... that's what Tom Taylor is reporting this morning. It was announced in the Saga quarterly call. Let the speculation begin!
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Saga to purchase WCLZ
- Thread starter media buyer
- Start date
just 'clz? if so, let the speculation begin on what happens to 93.9 (simulcasting 93.5 in waterville still sounds like a good idea)
I wonder if the current staff will make the transition?
I doubt Saga would buy 93.9. As is, by my interpretation of FCC rules, Saga will need to spin off a station in its existing cluster. Additionally, 93.9 is a weak rimshot of a Portland signal. It made sense as a simulcast with the southward WCYY, but as a 98.9 simulcast it's fairly redundant.
I hope Saga keeps the AAA format of WCLZ. Better yet, I hope they bring it back to the mid-90s glory days. They've done a nice job with the River in Northampton...maybe they'll bring its success northward.
I hope Saga keeps the AAA format of WCLZ. Better yet, I hope they bring it back to the mid-90s glory days. They've done a nice job with the River in Northampton...maybe they'll bring its success northward.
Don't know about the FCC rules... but if that's the case - which would you spin off and why?
radiothis! said:
from the front office buzz on western ave today - in response to what i hear was the most-asked question this morning, there's no spin-off needed. matter of fact, i understand the engineer has a tape measure in hand, trying to figure out where they'll put ANOTHER studio.
That's very cool. I'm sort of jealous of chief engineer AA. There's nothing I enjoy more than building a new studio.
Coming to an unemployment office near you: "Hi, name is Tad...."
A
argytunes
Guest
For my buddy, Erie...
Have you any clues about possible changes in the WCLZ format? Or is it going to be a simulcast? ???
I think we both know that the Greater Portland market could use an audio wake-up call or two?
argytunes
PS....any word about WCYY and WCYI. Was the auction held...or will these 2 broadcast cows eventually be slaughtered?
Have you any clues about possible changes in the WCLZ format? Or is it going to be a simulcast? ???
I think we both know that the Greater Portland market could use an audio wake-up call or two?
argytunes
PS....any word about WCYY and WCYI. Was the auction held...or will these 2 broadcast cows eventually be slaughtered?
O
oldrover
Guest
WCYY isn't changing hands. Only WCYI. No word yet on that.
Hi Argy,
My question is--what sort of an "audio wake up call"? I'm going to bet all my uncle's cows on Saga keeping the 'CLZ format.
Here's why: a.) I like the format. And it's all about me. Kidding. Real reason: Who listens to WCLZ? In general, a more educated, presumably more wealthy audience, some of whom were displaced by the MGX/Coast format change. Sure CLZ doesn't pull down big numbers, but a good sales staff should be able to see beyond the Arbs and with a few listener surveys convince clients like garden centers, galleries and fine/hip dining places that their core demo is listening to 'CLZ.
I know, I know--this isn't how its done (traditionally). BUT it will be SOON. Ratings are an old goat, a nothing statistic. If I'm the 8th most listened to station in the market, but my listeners are the top consumers in the market, who cares if I'm number 8? Public radio figured this out a long time ago. FNX successfully pulls this off in Boston. Saga already is taking this approach with The Bay stations.
With the right ad campaign (heavy placement in the Phoenix and strong sponsorship of concerts would be a start) Saga might even get some of Portland's iPod heavy users to tune in to CLZ on a quest for new music.
I also (and I never thought this day would come) want to stand up for CYY, which is no cow in my book. This is another station with strong brand ID and a heavy spot load. They know their audience and they get their audience, book after book.
If radio wants to survive, niche programming and marketing are going to be the future. Otherwise, more and more listeners are going to turn to iPods, satellite and internet broadcasters. I also believe strongly that the folks at Saga know this (Coast's return of the purse promotion last book proves that they're more concerned with being number one with the ladies, than number one overall)--which is the real reason I'm bettin' the farm on CLZ staying CLZ.
Phew! Another long, rambling post from radiothis! Take a deep breath...and respond!! I look forward to further discussion--this is the part of radio I love the most!
My question is--what sort of an "audio wake up call"? I'm going to bet all my uncle's cows on Saga keeping the 'CLZ format.
Here's why: a.) I like the format. And it's all about me. Kidding. Real reason: Who listens to WCLZ? In general, a more educated, presumably more wealthy audience, some of whom were displaced by the MGX/Coast format change. Sure CLZ doesn't pull down big numbers, but a good sales staff should be able to see beyond the Arbs and with a few listener surveys convince clients like garden centers, galleries and fine/hip dining places that their core demo is listening to 'CLZ.
