One person's opinion

[Matt8650]

I have had the chance to read many things posted on this board, and mixed in with my opinions, I will use some of that to create this post. First: 96.3 WDVD needs to be given props for the fact that they buck the trend these days; They are a radio station that plays hit music, but doesn't play rap. but, while they don't play rap, they find other good music, reach back into the 90's and early 00's(examples: Spiderwebs-No Doubt, Everywhere-Michelle Branch) and beat 95.5 and 98.7 partly because they play music that neither station-without alienating its core audience-can play. Second: maybe we shouldn't save 98.7. I still believe they sound like they are broadcasting in mono, and simply put; the music they are playing right now isn't cutting it. in their defense though, most of their bread and butter songs are songs I hear all day at work, and that's no fun. but with that, if you are playing anything Train and you don't have to, that's a strike in my opinion. Bottom line, 95.5 is playing slightly better music right now. I will give AMP credit for hiring a voiceover guy that fits their format. and finally, 106.7. can't wait to see if they made ground in the latest ratings book. the music is great. they are mixing in stuff 94.7 would never play, and WRIF could, but probably won't... for now. If you make it through this post and reply, I will owe you a drink...or three for reading this, I know it's a little long, but I thought I would share these opinions.

 

[Human Numan]

If anything 98.7 AMP Radio don't need to be changed to a new format. 98.7 AMP Radio signal comes in better and stronger than Channel 955 aka 95.5 FM at my house. Channel 955 sucks and there is no way I can listen to that radio station.

 

[chrocket87]

I would agree that WDVD is bucking the trend for Hot AC stations by avoiding all rap (Considering LMFAO and Flo Rida have been receiving a bit of success in this chart recently). I am surprised they've kept to this, considering the bubblegum CHR they've added in the past year or so (Selena Gomez, Carly Rae Jepsen) in following the trend of Hot ACs going more CHR.

That being said, something has to give in Detroit radio. Considering how much CHR product DVD has added, there are FOUR stations serving Detroit that are fighting for a slice of the CHR pie, including Fresh, which is fighting for it's slice with a CHR-friendly Hot AC format. Proof: Before AMP and Fresh came around, WDVD was in and out of the #1 spot, 6+ and 955 was Top 5 in the 6+. Since then, DVD has been bouncing between 8th and 9th in the 6+, 955 has pulled into 12th, and the other two have fallen out of the Top 15.

I also think the Classic Rock market is too crowded, with the D and 94.7 going after the official format and Doug and WRIF with classic rock-heavy playlists.

 

[new_friends_gr]

I personally wish one of these eight stations could flip to Rhythmic AC and another one flip to Smooth Jazz. It's not gonna happen, but I can dream!

 

[Matt8650]

chrocket, thanks for the reply, and you made a great point. 95.5 and 98.7 are the flagship CHR'S, But 96.3 dips their feet in the water too, and 100.3 has really added CHR music as well. So, it's strange to have so many stations playing the same music. as for classic rock, if you take 94.7 and 106.7 out of the mix because they compete somewhat. 93.1 plays classic rock to cover their format of playing all types of music, and 104.3 plays more classic rock as they have turned into a classic hits oldies station. but, to your point that essentially eight station play two kinds of music, I think it's more along the lines of playing music they think people want to hear and build ratings than do something creative.

 

[umfan]

It's all a quest for the demographic sweet spot.

 

[Matt8650]

Numan, First of all, let the record show that you REALLY hate 95.5. moving on, 95.5's signal is pretty good depending on where you are at. I think 95.5's signal is stronger in the northern suburbs-which most if not all stations aspire to do. and that makes sense. 98.7's signal is very good, which is why it's important for something good to be on that signal.

 

[Jasonthegreat]

I used to like WDVD when they played hard rock and some pop. Now, WDVD is a CHR-leaning Hot AC (not unlike other Hot AC stations in the country) and they play mainly pop music. I don't like them much. 95.5 I never liked as Channel 955, and 98.7 I don't like at all.

 

[Human Numan]

Numan, First of all, let the record show that you REALLY hate 95.5. moving on, 95.5's signal is pretty good depending on where you are at. I think 95.5's signal is stronger in the northern suburbs-which most if not all stations aspire to do. and that makes sense. 98.7's signal is very good, which is why it's important for something good to be on that signal.

There is currently something good on the 98.7 FM signal here in DETROIT, which is 98.7 AMP RADIO.

 

[chrocket87]

I used to like WDVD when they played hard rock and some pop. Now, WDVD is a CHR-leaning Hot AC (not unlike other Hot AC stations in the country) and they play mainly pop music. I don't like them much. 95.5 I never liked as Channel 955, and 98.7 I don't like at all.

I agree 110%. I liked it much better when it wasnt as CHR-heavy. Now I mainly just listen to Doug and 89x, unless WDVD actually has something good on.

 

[Matt8650]

Okay numan. How's that 2.8 share for 98.7 in March? Now, yes their cumulative audience will keep them from getting flipped, because it's higher than the Smooth Jazz format. I tried to listen to AMP this week, and in addition to sounding like they are broadcasting in mono-which bothers me, and they don't need to expand their signal, it's already good-, they sound like a mix of 96.3 and what they usually play. did anyone see what happened to 95.5 when they tried to be 96.3 on 95.5? that's when 95.5 had a 3.0 share. Maybe AMP had their shot when they caught 95.5 last year, and they just didn't capitalize on it. Bottom line, until AMP can draw higher ratings than a 24/7 Gospel station on a horrible signal, a station who switched their format in November, and a Hip-Hop station that's still finding their way, maybe we shouldn't hear about them so much. Oh, and play Stronger by Kelly Clarkson more. Really.