Recent Numbers

[Mamaknowsbreast]

Anyone have info on how KJR-AM did this last book? Are they continuing to struggle or did they rebound this book?

Thanks

 

[djdan]

KJR-AM is actually performing on par with KIRO and KOMO in the key demographics, sometimes better. Is it a top ten station 25-54? No. Is any AM station top 10 in that demo 6a-7p? No. Comparing KJR-AM to the other AM's in this market it is better than most. Stations slipping on the AM dial would be KPTK, KVI and KTTH. KIXI, KKOL, KGNW, Disney Radio and many more are not really factors from a ratings point of view in any key demos.

On the sales front KJR-AM is pretty efficient. I doubt the management of Clear Channel has any concerns.

 

[LITTLEBOYBLUE]

Dan...

In a nutshell...do you think some stations are worth operating based on their expense vs. market share? Candidates that come to mind...KCIS, KHHO, KLFE (1590), whatever is at 1540, 1360, etc? According to your note, seems like there are only about 3 significant contenders on AM, and all offer local and contemporary information of some kind. Issue-oriented radio ... not so much ... music on AM pretty much can be written off at this point.

Over ten years ago everyone got excited because HD/Digital was going to offer new hope for radio stations across the spectrum, but even at the time it felt a lot like the hype when AM stereo was going to save AM. FCC not exactly known for its leadership abilities when it comes to setting technical standards, so credibility not there (in my mind) that says they will ever agree on and/or enforce anything ...especially these days when they are so much in the "we'll give big communications companies what ever they ask for" mindset on M street).

So what's YOUR TAKE on all this? The numbers you offer are interesting...but I'd be very interested in your personal interpretation of them...!!

 

[equalinercard]

Let's not overlook cume.

The #1 station in 25-54 cume in the Spring book is KOMO-AM. They're also #1 12+ cume. They're also #1 12+ share.

KIRO-AM, on the other hand, has almost sunk below 300,000 cume 12+. Unless there's some type of miracle, they will fall below 300,000 in the Summer book. And that will be a new all-time low for KIRO. They've never been below 300,000 since they switched to their current format.

Bonneville's decision recently to dump CBS news and to dump the handle "NewsRadio" is a real head-scratcher. Say what you will about Entercom, and there's certainly a lot negative to be said, but at least they had local people who knew the station and the format in charge. Now KIRO is being run by a Mormon PD who's biggest market until now was Salt Lake City and a Market Manager who, until 6 months ago, was a Sales Manager in Phoenix.

 

[AQH]

Let's not overlook cume.

The #1 station in 25-54 cume in the Spring book is KOMO-AM. They're also #1 12+ cume. They're also #1 12+ share.

Ever hear of The Seattle Mariners?

Bonneville's decision recently to dump CBS news and to dump the handle "NewsRadio" is a real head-scratcher. Say what you will about Entercom, and there's certainly a lot negative to be said, but at least they had local people who knew the station and the format in charge. Now KIRO is being run by a Mormon PD who's biggest market until now was Salt Lake City and a Market Manager who, until 6 months ago, was a Sales Manager in Phoenix.

What does being Mormon have to do with one's ability to be a PD?

And so what about the Sales Manager thing in Phoenix? It's called a promotion; some people tend to earn those types of things.

And I'll trust Bonneville to run a news or news/talk ship over Entercom any time. Not saying dumping CBS News is the answer, but Bonneville making N/T shifts comes over with more cred than Entercom.

 

[searadiofreak]

Let's not overlook cume.

The #1 station in 25-54 cume in the Spring book is KOMO-AM. They're also #1 12+ cume. They're also #1 12+ share.

Ever hear of The Seattle Mariners?

Bonneville's decision recently to dump CBS news and to dump the handle "NewsRadio" is a real head-scratcher. Say what you will about Entercom, and there's certainly a lot negative to be said, but at least they had local people who knew the station and the format in charge. Now KIRO is being run by a Mormon PD who's biggest market until now was Salt Lake City and a Market Manager who, until 6 months ago, was a Sales Manager in Phoenix.

Yes, KOMO has high cume for one basic reason...what is the score?

As for Mormons, I agree, they keep their religious beliefs out of business decisions for the most part. However, they tend to be more conservative than others, and that, more than being "Mormon" would probably have more of an effect. However, a smart PD will do what is right for the market, regardless of politics. Bonneville in Seattle, both yesterday and today would seem to be a square peg in round hole, but they are in business to make money, pure and simple.

Anyone see the articles in the Seattle newspapers last week? The new PD hinted at a new lifestyle show during evenings, just like KSL. I have doubts it will work in Seattle, but we shall see. The current nighttime line-up on KIRO seems to be quite temporary, if your read between the lines.

 

[AZcowgirl]

So KIRO's new sales manager comes from Phoenix. So what?

So the new PD comes from Salt Lake City. So what? Chris Ohlinger came to Seattle from Denver. Don't know where Ken Berry was from, but it wasn't Seattle. If being a native of the market you work in was a job requirement most of us would be screwed and radio would be as exciting as working in a box factory.

 

[djdan]

LLB asks an important question: are these AM's worth operating, with such poor ratings and my answer is yes. Stations like KTTH, KPTK, KVI, KCIS, KKOL, KGNW, KIXI and many more may not be on the radar in national and regional advertisers minds, but that does not mean they don't have any audience and it does not mean they can't get results.

Many Seattle area businesses are mom and pop operations that can't afford the top 10 or 20 stations in Seattle, but want to grow. Stations like these low rated AM's offer an inexpensive way to get results. Before working with major regional clients I bought for smaller businesses. With the right promotion and support a station charging 10-20 bucks a spot on AM can deliver a targeted audience to a business.

Finally, for the record, KIRO did move back into the top ten 25-54 6a-7p in the Spring book, but are not in the four-book average. No other AM station is in the top 15 6a-7p this Spring. KJR-AM is now in second among AM stations, so I doubt Clear Channel plans a move any time soon.

That is not to say that these lower rated AM stations don't have value, for the correct direct clients.