Speculation!

[shortwave]

With Susquehanna putting their properties up for sale, and not knowing if they are going to be sold individually, or as one lot, they could possibly sell them off in mulitple blocks.

With that said, I have a feeling that Cumulus has to be in talks with them about KRBE for sure, and maybe even the two Atlanta stations, seeing that those stations are in their hometown headquarters.

I'm thinking about this because of the article on the R&R website about them trying to open a bigger line of credit. Cumulus would kill to get into the true Houston market and this maybe their way.

I know that people have had thoughts in the past about Cox selling, but I don't think that's going to happen, especially with this being their biggest market.

If this ever became reality, do you think Cumulus would keep KRBE as is, or would they destroy it?

What do ya think ?

SW

 

[shortwave]

> If this ever became reality, do you think Cumulus would keep
> KRBE as is, or would they destroy it?
>
> What do ya think ?
>
> SW
>
Well Shortwave,

I think that we would see the birth of ROCK 104 KIOL. And then 103.7 would be the new home of KFNC-Houston's News Channel.
I believe we would either see the 97.5 stick sold, or the introduction of a new lousy format in our fair city.

Cumulus, being a mid to small size radio owner would be making the biggest mistake of their radio corporation's history.

Cumulus, then would be guilty of C.C. tactics by destroying a heritage station as well.

Wow, I feel like I'm talking to myself!

SW<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by shortwave on 06/08/05 09:22 AM.</FONT></P>

 

[jd]

> Well Shortwave,
>
> I think that we would see the birth of ROCK 104 KIOL. And
> then 103.7 would be the new home of KFNC-Houston's News
> Channel.
> I believe we would either see the 97.5 stick sold, or the
> introduction of a new lousy format in our fair city.
>
> Cumulus, being a mid to small size radio owner would be
> making the biggest mistake of their radio corporation's
> history.
>
> Cumulus, then would be guilty of C.C. tactics by destroying
> a heritage station as well.
>
> Wow, I feel like I'm talking to myself!

I was listening, I just didn't want to interrupt you.

Yes, Cumulus has a lot to learn about major market radio, and with the high stakes involved, you don't many second chances. KRBE, under Susquehanna ownership, has had the magic for years, but if given the opportunity Cumulus could piss it away in nothing flat.

 

[Mike_O]

> > Well Shortwave,
> >
> > I think that we would see the birth of ROCK 104 KIOL. And
> > then 103.7 would be the new home of KFNC-Houston's News Channel.
> > I believe we would either see the 97.5 stick sold, or the
> > introduction of a new lousy format in our fair city.
> >
> > Cumulus, being a mid to small size radio owner would be
> > making the biggest mistake of their radio corporation's
> > history.
> >
> > Cumulus, then would be guilty of C.C. tactics by destroying
> > a heritage station as well.
> >
> > Wow, I feel like I'm talking to myself!
>
> I was listening, I just didn't want to interrupt you.
>
> Yes, Cumulus has a lot to learn about major market radio,
> and with the high stakes involved, you don't many second
> chances. KRBE, under Susquehanna ownership, has had the
> magic for years, but if given the opportunity Cumulus could
> piss it away in nothing flat.
>
Shortwave I heard you, but I don't like my answer. I believe that Cumulus if they buy KRBE will do just what you stated. Move KIOL to 104.1 {shudder}, KFNC to 103.7 and likely find out what format most Houstonians would like to hear, other than the return of KRBE and then program 97.5 with that format.

I would hope that in the KRBE sale, Infinity is the buyer. Infinity knows how to program a station and would leave KRBE alone, except minor tweaks as needed as the market changes. Infinity would keep KRBE in the top 5 where it has been for some time. I don't believe any other company in Houston could do that successfully. Radio One might be the outside chance of keeping KRBE intact.

Mike O