I know, I know--this isn't how its done (traditionally). BUT it will be SOON. Ratings are an old goat, a nothing statistic. If I'm the 8th most listened to station in the market, but my listeners are the top consumers in the market, who cares if I'm number 8? Public radio figured this out a long time ago. FNX successfully pulls this off in Boston. Saga already is taking this approach with The Bay stations.
With the right ad campaign (heavy placement in the Phoenix and strong sponsorship of concerts would be a start) Saga might even get some of Portland's iPod heavy users to tune in to CLZ on a quest for new music.
I also (and I never thought this day would come) want to stand up for CYY, which is no cow in my book. This is another station with strong brand ID and a heavy spot load. They know their audience and they get their audience, book after book.
If radio wants to survive, niche programming and marketing are going to be the future. Otherwise, more and more listeners are going to turn to iPods, satellite and internet broadcasters. I also believe strongly that the folks at Saga know this (Coast's return of the purse promotion last book proves that they're more concerned with being number one with the ladies, than number one overall)--which is the real reason I'm bettin' the farm on CLZ staying CLZ.
Phew! Another long, rambling post from radiothis! Take a deep breath...and respond!! I look forward to further discussion--this is the part of radio I love the most!
radiothis!
That was quite a post, and a response-provoking one at that.
What struck me most was "Ratings are an old goat, a nothing statistic." Bullseye. Yes, ratings do a decent job of measuring how many pounds.
But how many pounds of what?
In a format-to-format battle, if your competitor repeatedly has three times your audience, that tells the story. But I don't think any of us would argue that a CHR with an 8 share could ever generate the consumer dollar response that an AC or Classic Rock 5 share can.
But back to WCLZ. Not that I'm a ratings god, but if I bought that franchise, I'd rebuild a commercially-viable AAA, run it in a fiscally tight manner, and cash the checks.
Anyway, from what I know of Cary Pahigian, if Saga adds it to their cluster, that signal will be returning on its investment somehow, and in short order.
That was quite a post, and a response-provoking one at that.
What struck me most was "Ratings are an old goat, a nothing statistic." Bullseye. Yes, ratings do a decent job of measuring how many pounds.
But how many pounds of what?
In a format-to-format battle, if your competitor repeatedly has three times your audience, that tells the story. But I don't think any of us would argue that a CHR with an 8 share could ever generate the consumer dollar response that an AC or Classic Rock 5 share can.
But back to WCLZ. Not that I'm a ratings god, but if I bought that franchise, I'd rebuild a commercially-viable AAA, run it in a fiscally tight manner, and cash the checks.
Anyway, from what I know of Cary Pahigian, if Saga adds it to their cluster, that signal will be returning on its investment somehow, and in short order.
A
argytunes
Guest
For radio this...and others reading this thread:
My suggestion for an "audio wake-up call" for Greater Portland was in reference to the fact that I can think of at least 3 formats---that haven't been tried and might be a good fit for WCLZ?
Or perhaps another struggling for advertising and ratings station in this area?
If most of us had the extra dollars to subscribe to a satellite service---for obtaining more diversity and less commercial interruptions---I guess this would be the easier choice? To expect a broadcast group to offer its listeners some form of local programming that would be appealing and attract local advertisers takes a little more time, some serious thought when it comes to the type of audience, and most important...A DAMN GOOD WAY TO PROMOTE THE CALL LETTERS AND FREQUENCY IN ORDER TO GRAB "LISTENER INTEREST!" 8)
argytunes---who still believes a radio station can offer good programming and make money at the same time!
My suggestion for an "audio wake-up call" for Greater Portland was in reference to the fact that I can think of at least 3 formats---that haven't been tried and might be a good fit for WCLZ?
Or perhaps another struggling for advertising and ratings station in this area?
If most of us had the extra dollars to subscribe to a satellite service---for obtaining more diversity and less commercial interruptions---I guess this would be the easier choice? To expect a broadcast group to offer its listeners some form of local programming that would be appealing and attract local advertisers takes a little more time, some serious thought when it comes to the type of audience, and most important...A DAMN GOOD WAY TO PROMOTE THE CALL LETTERS AND FREQUENCY IN ORDER TO GRAB "LISTENER INTEREST!" 8)
argytunes---who still believes a radio station can offer good programming and make money at the same time!
