SMALL MAKET OLDIES Choice?

[hipporadio]

Will this station make it in a town of 17k? www.superoldies1580.com It has a whopping 250-watts (5-watts at night)--barely manages to cover the town 24/7, BUT--it is very well done. Does it deserve acclaim? I suspect so--'how about you oldies lovers here on the gracious board--what do you think?

The PD (and morning show host Bob Wills) is a 50-something and well-vested in radio--he knows his stuff--and is a committed oldies collector and true fan of the music... He even programs select "beyond-the-top-40" songs as a "spike" in the format--LISTEN--you'll hear them. The station is a treasure of great music and exceptional AM audio. He is doing a GREAT JOB with a demure 250-watt AM in a small town--playing a diverse wide-range format. The music spans the late 50s thru the 70s with a very few easily-dismissed "train wreaks". That's difficult sports fans! He's doing it on avery low-power AM thru thru a "digitally-modulated transmitter that sounds AWESOME. Audio quality is well-beyond what ANY of you here have casually experienced on AM... It REALLY is AWESOME as AM stations are judged (and dismissed) in the current broadcast world. Am I dreaming--or is this a very good rtadio station?

They are "Hometown Radio" and a claas-act--commited to their community (with a news/sports guy who is over 40 and could easily work for the "net")... a PD--THE SAME... GREAT audio. and a very good format... 'Could we see a good case for "local radio" that "wins" here? A trend? God--I really hope that this station manages to turn a profit... I'll lose faith if it doesn't.

I'd like you guys to listen (for at least a few days), then post wih your HONEST reaction. We speak often here about "local radio"... How is WIFE doing?

 

[amfmsw]

It's very similar to what Kevin Fennessey did with his WAAT Scranton and WFBS Berwick/Bloomsburg PA stations. Very deep 1955-65 playlist, VERY local, local, local with HS sports, Nascar and Eagles Football. Kev got out with a profit on both sticks. I wish for this gents success.

But it's sales that make the radio world go 'round. yA GOTTA HAVE REVENUE FROM SOMEWHERE.

 

[lash]

Always loved the WIFE call letters. Its very good! Good idea to share the info on what their doing. We need to hear and read more of this here.

 

[hipporadio]

Always loved the WIFE call letters. Its very good! Good idea to share the info on what their doing. We need to hear and read more of this here.

Chris... I’m glad that you arrived at this discussion! You’re deservedly “famous” in your state of TN for turning-around small market AM stations. BTW—I like your new website for “The Farm”... Lash Dairy? NICE!

Here’s a bit of background on the WIFE calls and the current station in Connersville, IN... As many know—the WIFE calls were legendary in Indianapolis. Don Burton lost his licenses on 1310 and 107.9 back in the 70s over a “political association” with the former Senator Vance Hartke and a “dream home gone wrong” promotion. The calls later became WTUX (a standards format) and were snatched up by the C’ville owner and “parked” on 1580AM. Later, WIFE/WCNB-FM came into the ownership of Dave Rodgers, who moved the calls to 100.3 as “The Hot Wife” country. That frequency is one of the oldest allocations in Indiana (they went on-the-air in 1948)... The 1580AM signal was an after-thought.

100.3 was a “less-than-maximum” Class B section 217c operating at 28kw (a 50k CP was awarded but never built). Rodgers could not sanely resist an offer from Radio One to sell and move the FM to Cincinnati—and it departed last fall—leaving behind the 1580 frequency (250 watts—day/5-watts—night) which Rodgers COMPLETELY REBUILT and invested in a fully-live ‘n local format. So now we have the “WIFE legacy” on the air in Connersville—and done fairly well IMHO.

“Political stuff” abounds in this whole affair (but I’ll leave that to a different discussion)... The current point is: “How is WIFE doing” in its pursuits on 1580AM? The PD there is a GREAT GUY—VERY capable—and committed, and works VERY HARD at his trade. Rodgers seems committed to allowing them the right to build a “local” operation—he could have easily banished the station to a PC in his Richmond, IN station’s broom closet.

Do you folks have OTHER wonderful instances of Oldies Radio “coming back home”?

 

[lash]

I remember the MOM call letters in Maryland, and I personally worked at WDAD in Indiana, PA.

The Farm format was created based on my summers at our family farm which is Lash Dairy. As on our website, the words Lash Dairy are on the silo.

Back to topic, I've been impressed with the quality of the small market oldies stations being shared here. Great to see some outstanding sounding stations in all directions.

