Station IDEAS - Time for a change!

[Rob]

Here's a few station ideas that can possibly bring some MIX to the FWB/Pensacola area:

980 WRNE AM - SPORTS (anyone know how well this is doing? She's putting a hell of a signal out especially since it's a 24 hr AM station?

104.7 - Light Rock/AC (as we have too many country stations) My old station that I almost applied to work for, WMCR, did the switch from 70s/80s to MIX 106.3 I think since we NOW have 98.1 which is doing well in Crestview, WAAZ should make this switch to target a newer audience. (whilest keeping the home grown flavour and carrying Braves Baseball) I actually enjoy hearing how cool the Montgomery, Alabama 104.7 sounds compared to this. I don't know if that's locally owned or not.
I do enjoy the Sunday elevator music, just can't hear the full fidelity of it due to WAAZ being a mono station.

105.5 should simulcast 1.260 WFTW I've noticed they are playing older country vs the new stuff. This area really needs an FM talker due to the AMs here being clobbered by Mexico/Cuban and other Clear Channel AM's

107.3.. OLDIES - Comon guys we got 92.9, 96.5, 97.5 100.7 think we have way too many current "groovin" stations

After reading about 104.5 switching to country it made me upset because it felt like a legacy died. If we lose 99 ROCK, I think that will totally suck. I can't stand country but know what a money maker it is.

I'm tired of having to tune in to far away stations just to hear the shows I like

What do you guys think? Just trying to bring some life to these boards from our area.

-Rob

 

[jmtillery]

This area really needs an FM talker due to the AMs here being clobbered by Mexico/Cuban and other Clear Channel AM's. I'm tired of having to tune in to far away stations just to hear the shows I like

-Rob

Rob - Your area has been overdue to have its own FM Talker for sometime. Right off hand I'm not quite sure which FM should make the switch, but it most definately should be one of the area's 100kw better signals. I was thinking at one time either 107.3 or 98.1 would be the first to make the switch, but music is alot less expensive to program, and, this is one reason, I believe, no one has taken the initiative to innovate talk on FM just yet. Keep your fingers crossed. You will get your wish one day.

 

[Poledo]

If Cumulus could buy/LMA 95.7 in Navarre and combine WFTW and WCOA onto a new FM signal, that would be great. It's only a C3 on a cell phone tower, but the location is perfect for a mono Pensacola/Fort Walton (Florida ONLY) news/talk station. No coverage overlap with Clear Channel's WFLA or WNTM to worry about. The FCC shouldn't mind because 95.7 is licensed to Santa Rosa County, in the Pensacola DMA where Cumulus only owns 2 FMs unlike FWB where they already own all the top stations. If I understood the 98.1 deal, Cumulus lost it because they already had too much control of the FWB market.

WRNE 980 is Urban owned/operated and programmed... nothing's flipping there.

WAAZ... just leave 'em be... unless... could they can pick up a translator in Crestview for WJSB and separate the two stations... hummm

If 105.5 started simulcasting WFTW that would force Cumulus to move Country over to 99.5. That would really suck. 99 Rock rocks!

Can you even pick up 107.3 in Fort Walton now? After the tower move to Robertsdale I doubt they target Fort Walton at all... but I too feel Alternative Oldies belongs on One Zero Seven 107.3.

Have you looked up WPNN on Radio-locator recently? It looks like they want to move to the WRNE/WEBY towers and up the power.

What Rock 104.5 are you talking about? Hattiesburg?

 

[Rob]

Scroll down, ROCK 104.5 is in gainesville. (on the forms) they are saying it's gone country.
107.3 is much weaker then it used to be, they are targeting Mobile, not us now. If they went back to 100K (they are now at 50K)

95.7 is owned by a church, I don't care for it. They are doing well I suppose in the ratings. That sucks 980 is urban owned. I guess they would have 1 person listening to it when they could be listening to the BIG station 92.9 FM

104.7 would be a target for a switch because they are locally owned and operated but I heard the manager doesn't want to bail. Cumulus could buy that, flip 105.5 then have a 100KW country station.

Country 104.7 WZBY (if they got the call letters changed by the Commission

-Rob

 

[jmtillery]

Scroll down, ROCK 104.5 is in gainesville. (on the forms) they are saying it's gone country.

