Sports Format in SoFla

[CapeFish]

Seeing the Fins jump from 790 back to 560 and then force 560 to drop the Fish and likely the Cats has me thinking.....this market is ready for a sports station race. I think the market is there for it too. 560 is very weak right now with all the changes it has gone through the last 3 years from Stern to moving Hank around. However, it is still the same old tired WQAM.

790 on the other hand went Dolphins 24/7, then got dumped by the Fins, and now they look to take the Fish and Cats to create a viable second sports station.

With Neil Rogers hinting at retirement unless WQAM hands him something really outrageous, could this two horse race really last long?

Friday we see the new trends 12+ and last month's update had WQAM leading WAXY 1.1 to 1.0. Beasley said that WQAM made a nice revenue/profit for them this last quarter, so I would assume the same for WAXY in terms of revenue coming in since they are virtually tied in the ratings and each have their big shows (Joe Rose mornings on 790 & Mandich/Hank afternoons on 560) in the drive timeslots.

Another idea, what if Lincoln Financial does indeed sell and the new owner doesn't renew the 790 lease past with they have. They are in year 2 of 5, and with only 3 years left....how could they attract the Fish and Cats long-term? Do they need the Fish and Cats to stay afloat?

 

[davideduardo]

Friday we see the new trends 12+ and last month's update had WQAM leading WAXY 1.1 to 1.0. Beasley said that WQAM made a nice revenue/profit for them this last quarter, so I would assume the same for WAXY in terms of revenue coming in since they are virtually tied in the ratings and each have their big shows (Joe Rose mornings on 790 & Mandich/Hank afternoons on 560) in the drive timeslots.

WQAM outbills WAXY about 7 to 1.

 

[Faraway]

Although 790 has had some forward momentum, it's been QAM's huge fall in the ratings that have brought them close together. 790 hasn't gained as much as 560 has fallen.

Rose and LeBatard are fairly decent drive time bookends for 790 but as long as Neil remains in place, 790's mid-days will not grow. Indications are that Neil *will* extend his contract and unspecified length.

Some may argue that the Rogers, Mandich, Goldberg and Kaplan line-up is old and tired but there's a lot to be gained by having a line-up of well known personalities. Really, the only weak spot is mornings, and that could be addressed if Joe Rose does not re-sign with 790. That would be a giant blow to 790.

The reason for the billing discrepancy between the two - QAM has built up relationships and regardless of whether its up or down , people know it will be there tomorrow.

However, its doubtful that a L-F sale would mean the end of 790 as a sports station. I'm sure the contract specifies it transfers with ownership. Not too many operators of AM stations are going to turn down $1.2+ a year, almost all of it going to the bottom line. If the relationship ends, it's because Feinberg et al don't renew.

 

[CapeFish]

Makes sense that WQAM would outbill WAXY 7-to-1.

Not saying that Rogers, Mandich, Goldberg, and Kaplan are old and tired....just that the WQAM formula is.

I just don't see WAXY landing the Marlins and/or Panthers. How can they afford to give the teams the guarantees of a deal to 2009 like WQAM gave the Dolphins when they don't even have 790 locked up to then? I know both teams will likely do timebuys with in-house ad sales, but I doubt either team wants to move continually.

It should get interesting to see where the 2 teams lands. The James Crystal stations, as discussed in another thread, are interesting, but their signals are not city grade in Dade County. That kills them as potential flagships IMHO.

Anybody see one or both of the teams landing on a less rated FM like Mega 94.9 (Flip me!) or 93 Rock? I don't see another English AM signal out there that has the strength to put a good city grade signal at night from Boca Raton to Homestead. WINZ landing one or both is possible, if they do timebuys, but has WINZ gotten the supposed night signal issues worked out in North Broward County/South Palm Beach County? I see their night power is 10kw, so at least the Cuban interference we get on 560 at night won't bother in Metro Dade & Broward as much.

 

[SportsDotCom]

QAM's lineup is like the '95 Dolphins (Shula's last year) 17 former first round picks and a 9-7 record & getting bounced in the first rd of the playoffs.

WAXY has the better lineup... just can't sell it. WQAM is the establishment, WAXy would have to stick around another 5 yrs to really compete financially.

Makes sense that WQAM would outbill WAXY 7-to-1.

Not saying that Rogers, Mandich, Goldberg, and Kaplan are old and tired....just that the WQAM formula is.

I just don't see WAXY landing the Marlins and/or Panthers. How can they afford to give the teams the guarantees of a deal to 2009 like WQAM gave the Dolphins when they don't even have 790 locked up to then? I know both teams will likely do timebuys with in-house ad sales, but I doubt either team wants to move continually.

It should get interesting to see where the 2 teams lands. The James Crystal stations, as discussed in another thread, are interesting, but their signals are not city grade in Dade County. That kills them as potential flagships IMHO.