How to succeed with WCLZ.
WCLZ is licensed to Brunswick. Focus on the mid-coast. Freeport - Brunswick - Bath- Thomaston -Rockland. Pull your audience and your dollars from there. Portland has a zillion radio stations. Brunswick, not so much.
Big Playlist - 1500 songs - and pull away from the vastly overplayed Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor and Van Morrison things that have been the staple since the 1980s. They should be infrequent library tracks at best.
40-60% current. Lean toward the Americana end of the spectrum, Intelligent alt-country, and blues. in addition to the orthodox AAA playlist. Make your own hits. be hip, or hip for smart 40 year olds.
Full service morning show with news like in the old days. If you're Saga you have the WGAN news resources. Use them on WCLZ.
Smart, knowledgeable announcers who don't feel the need to demonstrate it. (Suggestions?)
WCLZ is licensed to Brunswick. Focus on the mid-coast. Freeport - Brunswick - Bath- Thomaston -Rockland. Pull your audience and your dollars from there. Portland has a zillion radio stations. Brunswick, not so much.
Big Playlist - 1500 songs - and pull away from the vastly overplayed Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor and Van Morrison things that have been the staple since the 1980s. They should be infrequent library tracks at best.
40-60% current. Lean toward the Americana end of the spectrum, Intelligent alt-country, and blues. in addition to the orthodox AAA playlist. Make your own hits. be hip, or hip for smart 40 year olds.
Full service morning show with news like in the old days. If you're Saga you have the WGAN news resources. Use them on WCLZ.
Smart, knowledgeable announcers who don't feel the need to demonstrate it. (Suggestions?)
VoxHumana said:
sounds good to me. a viable suggestion for creating a niche station to super-serve a local area that is at present served only by Bob Bittner's WJTO. and to think - you typed it out for all to see, for free, instead of offering, ad infinitum, veiled suggestions of how to make a better station. and hopefully, you've typed out the same thing and passed it along to the powers-that-be who may take a look at the idea and offer you a gig.
A
argytunes
Guest
"and hopefully, you've typed out the same thing and passed it along to the powers-that-be who may took a look at the idea and offer you a gig!"
Then again...certain programmers might prefer to slightly revamp the original idea (suggested by VoxHumana) and take 100% credit for it?
Programming Suggestions---made by experienced or wanna-be-broadcasters--- don't necessarily guarantee an employment opportunity AT ANY RADIO STATION!
And as many of us have learned through past work experience at least one or two broadcast groups...there's no honor among thieves!
argytunes
Then again...certain programmers might prefer to slightly revamp the original idea (suggested by VoxHumana) and take 100% credit for it?
Programming Suggestions---made by experienced or wanna-be-broadcasters--- don't necessarily guarantee an employment opportunity AT ANY RADIO STATION!
And as many of us have learned through past work experience at least one or two broadcast groups...there's no honor among thieves!
argytunes
"And as many of us have learned through past work experience at least one or two broadcast groups...there's no honor among thieves!"
But there is honor among the employed. And paychecks.
But there is honor among the employed. And paychecks.
argytunes said:Then again...certain programmers might prefer to slightly revamp the original idea (suggested by VoxHumana) and take 100% credit for it?
Programming Suggestions---made by experienced or wanna-be-broadcasters--- don't necessarily guarantee an employment opportunity AT ANY RADIO STATION!
And as many of us have learned through past work experience at least one or two broadcast groups...there's no honor among thieves!
argytunes
argytunes - in any field - insurance, manufacturing, medical, education - ANY field - the best way to insure the chance to demonstrate given abilities is the willingness to (albeit briefly) trust. when applying for a job or going on an interview, one must do two things:
1) homework on the prospective employer
2) a tangible suggestion for what the prospective employee can offer the company.
homework means being able to say a few nice things about the company's successes and innovations.
suggestions do not imply that you proceed to tell them how stupid they are for doing things their way and how you can make it better. the suggestion is (in reference to radio citing VoxHumana's programming philosophy and outline) how you can perhaps add to the greatness of a product and perhaps make it better.
talking in veiled circles is NOT now, or EVER, going to land you a programming position in which you will be able to - at long last - unveil the Last Great American Radio Format. for many of us here, we're curious. but to paraphrase Mike Myers' Dr.Evil - toss us a frickin' bone, willya?
you will feel as you do for a long time yet to come in regards to "protecting" your "unique" ideas out of the longstanding fear that you will most definitely be ripped off without credit or compensation. it's a chance we all take - well, all of us except you. and kudos to you for sticking by your guns & your beliefs. it's sad to watch your anger and distrust at a medium you've long loved suck the joy you once effused right out of the room.
not everyone is out to stick it to you. and your comments ("no honor among thieves." ) are actually fairly offensive to those of us working in broadcasting at the moment who prefer to give props to someone else for a great idea than to steal the idea.