Keep them coming! I'm learning everyday, and keep coming back to see new things.

 

[hipporadio]

I remember the MOM call letters in Maryland, and I personally worked at WDAD in Indiana, PA.

The Farm format was created based on my summers at our family farm which is Lash Dairy. As on our website, the words Lash Dairy are on the silo.

Back to topic, I've been impressed with the quality of the small market oldies stations being shared here. Great to see some outstanding sounding stations in all directions.

Keep them coming! I'm learning everyday, and keep coming back to see new things.

 

[hipporadio]

I remember the MOM call letters in Maryland, and I personally worked at WDAD in Indiana, PA.

My Grandparents grew up in Greensburg, PA and we visited there often. I remember my first trip there in the early 70s... We checked into a Holiday Inn that offered five switch-selected hard-wired radio stations played thru a speaker in the room (no tuner). “Channel one” was 620 WHJB Greensburg (I believe those calls are now in nearby Bedford, PA). WHJB was Top-40 then with a very interesting Barney Pip sound-a-like playing the hits at night. IIRC, he went by “Bobby Lines—friend of all the kiddies”. Switch position number two was 1360 WIXZ—and guess who B.L was up against? None other than Rush in his first gig outside Cape Garage-door, MO!

I really enjoyed both... Turns out that my Great Uncle Abe (a doctor in Greensburg) was a golf partner of WHJB’s GM and he happily arranged a tour—it was the first radio station I set foot in.

 

[lash]

My oh My! 620 WHJB was one of the reasons I got in the business. Our family farm is in West Newton, PA. And I worked at HJB from 1999 to 2001 doing afternoons in a musical comeback.

There were times we sounded exactly like 1250 WTAE/Pittsburgh circa 1978-1984. It was a complete blast.

And now 620 is the second strongest AM signal next to KDKA in Western PA. HUGE signal.

 

[hipporadio]

My oh My! 620 WHJB was one of the reasons I got in the business. Our family farm is in West Newton, PA. And I worked at HJB from 1999 to 2001 doing afternoons in a musical comeback.

And now 620 is the second strongest AM signal next to KDKA in Western PA. HUGE signal.

Small world, Chris... I always loved visiting that part of the world. ‘Seems there was a small mom ‘n pop Italian restaurant on every other corner in Westmoreland County... A fair number of small local stations also. 1570 in Latrobe was a real treat!

I remember WHJB as the first place I heard Rare Earth’s remake if the Temptation’s song “I Know I’m Losing You”. Many of their hits were MUCH longer on LP... and yes, WHJB played the nearly 10-minute version at night! ‘Guess Bobby Lines needed to make a trip to the “boy’s room”. By day, they were highly typical of the “community MOR station”—with LOADS of spots (that HAD to be a cash cow). IIRC, they had a small Class A FM at that time that played “elevator music” in stereo until early evening when they simulcasted (even remembering to turn off the stereo pilot ‘cause of the mono audio from the 620 control room). So comes 7PM and the “(drip-drip-drip) Airport Love Theme” segued into Steppenwolf on 107FM (or was it 106.3 then?)

I recall them having a 1kw day signal with 500-watts into a DA at night. Later, they bumped the day power to 2.5kw when the FCC authorized that service level. When they moved it toward the city with 5.5kw non-d—they “settled” on only their 50-watt PSSA for night service. Were they just reluctant to spend the money on a nighttime array? What is happening on that signal today?

 

[lash]

Local health talk shows, and Clarke Ingram programs the rest of the dayparts with oldies. Its tight! They of course changed the call letters to WKHB. Bedford, PA picked up the old calls.

The signal is just HUGE, and could be a powerhouse in about any format.

 

[FRR]

I just took hipporadio's advice and tuned into 1580. It's not as polished as WDJO, but plays some great tunes. My question is this; I realize that the internet gives us the ability to listen to stations that we never could before, but how does this fact effect their success with their advertisers? Does the fact that a station has internet listeners even help them survive in a particular market, or is not even a consideration? What's your thoughts out there?

 

[Oldbones]

My question is this; I realize that the internet gives us the ability to listen to stations that we never could before, but how does this fact effect their success with their advertisers? Does the fact that a station has internet listeners even help them survive in a particular market, or is not even a consideration? What's your thoughts out there?