Anybody see one or both of the teams landing on a less rated FM like Mega 94.9 (Flip me!) or 93 Rock? I don't see another English AM signal out there that has the strength to put a good city grade signal at night from Boca Raton to Homestead. WINZ landing one or both is possible, if they do timebuys, but has WINZ gotten the supposed night signal issues worked out in North Broward County/South Palm Beach County? I see their night power is 10kw, so at least the Cuban interference we get on 560 at night won't bother in Metro Dade & Broward as much.

 

[CapeFish]

QAM's lineup is like the '95 Dolphins (Shula's last year) 17 former first round picks and a 9-7 record & getting bounced in the first rd of the playoffs.

WAXY has the better lineup... just can't sell it. WQAM is the establishment, WAXY would have to stick around another 5 yrs to really compete financially.

The question on longevity is going to come down to if 790 The Ticket can sell. But if they land the Fish and Cats until 2009 like WQAM has the Fins until 2009, it should make them seem like they are in it for the long-haul. Having the backing of the Miami Herald also helps them.

I see they are tied in the 12+ posted today. Kinda odd to see WAXY above WQAM in the ratings.

 

[SportsDotCom]

Here's a question? When QAM was a newbie sports station many many moons ago, WIOD used to have sports talk in the evening (like most BIG N/T stations) right? Who were some of the hosts? I remember Hank Goldberg being one. Who else hosted that show?

 

[CapeFish]

WQAM had Rush Limbaugh live from 12-3pm and they had a local show after him from 4-7pm that was hosted by 2 guys until Hank moved over.

Let's take a trip down memory lane, here's WQAM's website from 1996: http://web.archive.org/web/19970214163456/www.wqam.com/program.html

 

[Faraway]

Here's a question? When QAM was a newbie sports station many many moons ago, WIOD used to have sports talk in the evening (like most BIG N/T stations) right? Who were some of the hosts? I remember Hank Goldberg being one. Who else hosted that show?

By the early 90's Hank had is one show - "Goldberg at Night" so "Sportstalk 610" usually featured Jeff Deforrest, Jim Mandich and Joe Zagacki. Also Kim Bokamper. The show ended not too long after Paxson purchased WIOD, and DeFo, Kimbo, Maddog and The Fins joined Joe Z and Hank at QAM. I think it was late 96 or 97.

 

[CapeFish]

If WQAM makes around 7 times more than WAXY brings in, does anyone know if 790 The Ticket is profitable or not?

I would find it hard to believe that this ratings shift isn't going to boost 790 up financially especially if the land the Marlins and Panthers to replace the Dolphins. I hope they keep trucking, having a 2 horse sports race in this town is a good thing. There is enough interest for 2 stations and enough teams that need a flagship to easily have 2 sports stations afloat.

Anyone know if they still have the FSU Seminole contract on WAXY? I saw WKAT and WJNA aired games last year.

Also, I see 790 has a banner boasting they are the #1 sports station, have the #1 morning sports show in Joe Rose, and the #1 sports host in LeBatard in the market according to Arbitron.

 

[Faraway]

Informed speculation here - For Lincoln-Financial, WAXY's owners, it is a very profitable endevour. But for Prime Time, the folks who hold the LMA with L-M, it's probably not even close to profitable. At the same time, I am guessing QAM is, at best, marginally profitable. They bill a lot but their expenses have been huge - rights fees, the cost of live broadcast operations and, of course, the talent, and Greg Reed, God bless him, was never afraid to pay. I recall a few years ago, I monitored a Beasley quarterly results conference call, and the Beasley's were so proud to announce that after years of losses, QAM was budgeted to make a profit of $250,000. Considering the station was billing about $15 million and was actually a player in the 25 - 54 demo, this was not impressive. In terms of rights fees, dropping the Fish and Panthers and picking up the Fins probably is a wash. However, their high priced talent is now even higher priced. And their ratings are, um less than spectacular. They are probably profitable, but I bet it's not by much.

As for whether or not there's room for two sports stations - a good part of whatever QAM's ratings has is really non-sports related (Neil). Looking at it that way, I'd say South Florida is, at best, a one sports station town. However, the beauty of the sports format is its ability to bill at a ratio higher than the ratings. Still, 790 is fooling themselves if they think the winter book ratings results will create a turnaround. It's a nice start, but it will take about a year of similar results before anyone starts thinking about taking the crown away from QAM.

 

[DJ Oldschool]

I was on the Tickets website tonight and noticed that Joe Rose's picture had been crossed out. Is he officially gone and is confirmed that he's going to WQAM?

 

[jbrasco951]

790 the Ticket's new lineup is basically a mismatch compared to WQAM. Their ratings fall can only be due to a inconsistent morning show. They have changed the morning what...from the First Team to Howard David to Howard to Hank to Kenny and Bo. The juggling of Hand and Maddog were mistakes.