Since I'd prefer to stick to topic, I won't go a long rant here--but the simple fact is: radio is an art. In art, we sample and we build on other artists' work. Of course, all industries do it--engineers, mathematicians, scientists--but in those industries nothing ethereal is being created. It's easy to say: this is based on Mr. Smith's principle of this.
However, as a form of creative expression, radio is bound to build on the successes and failures of many, many others. That's not stealing or thievery--that's being creative. I highly, highly doubt that Mr. Argy's format is so highly originally that it is have never been thought of by anyone in any way, shape or form. Instead I'm sure it's built on his years of experience as a broadcaster. Will he go through and credit each who has inspired him? Unlikely--and I don't believe he should. Nor do I believe anyone's idea is so good that it couldn't take some tweaking from others. Especially an idea from someone who is so sure EVERYONE else is wrong.
BTW, I've heard from a very reliable source that CLZ's format will not change--but may be improved upon by drawing from Northhampton/Brattleboro's The River. Hopefully, they'll scan this board and grab some ideas too.
However, as a form of creative expression, radio is bound to build on the successes and failures of many, many others. That's not stealing or thievery--that's being creative. I highly, highly doubt that Mr. Argy's format is so highly originally that it is have never been thought of by anyone in any way, shape or form. Instead I'm sure it's built on his years of experience as a broadcaster. Will he go through and credit each who has inspired him? Unlikely--and I don't believe he should. Nor do I believe anyone's idea is so good that it couldn't take some tweaking from others. Especially an idea from someone who is so sure EVERYONE else is wrong.
BTW, I've heard from a very reliable source that CLZ's format will not change--but may be improved upon by drawing from Northhampton/Brattleboro's The River. Hopefully, they'll scan this board and grab some ideas too.
A
argytunes
Guest
Two thoughts...
1. I'd actually enjoy listening to a format similar to "THE RIVER" (98.7)...since their signal doesn't always come in as sharp as it should on my upstairs receiver.
2. I don't think I indicated that my format suggestions are necessarily original, but UNTRIED in the Northern New England Market. This is due to the fact that taking a chance on a different format takes more bravery on the part of a program director THAN COPY-CAT RADIO!
Regardless of the profession (from broadcasting to well-digging), there will always be prospetive candidates who will offer a suggestion or two. But whether the suggestions are taken seriously, recycled by a less competent employee or tossed out with the garbage IS A TOUGH CALL!
Face it! There are prospective employers (in EVERY FIELD) who honestly want to listen to thoughts and ideas from a potential job candidate....while there are "interviewers" who are pre-programmed to spare an interested applicant 10 minutes of their time AND NOT A SECOND MORE! :-*
argytunes
who actually says a lot of "nice things" about many of the radio and television stations in the marketplace....even though most of the people who respond to my thoughts prefer to reference THE NEGATIVE ONES!
1. I'd actually enjoy listening to a format similar to "THE RIVER" (98.7)...since their signal doesn't always come in as sharp as it should on my upstairs receiver.
2. I don't think I indicated that my format suggestions are necessarily original, but UNTRIED in the Northern New England Market. This is due to the fact that taking a chance on a different format takes more bravery on the part of a program director THAN COPY-CAT RADIO!
Regardless of the profession (from broadcasting to well-digging), there will always be prospetive candidates who will offer a suggestion or two. But whether the suggestions are taken seriously, recycled by a less competent employee or tossed out with the garbage IS A TOUGH CALL!
Face it! There are prospective employers (in EVERY FIELD) who honestly want to listen to thoughts and ideas from a potential job candidate....while there are "interviewers" who are pre-programmed to spare an interested applicant 10 minutes of their time AND NOT A SECOND MORE! :-*
argytunes
who actually says a lot of "nice things" about many of the radio and television stations in the marketplace....even though most of the people who respond to my thoughts prefer to reference THE NEGATIVE ONES!
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