Rock radio for 2006

[Radiogeek500]

What do you all see rock radio doing in 2006? For me, other then Green Day and Velvet Revolver, System of A Down and prehaps one song from Beck, 2005 was a year that I wasn't really feeling the scene. 2006 will be a year to watch.<P ID="signature">______________
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[Joseph_Gallant]

Even if 2006 is a banner year for rock music, it won't be for rock radio.

A lot more stations will probably abandon the format for these reasons:

(1) Rock stations have probably been hurt more by XM, Siruis, MP-3's and I-Pod's than most other formats.

(2) Rock radio's traditional target audience----young adult males----are now more likely to listen to rap and hip-hop than to rock.

(3) In many markets, there is a fast-growing Hispanic population. Some broadcasters believe that by serving this growing community instead of rock fans, they'd make more money.

Until about a year ago, I thought that my hometown of Boston could support the three contemporary (active, modern or alternative) rock stations it has now: WBCN-104.1, WAAF-107.3 (transmitting near Worcester, but with a good signal in the Boston area), and WFNX-101.7 (weaker than WBCN or WAAF, but with a good signal within about 20 miles of Boston). Now, I'm not so sure. Although I feel Boston will still remain one of the strongest markets for rock radio, I don't know if Boston will have three commercial contempoary rock stations a year from now.

But Boston will be lucky. There may be quite a few markets without any active/modern/alternative rock radio stations by next year at this time.

 

[Yeziknoradio]

If the classic rockers can be brave enough to find more "Lost" classics, there may be more interest there, instead of the same old songs.

The New rock stations may survive better with a VERY local feel that gets in touch with its 18-24 listeners...if it can. A local morning show, with personality that even goes the extra mile to say "I'm no weather man, but who needs to be to know this weather..." in a very fun and creative way just might get the teens to put down their ipods and give New rock a morning listen.

However, I also think a big winner may be the variety rock stations that can focus their energy in any direction...so if the new rock isn't all that great, the classic, and "Lost" classic rock can fill the void and bring in good ratings.

Let's dump our eye on Michigan for example sake:

Fact: The Brew signed on recently there as a mostly 80's rock station

Fact: Shortly after, the Hog was born. (a variety Rock station)

Isn't there also a New Rock station there too? It'll be interesting to see how they all do...<P ID="signature">______________
"If you never say NO, How much is your YES worth?"
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[Jacko]

> Let's dump our eye on Michigan for example sake:
>
> Fact: The Brew signed on recently there as a mostly 80's
> rock station
>
> Fact: Shortly after, the Hog was born. (a variety Rock
> station)
>
> Isn't there also a New Rock station there too? It'll be
> interesting to see how they all do...

You're talking about Milwaukee, Wisconsin, not Michigan. And that other station you're thinking of is 102.1 WLUM, and they're an alternative station as far as I know.

Jacko
<P ID="signature">______________
I live for my dream,
And a pocket full of gold.
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