio & TV stationssimply blows away by a long, long, long, long way, that of ANY local website (or 20 of them combined)....mainly due to the web's much, much lower costs.

Believe me....if there was even equal money possibilities.....there would be a ga-zillion local commercial websites run by radio, TV stations, and newspapers making unreal ad dollars. Maybe...probably some day.

Sure wish it was now....and many of us would quit our jobs and open a local-content website and retire in Fiji. (Again, God, I wish that was possible in 2011! I love the beach! LOL).

I didn't mean to bold text half of my previous post (Computer Malfunction lol). I mean if there is no new station, we all will still live our normal lives (that's the one statement from LeBron James I actually agree with). I am just throwing out what I think could happen, and what I would do if I'm CBS Corporate making this decision. At the end of the day, CBS Corporate wants one of its stations in each market to be #1 and challenge Clear Channel in each market. I'm sure this is a corny analogy to look at this but in radio, Clear Channel is the McDonald's while CBS Radio is the Burger King of Radio.

 

[Tim]

One thing for sure....the growth of FM sportstalk stations of late is keeping it interesting!

Philly soon? Maybe Houston as well?

Makes sense to go where most of the radio listeners are...on FM.

 

[OhioMediaWatch]

OMW pointed out the fact that CBS registered the domains 923thefan.com and cbsclevelandsports.com. However I noticed that someone has registered 1041thefan.com but not 985thefan.com. So this begs the question could CBS be planning to launch 104.1 the fan and move classic rock to 92.3 and move the hot ac format to 98.5? (Perhaps a return of G98?)

CBS registered CBSCleveland.com through open registration in January, then both 923theFan.com and 1041thefan.com were both registered via anonymous proxy in March (GoDaddy/Domains by Proxy).

CBSClevelandSports.com was also registered in March via GoDaddy/DBP, but a little earlier than the other two.

985theFan.com is open for registration to this day. (I barely have the cash to reregister OMW's domain, so I'm not going to grab that one. )

Hmm.

I have trouble seeing them move either 104.1 or 102.1...though they did exactly that in Boston, scooting the hot AC (WBMX) off 98.5 to displace legendary rocker WBCN on 104.1, and putting The Sports Hub on WBMX's old frequency of 98.5.

(It's amazing how many CBS frequencies line up in both markets!)

I know companies like CBS register "decoy" domain names, but I have trouble seeing them keep 985thefan.com open if that new station is going to be "98.5 The Fan". The plot thickens...but I don't know the answers.

 

[Rusty Muck]

OMW pointed out the fact that CBS registered the domains 923thefan.com and cbsclevelandsports.com. However I noticed that someone has registered 1041thefan.com but not 985thefan.com. So this begs the question could CBS be planning to launch 104.1 the fan and move classic rock to 92.3 and move the hot ac format to 98.5? (Perhaps a return of G98?)

CBS registered CBSCleveland.com through open registration in January, then both 923theFan.com and 1041thefan.com were both registered via anonymous proxy in March (GoDaddy/Domains by Proxy).

CBSClevelandSports.com was also registered in March via GoDaddy/DBP, but a little earlier than the other two.

985theFan.com is open for registration to this day. (I barely have the cash to reregister OMW's domain, so I'm not going to grab that one. )

Hmm.

I have trouble seeing them move either 104.1 or 102.1...though they did exactly that in Boston, scooting the hot AC (WBMX) off 98.5 to displace legendary rocker WBCN on 104.1, and putting The Sports Hub on WBMX's old frequency of 98.5.

(It's amazing how many CBS frequencies line up in both markets!)

I know companies like CBS register "decoy" domain names, but I have trouble seeing them keep 985thefan.com open if that new station is going to be "98.5 The Fan". The plot thickens...but I don't know the answers.

Or was "The Fan" the intended nickname all along? That's only been a guess.

Perchance said sports station actually keeps the WNCX calls... and brands itself "Sports Radio 98.5 [104.1?] WNCX" with the flip?

Note that said "923thefan.com" may have been reserved in case CBS ever thought of moving WFAN to "923 NOW" WXRK/92.3 - even though WXRK or WWFS/102.7 could easily be debated re: a WFAN simulcast one day. And that will take years for that to occur.

It's not implausible that WQAL moves from 104.1 to 98.5 (no way under the WGCL calls - 25 years removed from the market, and currently used by Meredith [TV dial] and Sarkes-Tarzian [AM dial]), but a three-way swap involving 92.3 is out of the question. If WQAL moved to 98.5, the classic rock format is a goner. Too much unnecessary confusion IMO. It has to be a straight-up, two station swap in order to work.

All we know right now is this:

• There is an all-sports station coming into town, presumably using "The Fan" branding, or not...
• That sports station will use the "CBSCleveland.com" domain as a sports-centric site unlike the other "CBS Local" portals (at least until CBS buys WOIO )
• It is impractical for the sports format to even be considered for 92.3. Period.
• One format will go bye-bye.

Aside from all that, it's getting awfully quiet over at the Halle. That means something seismic is coming.

 

[Tim]

Nathan's right: things all of a sudden have gotten very, very quiet.

And, that usually means something is imminent. I agree.

As the age-old expression goes: calm before the storm.


p.s.: I'm wondering if there will ever be a highly successful station on 92.3. With 3 big nulls in their directional antenna pattern....the coverage is just too marginal for a multi-county metro area.

 

[Rusty Muck]

CBS registered CBSCleveland.com through open registration in January, then both 923theFan.com and 1041thefan.com were both registered via anonymous proxy in March (GoDaddy/Domains by Proxy).

CBSClevelandSports.com was also registered in March via GoDaddy/DBP, but a little earlier than the other two.

985theFan.com is open for registration to this day. (I barely have the cash to reregister OMW's domain, so I'm not going to grab that one. )

There is a "thefan985.com" that's been registered since 2009. CBS apparently got it in the run-up to what became "98.5 The Sports Hub," WBZ-FM. It was automatically - and very quietly - renewed on April 30.

IMO, it's gotta be easy enough for CBS Interactive to scoot that domain over to Cleveland servers (as it is not linked up to the Cleveland servers) even though it bypassed the normal bulk registration that CBS has generally done, as we've seen with "CBSCleveland.com," "CBSClevelandSports.com," "923thefan.com," "1041thefan.com." Etc.

Or... was that the intent of slipping in another domain that CBS already had in their stable... which could easily be used right now? Hmm.

Another wrinkle. Say WQAL moves to 98.5. They need to change their branding wholesale. (Q104 to "Q98.5"? Egads!) AFAIK, I don't know how they will handle THAT one. And no telling if any replacement domains for WQAL have even been registered. Because it looks like they haven't.

So I'm starting to lean against the "WQAL to 98.5, replaces WNCX, and "The Fan" launches at 104.1" scenario at this moment.