The future of WODS
> But it may not be too long until WODS-103.3 (if they're
> still "oldies" by that time and have not been "Jack"-ed)
> plays a lot of 1980's hits, as well as hits from 1975 to
> 1979 with pre-1975 music eliminated altogether from it's
> playlist.
>
> While Infinity may make such a move to try to keep WODS'
> listeners within the prime 25-54 demographic, I feel such a
> change could backfire.
>
> And despite Entercom having it's "Jack"-type format "Mike"
> on the air in the Boston area, I still think it's possible
> that WODS could be flipped to "Jack" sometime this Fall.
I know that many of you guys hate speculation, but...
Infinity has two stations that stick out from the Oldies pack; being WODS here in Boston and WOMC 104.3 in Detroit. Both of these stations do quite well in the billing department as I've heard, but it's true, that demo is aging. Unless Infinity can somehow find a way to get younger audiences, the genre will be moving to the AM dial in due time.
The same audience who turns to 103.3 for The Supremes isn't likely to be huge fans of Van Halen's "Jump". It's impossible to classify any Van Halen as an "Oldie" in my opinion, maybe they can. Somehow I don't see that happening. I don't see the genre coming to a close as early as this Fall though; there must be at least a few years of life in 103.3 and WOMC.
But, I'm with you on the Jack. I can't really get the feeling that Mike will be much of a success. After listening to three other Jack FMs, there is just something to Jack that Mike is lacking. Mike's music variety could definately use a little work, but Mike's presentation is also lacking. Boston is definately a rock-friendly city, and in my opinion, a Jack (potentially 98.5, 103.3 or 104.1) could easily blow Mike out of the water, and take aim at WBOS and WROR.
The ratings out today aren't all that favorable for Infinity's 104.3 Jack FM/Chicago and 101.1 Jack FM/New York, but 93.1 Jack FM in Los Angeles is up. Perhaps this indicates that Jack is not a great replacement for oldies stations, but works for classic rockers? Either way, if I were Infinity, and I planned to put a Jack in Boston eventually, then now would be a great time before Mike picks some steam (and listeners).
(and to the last poster: Van Halen is no where near the shock I had when I heard WCRB playing Irene Cara's "Flashdance". Then I realized that it was the 4th of July, and it was just the simulcast to the WCVB coverage. Those were the days...)