Whatever is said about QAM, Joe Rose in the morning leading in for Neil will work very well. Maddog and Hank in afternoons is a good challenge. Eddie K is an institution. As for the sports franchises, the Marlins and Panthers have been losing battles in terms of revenue and ratings. They have the two of the most profitable franchises in Miami with the Canes and Dolphins.

QAM does a great job with pre and post game coverage of the Dolphins and Canes. WAXY did a less than par job with pre and post Dolphin Coverage, and with the game itself, even though I actually grew to like the team of Cefalo and Rose.

The Ticket moving Sid to mornings and bringing in Steve Goldstein to also do a show is a mistake. Lebatard and Rose have been the only hosts that I have seen at this point that worked well at 790.

WAXY's morning ratings will fall with the loss of Joe Rose. He was underused at QAM before he jumped and now with the success of his morning show, he will come back to QAM with a morning show and is going to be welcome to the QAM fraternity.

This ratings race would have been closer if rose would not have jumped, but Joe will replace a fledgling morning show and solidify the QAM lineup. Wait for the fall book to see who the real winner of the ratings race will be and I know it will be QAM.

 

[Faraway]

790 the Ticket's new lineup is basically a mismatch compared to WQAM.....Wait for the fall book to see who the real winner of the ratings race will be and I know it will be QAM.

The Marlins have actually surprisingly done well - ratings wise. They have a lot of fans...they just don't go to the ballpark. Not that it will make a huge difference but next spring and summer, QAM's night time numbers will be down year to year. Baseball is berry berry good for radio- even in Miami. As for the 'Canes, sounds good on paper but they've never been a ratings or revenue winner. And I'm not just talking basketball either. Still, QAM is right to hold on to what's peceived as the markets premium franchises.

As for Sid - he's not exactly my cup of tea and he's certainly no Joe Rose. However, I don't think it's totally fair to point to his poor mid-day numbers as proof he won't be successful in mornings. He's been up against the Neil/Rush juggernaut which pretty much nails the male demo during that daypart.

No doubt, the addition of Fins and Rose solidies QAM's top "sports station in Miami" handle - not that it really means much. Even though they'll likely have a good fall book, at least better than 790, don't be surprised to see another shake-up at the end of the year. Some talent contracts are up, and I would expect Beasley to take the opportunity to get control of the expenses which have been a market joke since the Greg Reed days.

 

[roxy23]

Sid Rosenberg is a talent, no doubt. But to listen to him try to do politics is ridiculous. He is desparately trying to be Imus in Miami and nobody cares about the interviews with the guys from Newsweek, etc. Stick to sports Sid! Once Rose starts in September when football gets going, it will be as close to a steamroller for QAM since 790 came on the air. WAXY should have never let Rose go, this is the beginning of the end for them unless their owner wants to continue to lose lots of cash

 

[DJ Oldschool]

Roxy..I agree with you....I used to like Sid, but he's trying so hard to be Imus that it's ridiculous. I can't wait until Joe Rose cranks it up on WQAM. The combination of Joe Rose and the Dolphins (not to mention Neil, Jim and Hank) is going to be hard to beat. WQAM
has turned it around in the last year and has re-established themselves as "the" sports station in South Florida. If Dan LeBetard were smart, he'd be calling QAM to see if he could get on there.

 

[Faraway]

WQAM has turned it around in the last year and has re-established themselves as "the" sports station in South Florida.

QAM has "turned it around"? They are coming off their worst ratings since they flipped to sports. Granted, that winter book number may have been somewhat of an anomoly (sp?) and getting Joe back is huge, but at the end of the day, Dolphins radio broadcasts don't get anywhere near the ratings they used to, just like the rest of QAM's line-up, a number of who just mail it in. As for being "the" sports station in South Florida, I guess some station has to be it. :

 

[roxy23]

The turnaround has to start somewhere and I would bet that Joe Rose and the Dolphins are probably a good start in terms of sports programming vehicles. Ratings don't catch up to programming changes for up to six months so it may take some time for the numbers to back it up.

 

[CapeFish]

The turnaround has to start somewhere and I would bet that Joe Rose and the Dolphins are probably a good start in terms of sports programming vehicles. Ratings don't catch up to programming changes for up to six months so it may take some time for the numbers to back it up.

I like Joe, so I hope he does well. But WQAM's lineup will be tested on those summer nights when they don't have any play-by-play on at all. If they can hold their own, they can claim the crown.

But right now, South Florida has no sports radio station deserving of any crown IMHO.

 

[DJ Oldschool]

Faraway...good point regarding QAM's "turnaround". As a listener to both stations, it appears to me that QAM has made some solid decisions in the past year or so. Getting Hank out of mornings and back into afternoons was good, as was picking up Joe Rose and the Dolphins. While I think both stations are pretty good, it appears to me that the QAM "arrow" is once again pointing up. BTW...if the Marlins go to WINZ , that means the four professional teams in South Florida would all be on different stations.