My guess is that it makes no difference at all. Small-market stations depend almost exclusively on local advertising...and if you're not in the market it's not likely you're gonna patronize their advertisers. Even the big flamethrower AMs gain very little from their night-time coverage. Also, unless you have an extremely unique format, you're not likely to have more than a handful of web listeners at any given time.

 

[hipporadio]

I just took hipporadio's advice and tuned into 1580. It's not as polished as WDJO, but plays some great tunes...

FRR... I doubt you’ll find much of what remains in Oldies radio that is as polished as WDJO. That is an EXCEPTIONAL “labor of love” station—truly the last of a noble breed—“broadcasters” doing a wonderful job of broadcasting! It is such a shame that they mange to barely crack a one-share. I suspect the poor AM signal and the continuance of WGRR on FM contribute to that situation. WDJO deserves much better numbers!

WIFE attracts fair commendation when you consider the market size, its demure signal, and meager resources. Unlike ‘DJO—no endless jingle package or Charlie VanDyke image liners—just a couple of middle-age on-air employees (one with a huge music collection and another who excels in news and sports) who make the very best of what many would consider a “throw in the towel” situation after the FM left there to become WMOJ in Cincinnati last fall. Unlike most oldies stations in mid and smaller cities, WIFE’s PD actually “programs”—unlimited by a “stock library” from a music provider or restrictions from an out-of-town “hired gun”. It’s cool that the owner actually allows those guys to do their jobs.

...My question is this; I realize that the internet gives us the ability to listen to stations that we never could before, but how does this fact effect their success with their advertisers?

I suspect WIFE streams to provide 24-hour reception to its city and county—it is limited to only five-watts at night. It is the smallest (and only) station within its group ownership that is available on the net. You’ll notice that its stream is sponsored with a video clip for the advertiser at launch... Nice touch—many a larger station online (like WDJO) hasn’t managed to cash in on that approach yet.

Local health talk shows, and Clarke Ingram programs the rest of the dayparts with oldies. Its tight! They of course changed the call letters to WKHB.

Would that be THE Clarke Ingram who was smokin’ the airwaves on B-94? WOW... Interesting how some legends never leave town.

Chris... Was WHJB still on Brown Street when you worked there?

I never realized how badly they went downhill in the late 80s/90s (I guess John Longo really stole their thunder after he left to take on WQTW Labtrobe). In an earlier post, I wondered what happened to WHJB's 500-watt directional night signal. A friend Emailed me and recalled that they actually LOST THEIR TOWER SITE. He wasn’t sure of the circumstances, but thought that they may have been off-the-air briefly or very badly crippled because of that. He told me that they were effectively forced to sell off their FM to the WAMO folks. Do you know the details?

 

[FRR]

Thanks for the response hipporadio. ...I understand the one share comment....Last Spring, I was actually chosen by the arbitron folks to keep a book for a week. Of course, I only listened to DJO for the entire week. Even turned off my XM so I could honestly give the boys at DJO some good marks. I hoped it helped. I read last week that in the Cinci market, it came in number 20. Not burning up the world, but some of us old guys just plain love it. Now, if they can just make a living from it.........

 

[lash]

I was always praise the efforts of WDJO. Love listening to it.

Indeed I worked on Brown Street at 620 WHJB, and you've got the right Clarke Ingram.

I've seen WKHB listed with the same broker for 5 years at 5 million dollars.

 

[Muddy Buddy]

WDJO could be one of Cincinnati's best kept secrets playing music on AM. Great station! Fun to listen to. Sounds good technically too. Wish the signal could be better at night.

 

[raymond_shaw]

Will this station make it in a town of 17k? www.superoldies1580.com It has a whopping 250-watts (5-watts at night)--barely manages to cover the town 24/7, BUT--it is very well done. Does it deserve acclaim? I suspect so--'how about you oldies lovers here on the gracious board--what do you think?

I'm listening to them right now off the internet(during a break at work). Quite impressive. Really well done. Live, local radio is not dead - you just have to find in smaller markets. I'll take this station over any corporate McRadio crap any day of the week. I just heard the local news - very professional sounding. The female dj doing mid-days right now is very good - this is a little am station in a small town? Hard to believe, they sound great.

My compliments to the PD and his staff. I wish I could be part of something like this.

 

[BobOnTheJob]

Will this station make it in a town of 17k? www.superoldies1580.com It has a whopping 250-watts (5-watts at night)--barely manages to cover the town 24/7, BUT--it is very well done. Does it deserve acclaim? I suspect so--'how about you oldies lovers here on the gracious board--what do you think?

