Panama City Book Out Today - Pedictions?

[redneckriviera]

Strong Hot AC's are few and far between. I believe KCIX/Boise is No. 1 - but I don't know of many others. For the most part, the format has taken a major hit over the last few years - eaten up by much more compelling Adult Hits stations.

And, Redneck, is there an Adult Hits station or a GOOD Mainstream Top 40 in your market?

Actually, PH, there are only a handful of Adult Hits (Jack/Bob/Mike/Fred) across the country--what? 50? The market does have a couple dozen stations, though, including a mainstream AC, two CHR/Pops and a Classic Hits... 3 Countrys... etc. Two other CHRs--one pop & one rhythmic--bit the dust in the past few years, only to be replaced by a different pair who've found the sledding pretty tough. We're VERY hot, playing mucho CHR/Pop material, some of it dayparted... some not.

And, in all fairness, our Hot AC is not always #1--though we've done it 5 times in my 5 years here. And the all-demo sweep this time is no doubt an anomoly; usually we're good for 18-34, 18-49 & 25-54. And all female demos. Think of a station aimed square at women in their thirties (a core of W31-40 in Arbitronese; W25-44 as the broader target) but cheating toward the younger end.

To veteran ears it sounds like a Top 40, vintage 1975-1985. Pop music with well-known, well-liked personalities... a BIG full-service, funny morning show... and a boatload of promotion.

No, it wouldn't work in every market. But it works here, and would likely kill in PCB--given the current lineup. Sunny, Wave & Smooth Jazz are all too old... PFM & Island are too young & too urban. Not all 35-year old white chicks like Country. It don't take a brain surgeon...

 

[redneckriviera]

Why is it that there is not a 24-45 female leaning "Hit-based Hot AC Flashback station" that works? Sunny's always had great numbers in PC. Wouldn't make sense that there be a station just a bit younger
and edgier that women could punch up when they get tired of those "tried and true" soft AC's? The gap between AC
and CHR is huge and AAA is to fragmented. There's a trillion dollar gap that hasn't been filled.
I'd rather share Sunny's numbers than WPAP's anyday in that market. Oh well, dreaming...

Tibbs, we're not that far apart. I might gently disagree on the "flashback" part--only because guys have always seemed to be more focused on old tunes than women. I always figured it was because so many guys left their "best years" on a high school football field and then found adult life to be a letdown... while life actually got better for their girlfriends! Anyway--for whatever reasons--chicks seem to like new stuff better... even 30-somethings.

 

[Tibbs4]

Yeah, WVNS tried Hot AC here in Nashville by gearing it toward women and calling it Venus...but it was done wronger
than wrong and the signal is weak. For some reason, Nashville has never embraced the attempts (while really
admittedly bad) yet we have a huge demographic of 24-45 women. I could elaborate.

But, I tell you that, like you said, no one has figured out the magic formula, why I cannot say. It's not that hard.
I agree that the music should stay fresher than older. I think 2-3 songs ph from the good 80's (and I don't mean the
Footloose and Dirty Dancing stuff, but more of the Pet Shop Boys, Palmer, slightly techno-edge vs. all the
stuff that was way overplayed and bad from the start.) I also think a good nighttime personality is as crucial as the
dayparts. I have always believed an announcer with an English or Aussie accent is powerful at night (male or female)
and the sound has to be classy and focused. Karen Keeley here at 95.5 The Wolf is British. She rocks. Although
it's a stretch to hear her on a country format. She'd rock.

I noticed after I posted yesterday that WVVE (Wave 100) in PC did pretty well and I think they have a smaller
signal and they are a 70's, 80's, 90's and now format. It's ratings prove the market has a huge hole between
Sunny's AC and all the other formats.I'd flip whatever that Double 00 Country station is (seems like it was/is
Kat Kountry 103.5?)

Sadly, I gently agree back that you're right on on you're flashback post. Let's face it ... women rock!!!

 

[redneckriviera]

But, I tell you that, like you said, no one has figured out the magic formula, why I cannot say. It's not that hard.

Well, if what we're doing up here ain't the magic formula, it's damn close, given the numbers.

Yes, you've gotta have a solid signal--but that could be said for any programming. If they can't hear you, they can't listen. In PCB, that would be 95.1, I think. "Venus?" Sorry I missed that one--haven't been to Nashville in many years (though I love the city). When I was down in PC last year, I thought Wave sounded waaaayyy too soft; to me it sounded like it was targeted at 45-55; I'd be shocked if that's not what their audience profile looks like.

BTW, I don't anticipate anyone in that market to take our advice. The people involved don't get it. And, as much as I love Panama City, I'll just keep it as a vacation destination. Don't want to have to choose which bills to pay...

 

[Tibbs4]

RNR,

You're totally right about PCB. Been to Seaside/Walton/Destin lately? It's still paradise. PCB
is just whacked in every aspect. Especially radio. Just tough to mint $$$ when you take all
the variables. I'd love to hear what you are doing with your format, station, etc. If you are
willing to post the station link and/or info here, let me know otherwise, just tell me and I'll
post my e-mail address.No big issue. Just like to confirm that I still have a clue about what
my brain says works in this business where everyone's been told nothing unique matters.
Sounds like you're having a blast. And if I recall, the weathers a little colder where you are
than on the RNR!

 

[redneckriviera]

I'd love to hear what you are doing with your format, station, etc. If you are
willing to post the station link and/or info here, let me know otherwise, just tell me and I'll
post my e-mail address.No big issue. Just like to confirm that I still have a clue about what
my brain says works in this business where everyone's been told nothing unique matters.
Sounds like you're having a blast. And if I recall, the weathers a little colder where you are
than on the RNR!

A LOT colder! Flag me at [email protected].

 

[redneckriviera]

Tibbs--

I'd love to hear what you are doing with your format, station, etc. If you are
willing to post the station link and/or info here, let me know otherwise, just tell me and I'll
post my e-mail address.No big issue. Just like to confirm that I still have a clue about what
my brain says works in this business where everyone's been told nothing unique matters.
Sounds like you're having a blast. And if I recall, the weathers a little colder where you are
than on the RNR!

A LOT colder! Flag me at [email protected].

Or the other way--post your email address and I'll flag you.