QC ratings - any changes?

[EnergyDeKalb2]

So we see that WLLR dropped some, and Mix 96 went up. Based on that trend it would almost seem as if WLLR was vulnerable a bit. However, history says thats not true.

The cloud company gave up on trying to take WLLR down after several tries. On paper, it would appear to be a no brainer: change KQCS 93.5 to country and hope to take WLLR down a bit. A 3 rating would have to be better than what Star is doing with its 1.5 share. So if Star were to flip, chances are majority of that audience goes B100, other half goes to Mix.

Is there any hope that Clear Channel would take Q106.5 and flip it? Of course, the question is, flip it to what. I would say they could throw a CHR on there and take B100 down. But CC never seems interested that much in the CHR market here in the QC.

I see KUUL is trending up, one would think that would be a good station to flip, but with the numbers going up its not justifiable. How much money can they be making on that station? I mean, think about it, songs from 1965 are physically 47 years old. The target market is 25-54. If you figure that most stations are looking at what was hits when these guys were in high school, that means the age of 18 in 1965 would put that listener at 65. That is not a money demo, even in the QC area. So you are looking at primarily 1965-79 music, so listeners primarily between the ages of 51 to 65. That being the case, how much longer do you hold out with that format? How about moving in with a Gen X format? Or would it be acceptable to move WOC to the FM like is happpening in many markets? Let's discuss this!

 

[qcradioguy]

Got valid points on all. What I think could happen is 1065 KISS FM leave LLR as is (of course). I like the idea of 'OC on 101.3. Leave Mix alone as well as the 2 AM's as well. Now across town I would do something with 93.5, country...no. They have made a couple attempts at country and no success. LLR is almost untouchable. They went down some but still way ahead of XLP (a distant 2nd). I would do the Gen X thing on 93.5, I think that would do good and thought they would have done it by now. It is always fun to say what if and I'm not here bashing CC, Cumulus, or any station(s). Comments? Would you tweak any stations?

 

[qcradioguy]

When I mentioned they made a couple attempts at country, I meant the cluster of stations and not 93.5 itself. Thought I would clarify that.

 

[EnergyDeKalb2]

A couple issues with that is, the Gen X format is, I believe, owned by Clear Channel.
I almost think if they were going to go head to head with B100, they should change 101.3 to 101.3 Kiss FM, so that they don't have as powerful a signal tied to it if it fails. Problem then is, do you move an aging format to 106.5?

As far as 93.5 goes, with a limited signal, it is going to be very difficult to succeed with any format. That's the only reason I thought throwing country on 93.5 wouldn't be that big a loss, because if it goes up to a 3, they win that way. If it sits at a 1.4, they haven't lost anything, just blew up a long standing loser.

If 93.5 was to go something like Gen X radio, it actually would make long term sense because, as discussed earlier, KUUL will have to move forward at some point. And now if they have 93.5 as Gen X radio and it is already being covered, they won't have much they can do with 101.3 without scrapping the format entirely, and we all know CC likes to beat a dead horse into the ground as much as it can.

 

[qcradioguy]

I know that Cumulus has a couple of Stations out there that are similar to a Gen X station...

 

[Iowan]

Here are some ideas that might help a certain radio station...

1. First, rename KCQQ. "The Brew 106.5" sounds like a great name, and many listeners do like to drink.

2. The "classic rock" slogan was a little bland. I remember in one late 2000s promo that said "rock 'n' roll classics". That sounds a little better. Or...

3. Adjust the slogan so it reads "real rock classix". The 'X' sounds way more cool!

 

[qcradioguy]

CC has a couple of "Brew" Stations. They can't brand themselves with the letter X with 97X in the market.

 

[EnergyDeKalb2]

This market has essentially 3 rock stations, 97x, Q106.5, and Rock 104.9. I don't see anything changing at 97x or 104.9. If you counted KUUL, you would 4 "rock" stations. I hear that the low power fm on 92.5, WGGV, is actually beating 93.5 in the ratings. Is an urban AC something that is feasible for this market? I doubt Cumulus would put on a regular urban hits station, it would detract from B100. It would be neat if CC did a CHR, and then Cumulus flips 93.5 to an urban, allowing B100 to remain a straight forward CHR. It owuld allow for some new music for this market. I still say KUUL is a ultimately doomed station. Only way they survive is to move int othe 80's. And that seems to be Mix's territory. Is it possible Cumulus is expecting them to have that problem so they keep Star around to hopefully knock some points off Mix when it has to move forward too and concede some to KUUL? Other than that, I really see no reason to continue a Hot AC on 93.5. I would be interested in this new comedy format. Laugh 93.5? If it didn't do well, people would still laugh at their ratings...oh wait they already do! hehehe

Anyone have any ideas how KLOVE is doing on 98.9? How about morning shows, is Bob and Tom still doing well? How are Mark and Steve doing over at KUUL?

I imagine CC's issue with flipping one to a CHR is that they have no place to put Bob and Tom, and I am sure they probably are doing better than some of their other local options. Problem is, there would be no real outlet for them if they changed formats. Putting BNT on a top 40 wouldn't be good, they won't touch Mix or WLLR....maybe put them on tape delay on WOC? Just a thought.

 

[Iowan]

CC has a couple of "Brew" Stations. They can't brand themselves with the letter X with 97X in the market.

Actually, I was referring to the word "classics" with the last two letters replaced with an 'X'-- THAT'S what I meant...