The PD (and morning show host Bob Wills) is a 50-something and well-vested in radio--he knows his stuff--and is a committed oldies collector and true fan of the music... He even programs select "beyond-the-top-40" songs as a "spike" in the format--LISTEN--you'll hear them. The station is a treasure of great music and exceptional AM audio. He is doing a GREAT JOB with a demure 250-watt AM in a small town--playing a diverse wide-range format. The music spans the late 50s thru the 70s with a very few easily-dismissed "train wreaks". That's difficult sports fans! He's doing it on a very low-power AM thru thru a "digitally-modulated transmitter that sounds AWESOME. Audio quality is well-beyond what ANY of you here have casually experienced on AM... It REALLY is AWESOME as AM stations are judged (and dismissed) in the current broadcast world. Am I dreaming--or is this a very good rtadio station?

They are "Hometown Radio" and a claas-act--commited to their community (with a news/sports guy who is over 40 and could easily work for the "net")... a PD--THE SAME... GREAT audio. and a very good format... 'Could we see a good case for "local radio" that "wins" here? A trend? God--I really hope that this station manages to turn a profit... I'll lose faith if it doesn't.

I'd like you guys to listen (for at least a few days), then post wih your HONEST reaction. We speak often here about "local radio"... How is WIFE doing?

Thank You Thank You Thank You hipporadio. As the engineer who set up WIFE's audio on my workbench before placing it on the air, the compliment reagrding WIFE made my day. Worth mentioning that identical audio exists on WJCP 1460 North Vernon, IN. You are correct that management is committed to WIFE from a technical standpoint. I didn't have a blank check book but I saved money in some areas in order to have the best audio and transmission system that's available. I was also in the WDJO transmitter building last week and Rodger Kay allowed me to fiddle with the WDJO sound. After being spoiled with WIFE's sound, I felt WDJO sounded awesome but could use some more upper high end. I did what I could with what they have & I think that another octave of highs was added. Hopefully Rodger & company will make some serious money on WDJO and I can convince him to drop a few grand on audio & introduce FM like AM audio to Cincinnati.

Again...thanks for the kind words. Not every day the engineering department gets acknowledgement!

 

[vchimpanzee]

Will this station make it in a town of 17k? www.superoldies1580.com It has a whopping 250-watts (5-watts at night)--barely manages to cover the town 24/7, BUT--it is very well done. Does it deserve acclaim? I suspect so--'how about you oldies lovers here on the gracious board--what do you think?

The PD (and morning show host Bob Wills) is a 50-something and well-vested in radio--he knows his stuff--and is a committed oldies collector and true fan of the music... He even programs select "beyond-the-top-40" songs as a "spike" in the format--LISTEN--you'll hear them. The station is a treasure of great music and exceptional AM audio. He is doing a GREAT JOB with a demure 250-watt AM in a small town--playing a diverse wide-range format. The music spans the late 50s thru the 70s with a very few easily-dismissed "train wreaks". That's difficult sports fans! He's doing it on avery low-power AM thru thru a "digitally-modulated transmitter that sounds AWESOME. Audio quality is well-beyond what ANY of you here have casually experienced on AM... It REALLY is AWESOME as AM stations are judged (and dismissed) in the current broadcast world. Am I dreaming--or is this a very good rtadio station?

They are "Hometown Radio" and a claas-act--commited to their community (with a news/sports guy who is over 40 and could easily work for the "net")... a PD--THE SAME... GREAT audio. and a very good format... 'Could we see a good case for "local radio" that "wins" here? A trend? God--I really hope that this station manages to turn a profit... I'll lose faith if it doesn't.

I'd like you guys to listen (for at least a few days), then post wih your HONEST reaction. We speak often here about "local radio"... How is WIFE doing?

Sounds similar to what we have here, except Jones provides the music. And most of the community involvement is done by a co-owned AM which is mostly syndicated talk.

 

[Captainfirst]

Hipporadio posted :

"Will this station make it in a town of 17k? www.superoldies1580.com It has a whopping 250-watts (5-watts at night)--barely manages to cover the town 24/7, BUT--it is very well done. Does it deserve acclaim? I suspect so--'how about you oldies lovers here on the gracious board--what do you think?"

I reply- Gosh, I hope this station "makes" it. What I've heard over the last hour or so was really nicely done. Sound quality on their stream isn't too bad, would love to hear them on a good AM radio.