-Rob

Cox Radio owned Rock 104.5 is WFYV-FM Atlantic Beach-Jacksonville. The Gainesville station is WRUF-FM 103.7 which up until Friday was rock after a 28 1/2 year run as Rock 104. It is now Country 103.7 - The Gator and is still owned by the University of Florida.

 

[vadar]

Rob, watcha got in that kool-aid you are drinking?

 

[Rob]

EUUU spiked Kool Aid (bleh)

End of an era for Gainesville

 

[vadar]

Very sad indeed. At least you still have TK 101 .

 

[Poledo]

Very sad indeed. At least you still have TK 101 .

Ah, but no more pink flamingos...

E-E-TK-TK

95.7 is owned by a church, I don't care for it. They are doing well I suppose in the ratings.

95.7 may be owned by Protestants but they did sell off 1230 AM in Pensacola to the Catholics... that gives me hope that they would be willing to let the FM sell to a secular group. It's not like we don't already have a dozen non-comm religious FMs around here. How about a trade? 1370 in Pensacola plus 1260 in FWB plus a little "donation" to the "ministry" in exchange for C3 95.7 FM in Navarre? Heck, add 660 in Mobile to the deal, Cumulus isn't using it anyway. Make it happen Cumulus!

 

[Rob]

NEWS TALK 95.7 WFTW FM/ WFTW 1.260 where we can only be heard @ Target @ night... Yea, I can see that now.

A simulcast of 1.260 on the FM band so the REST of us can hear it.
(and move the transmitter to Hollywood)
Two thumbs up.

-Rob

 

[kruxman]

It doesn't make sense for Cumulus to put talk on FM, thereby blowing up WCOA and WFTW's audience. As hard as it is to make money on AM these days, they should keep their successful AM talkers, until they're forced to make a change. If there's going to be FM talk in FWB/Pensacola, it will likely come from someone other than Cumulus.

 

[macab4490]

Guys, it seems like we have touched on this topic before, but no one seems to really listen :-\

Again, care to disagree but this is what I think should happen.
And Rob, yes, let's do "spice up (better word than 'mix')" the Gulf Coast (FL, AL) radio dial

1. 100.7 (i100) - They're plain and dull. They basically are simulcasting and at least I thought they would put up a decent morning show such as the Bert Show in which it is on the air in Nashville...they would be a lot better.

Now what format would replace the current one? FM Talk? Seems to me that FM Talk is big right now. And it has such a great signal to cover the whole listening area of Mobile/Pensacola/FWB.

107.3 - This station flipped back in March...and it's now October. Clear Channel seems not be too successful in getting some on-air personailities. It does not make sense to me but the way Clear Channel has been putting up some really good CHR's throughout the country (for example, 101.9 Radio Now in Memphis, 97.3 Radio Now, Milwaukee) - I think it would be awesome if they did 107.3 Radio Now for the gulf coast?!? That would be awsome. Even though, WABB plays the same music style that most CC's do these days....but it is not repetitive like WABB (hehe).

94.1 - One of the best sounding AC stations out there. Period. Great variety. WMXC makes them look bad but it's beyond me why WMXC has pretty good ratings but that was in the spring. Question: Why so much John Tesh though? I hope and it would not surprise me that 94.1 will also go Christmas this year due to the fate of My 107.3. This station is and sounds great. I had to email the PD and tell them how good they are sounding and they say "new and better things are coming". Hmm, maybe a Saturday night 70'-80's show??!? That would be awesome because again, it bother's me a lot to have Delilah on-air 7 days a week when Lite Mix is doing the same in the same market.... Saturday night's should not be a romantic night, it should be a fun and groovy night where you want to get yo' drank on...

Take care, y'all!

-Alex

 

[Dr voicetrack]

i100 is just following the "i" station plan. Yeah, you'd like to hear a little more "fire", but it's doing it's job! WABB has been reacting to every little thing that station does. Syndicated morning shows do not work on the gulf coast. They're probably doing better with one jock then they would with a show off the bird.

The Groove isn't a CHR. Matter of fact, it's been said that the Groove doesn't even know what it's supposed to be! Probably why it's getting smacked in the ratings. And don't look for jocks on that station. It's meant to run on the cheap.

