Unfortunately, Mr. Renda overpaid for WSOS-FM. That event had long-term negative effects. That purchase price was like a noose around the neck of both 94.1 and 100.7 over the years.
In fairness, Renda Broadcasting did make some necessary investments for both their former hybrid oldies (KOOL 100.7) and Soft AC (Sunny 94.1). It’s a shame poor decisions and wrong talent in key positions negated some of those good efforts. It’s also unfortunate Renda never capitalized on the listener anger, raw emotion and demand when the very popular Cool 96. 9 abruptly and shockingly ended instead of evolving 10 years ago. They were handed a promotional gift but blew it.
It’s rather bittersweet how all this ends. Conservative talker WBOB will benefit with a better FM signal. But then it’s more right-wing talk for Jax. Overall, the public is disgusted with politics and the failure of both parties. Maybe WBOB will attract dissatisfied WOKV listeners. There’s way too much hype and commercials on WOKV nowadays.
Perhaps Mr. Renda was never really in it for the long haul. Radio is evolving into other platforms. Yet, the decision was made to not stream and not offer a telephone app as other vehicles for listeners. Perhaps the next move will be for a larger company such as Cumulus to snatch up WEJZ and WGNE at a price Mr. Renda can accept.
In response to the prior poster, Gator (WGNE) will never move to 100.7. It’s a money-maker for Renda Broadcasting at 99.9, a far better signal. As far as rock formats go in Jax, I’m sure you are talking quality or programming and not quantity. There are 5 rock-oriented stations in Jax if you count Jack FM. In St. John’s County, WYRE has flipped to rock hits. That makes 6 in the area. Count your blessings. Many of us don’t have one station we can call our own.
On the subject of rock formats, I’m actually very apprehensive about what lies ahead for Jacksonville. We already know one piece of the puzzle will be news/talk WBOB gaining a better FM signal. I’m assuming country on 100.7 will be gone as that was only a spoiler station anyway with very low ratings. What scares me the most is what happens to classic rock?
If Chesapeake-Portsmouth continues the format with WBOB as sister, then the return of a Greatest Hits format in Jax would have virtually all doors shut tight. Yes, 102.3 The Beach offers oldies but it’s a poor signal and some of the songs each hour are very dated and I don’t believe really reflects the vibe of the Jax market. Few know they exist. Simply, it's not run well.
Westwood One does offer Classic Rock programming with talent. Perhaps that is in the cards. I have no idea what happens to L&T. I would think contractually a station sale would equate to a format flip if they are gone because of the sale. Maybe someone out there knows. Maybe they land on their feet here once again.
My understanding is A.J. Davis, Tom Murphy and Tony Mann work at Chesapeake-Portsmouth. I have no idea what job they have with the company. There’s a lot of talent there for sure that could be utilized to help create a local Greatest Hits format should the company go in that direction. Maybe they have something else in mind totally doing away with Classic Rock.
CC could pick up Classic Rock to replace the not too popular Jack FM if classic rock does not survive. This could be a sister to Planet for billing reasons. There’s a lot to consider and there could be ripple effects. I don’t know what to think anymore. Greatest Hits has really evolved into something very mass-appeal. There's room for the format. Something has to give. I’m hoping for the best.
