Rumba on 106.1 HD-2: Why?

[Soon Yi CIV.V]

I'm posing a real programming question here, even though it's about an HD-2 channel. This isn't a question for the HD-hater people. I'm looking for real responses here. So I'm asking you to please keep the agenda stuff to yourselves for this one. Thanks.

About Clear Channel's decision to keep the Tropical format on 106.1's HD-2 channel: Does that make any sense? I mean, if they are trying to bring listeners to the frequency (and who knows if they actually are?) and/or if they have any interest in convincing people to invest in an HD receiver, wouldn't it make sense to put on a format that isn't available elsewhere on the dial? (And even aside from that, how many people are actually listening to this format on 106.1 HD-2? Two? Three?)

I am all for using HD-2 channels for niche formats but I just think it would make more sense to put on something people aren't already able to hear in the market. Obviously, right now it might not be a bad idea to put their little national Smooth Jazz feed on there since a tiny handful is clamoring for it. (A tiny handful has got to be more than what's tuning in for the Tropical format, right? Right?*) But there are plenty of other interesting things they could put on there.

*- Or am I totally wrong on this? Is there any decent strategy involved in having this format on the HD-2?

 

[nd2023]

The Smooth Jazz demographic will be more willing to buy an HD radio than the Rumba demographic.

 

[aindik]

Isn't this the same reason WYSP puts KYW on its HD channel? Because there are issues with the AM signal? I'd imagine that whatever issues there are are way worse with Rumba's AM signal than with KYW's.

In DC, CBS just put WJFK-FM's programming (FM Talk) on the HD-3 of another of their FM stations in the same city, because the JFK-FM signal sucks in parts of Maryland and the 94.7 signal fills the market much better.

 

[Bill_W]

I think they're marketing it on their website with low cost HD radios installed in cars of their listeners. KYW on FM sounds great!

 

[Soon Yi CIV.V]

Isn't this the same reason WYSP puts KYW on its HD channel? Because there are issues with the AM signal?

There's a big difference. KYW on the AM band is and always has been a successful station people actually listen to. In that case, sure give it a nice clear spot on one of your FM's HD-2 channels because people will seek it out. But that is hardly the case with Rumba on the AM band. They're wasting a perfectly viable HD-2 channel (and the opportunity to maybe boost the sale of HD receivers) with an existing format that cumes a whopping 40,000. It's like they are trying whatever they can think of in a desperate attempt to make the Tropical format work here!

 

[Bill_W]

They're wasting a perfectly viable HD-2 channel (and the opportunity to maybe boost the sale of HD receivers) with an existing format that cumes a whopping 40,000. It's like they are trying whatever they can think of in a desperate attempt to make the Tropical format work here!

Should Clear Channel put smooth jazz on 106.1 HD-2? Greater Media already has classical on 97.5 HD-2. They really should put it on 95.7 HD-2 (the old WFLN) and then maybe smooth jazz on 97.5 HD-2. B101 should put easy listening on its HD-2 channel.

I would also like to see CBS put WPHT on one of its FM HD2s or HD3s just like KYW. (then they could keep talk on the sub channel when the Phillies are on)

 

[DStroyer]

They're wasting a perfectly viable HD-2 channel (and the opportunity to maybe boost the sale of HD receivers) with an existing format that cumes a whopping 40,000. It's like they are trying whatever they can think of in a desperate attempt to make the Tropical format work here!

If they could get 40,000 people to listen to an HD-2 station, that would be a nice little baby step toward the success of the technology.

As Bill W wrote above, they're doing a promotion with free HD radios and discounted installation. I would guess that that deal was put together before 97.5 WJJZ went away, so they probably have financial and promotional obligations tied to having Rumba on 106.1 HD-2, and can't justify just flipping it back to Smooth Jazz.

AM radio sound quality is absolutely awful and has been, going back to at least my WFIL listening days back in 1978. (I can't tell you how many frickin times I heard them play Barry Manilow's "Can't Smile Without You" ) The technology is obsolete, and it probably costs more and more money every year to keep an AM station on the air... kind of like if you wanted to get a Betamax VCR repaired nowadays, it would probably cost you in the thousands of dollars So, I'm sure they're DYING to get this music-intensive format off of AM altogther.

I say it's time to pop some HD-3 channels open, then they can get Smooth Jazz back on the air, too. I've heard plenty of stations that are doing music on all 3 channels, and the sound quality is just fine.

Bill, I mostly agree with you about the 95.7 and 97.5 HD channels, but I'd keep The 80's Channel on B101 HD-2 and put EZ101 on HD-3. Also, keep Club Ben on 95.7 HD-2 and put "WFLN" on HD-3. Better yet, let's have B101 and WOGL swap HD-2's -- Put the 70's channel on B101 HD-2, and put (Terry Young voice) "98 Nowwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!" on WOGL HD-2

 

[Soon Yi CIV.V]

Classical is gone from 97.5's HD-2. In fact, the HD-2 channel is gone altogether. Unless this has changed in the past few days, they actually haven't been broadcasting in HD since before they launched the AC format.

I have also heard stations broadcasting music on all their main channel as well as their HD-2 and HD-3 and i agree it sounds fine. I hope the FCC approves power boosting for these though. I hate when the signal drops out.

In regards to changing 95.7 HD-2, I have always had the impression that GM is kinda fond of Club BEN. I don't think they'd want to kill it for Classical. Not to mention, from a demographics standpoint, I'm sure their Rhythmic format is more appealing.

 

[aindik]

Are HD-3s still in mono?

 

[nd2023]

What's Q102's HD2 channel? If it's Fuego, why do they want 2 Spanish HD2s for a limited audience?
They should buy back the WJJZ brand and put it on 106.1 HD2

 

[Soon Yi CIV.V]

Q102's HD-2 channel is a Verizon-sponsored channel that allegedly features only "New" Top 40 music.

 

[RoscoeBrowning]

About Clear Channel's decision to keep the Tropical format on 106.1's HD-2 channel: Does that make any sense?

First of all, HD is a flat out failure. Radio has had 3 years to make it work, and they can't. The marketplace has rejected it.

Although, considering recent events in Harrisburg, Ashville and the Finger Lakes, HD subchannel programming is starting to be simulcast on FM translators (taking advantage of some loopholes in the translator rules). So if Clear Channel can get its hands on an inexpensive translator frequency, it will have in essence created a brand new radio station... that people can actually hear. That's how it could make sense.

But if you can't get the translator, you're better off to just shut down the HD. Nobody is listening to or cares about HD.

 

[DStroyer]

I'm posing a real programming question here, even though it's about an HD-2 channel. This isn't a question for the HD-hater people. I'm looking for real responses here. So I'm asking you to please keep the agenda stuff to yourselves for this one. Thanks.

 

[RoscoeBrowning]

Although, considering recent events in Harrisburg, Ashville and the Finger Lakes, HD subchannel programming is starting to be simulcast on FM translators (taking advantage of some loopholes in the translator rules). So if Clear Channel can get its hands on an inexpensive translator frequency, it will have in essence created a brand new radio station... that people can actually hear. That's how it could make sense.