NEWS/TALK 1560 KNZR now broadcasting on FM

[wolfdreamer]

Yesterday, Buckley Radio's Bakersfield flagship 1560 AM began simulcasting on 97.7 FM (KSMJ). Although a first such arrangement for a talker in this market, it seems to follow an increasing trend: I believe Fresno's KMJ and the Bay Area's KCBS have already made this move, so surely there will be more stations to follow...

http://www.bakersfield.com/news/business/economy/x1347872966/Worth-noting-in-business-AM-talk-radio-station-hits-FM-waves-more


Wolf

 

[Gregg]

It seems every week we hear about another AM station, even those with good signals, simulcasting or switching to FM.

97.7 KSMJ had some good numbers a few years ago playing Smooth Jazz. The call letters still reflect that format. The Wave in LA has managed to make the transition to a mostly vocal format with three instrumentals per hour and using many of the same vocal artists it has always played. KSMJ didn't follow KTWV's lead. It became the second AC in Bakersfield which already has KGFM, decades in the format and with a much better signal.

As it is, 1560's signal (still a protected Class I-B) probably covers the Bakersfield market better than 97.7. This is different than KMJ Fresno adding an FM Talk station. The two KMJ's are separately programmed. KMJ-FM has a full Class B signal, yet its ratings are not great, while KMJ 580 is among the best rated AM Talk stations in the country... always #1, 2 or 3 in Fresno.

So Buckley apparently thinks it can make more money giving Rush, Hannity, etc. an FM simulcast than trying a new format on 4000 watt KSMJ.


Gregg
[email protected]

 

[KFodor]

It seems every week we hear about another AM station, even those with good signals, simulcasting or switching to FM.

97.7 KSMJ had some good numbers a few years ago playing Smooth Jazz. The call letters still reflect that format. The Wave in LA has managed to make the transition to a mostly vocal format with three instrumentals per hour and using many of the same vocal artists it has always played. KSMJ didn't follow KTWV's lead. It became the second AC in Bakersfield which already has KGFM, decades in the format and with a much better signal.

As it is, 1560's signal (still a protected Class I-B) probably covers the Bakersfield market better than 97.7. This is different than KMJ Fresno adding an FM Talk station. The two KMJ's are separately programmed. KMJ-FM has a full Class B signal, yet its ratings are not great, while KMJ 580 is among the best rated AM Talk stations in the country... always #1, 2 or 3 in Fresno.

So Buckley apparently thinks it can make more money giving Rush, Hannity, etc. an FM simulcast than trying a new format on 4000 watt KSMJ.


Gregg
[email protected]

Hey, Gregg:

Not that I'm trying to parse words or anything here. But, you do realize that a good percentage of FM listeners these days have never listened to an AM station? So...to those people, talkradio would be a "new" format.

 

[DanielBoone]

I predict this talk format on FM wont last, especially with only 4,000 watts. That signal barely makes it to Earlimart or Pixley to the north. Not great in Tipton. I think it would be better suited on the 96.5 frequency with 50k. But, I don't know if Buckley owns that Spanish station that is currently using 96.5 frequency. ??? ???

 

[newswfld]

It is hard to imagine talk radio lasting on FM. I do hope it does.

 

[MisterGort]

It's the new trend in radio - all over the US of A. Both KIRO AM and KOMO AM have aquired FM stations -- in the Seattle area to go along with the AM signals. And Both KIRO AM and KOMO AM are 50 KW clear channel power houses. So -- a 50 KW AM signal is not worth very much -- as a mass media mode any longer. Might as well just turn out the lights.