Speaking of not knowing what they are? Does WABB want to be CHR, Hot AC, or everything? Has anyone noticed the music? CHRs don't play rock based gold from 1995 or "Here Comes the Hot Stepper". Inexperienced staff not knowing how to defend the turf could lead to continuing issues.

94.1 for a small market AC is a very good station. Find myself pushing that button often when flipping around.

 

[Poledo]

Cumulus already blew up WCOA, at least on a local content level. All they have now is Rush and the other top syndicated shows... same story with WFTW. Pensacola has 4 AM news/talk stations. Moving WCOA on an FM would just help Cumulus squash the other three AM news/talkers and it would give Rob and the rest of Santa Rosa County a nighttime news/talk station. I'd be willing to bet money that WNRP is already working on getting a FM translator for Pensacola and/or Gulf Breeze. What's Cumulus doing?
I wonder why Cumulus didn't buy 94.5 in FWB for WFTW?

-------

I100 - I still have to do a double take when I see it printed that way. Pensacola has so many Q-100 stickers on bumpers, street signs, etc. that it's hard to believe the station is gone. I don't believe I've ever seen an I-100 sticker or billboard. What are the chances WJLQ drops the I branding and brings back the Q just so people know what station they are talking about? Cumulus has plenty of newer Q100 jingles, logos and artwork up in Atlanta... just photocopy it and bring it down here. Cheap right?

WABB - After the owners death, family members are running the station from out of town. It doesn't seem as good as it used to be... but what do I know, I hardly listen. Posts on the Alabama board suggest that their hearts aren't in the game anymore. Will the Dittman's finally decide to exit the radio business and sell their gem of a station to Cumulus or Clear Channel?

107.3 - Well, after the tower move to Robertsdale they don't even stop the seek on my car radios in Pensacola. I hope they got the improved coverage of Mobile they were looking for in the tower move. I don't think 107.3 can compete with WABB, I100, 93 BLX or even Z96 from their new transmitter site. A unique format like Sports, News, Oldies, AAA, Classic Country, Urban, etc. seems more appropriate for the weak signal and might be able to attract a loyal audience willing to put up with a little static.

Before CC put WNTM on 96.1-2 I didn't think a full market Mobile/Pensacola news talk station would ever happen. Now it seems imminent and 107.3 would be the smart station for Clear Channel has to put it on. I don't expect CC to expand WFLA all the way to Pensacola... but how about setting up a deal with Mobile's Fox 10 news department... "Fox News Radio 107.3, WALA-FM". That is assuming Cumulus doesn't do something first to lock up West Florida.

I think I've finished rambling on. Gotta go get ready ;D

War Eagle!

 

[Rob]

I REALLY REALLY hope PDs/GM's are reading this.

I had no clue the owner of 104.7 died. That's terrible. I heard their ratings sucked. They need to modernize. Compete with Country 105.5 and start broadcasting in TRUE STEREO (not just make the stereo indicator light which is kinda annoying in weak signal areas hearing the static it produces vs being in mono)

104.7 would be THE PERFECT TALK station. If Crumulus would purchase it, put the transmitter on Hollywood and keep the 100KW signal and change the call letters to WFTW. They would have a winner.

I feel kind left out.. Panama City has 2, Gainesville has one, Jacksonville has one. I guess Pensacola/Ft Walton just isn't big enough where they can take the AM's, sell them and make 104.7 into WFTW-FM. I really do see this as a faint possibility. It would blanket P'COLA and Crestview with no problem.. listen to us, guys.. TALK RADIO does get ratings.

-Rob

 

[Rob]

Oops WABB, I thought it was owned by CC..

 

[trock]

i100 is just following the "i" station plan. Yeah, you'd like to hear a little more "fire", but it's doing it's job! WABB has been reacting to every little thing that station does. Syndicated morning shows do not work on the gulf coast. They're probably doing better with one jock then they would with a show off the bird.

The Groove isn't a CHR. Matter of fact, it's been said that the Groove doesn't even know what it's supposed to be! Probably why it's getting smacked in the ratings. And don't look for jocks on that station. It's meant to run on the cheap.

Speaking of not knowing what they are? Does WABB want to be CHR, Hot AC, or everything? Has anyone noticed the music? CHRs don't play rock based gold from 1995 or "Here Comes the Hot Stepper". Inexperienced staff not knowing how to defend the turf could lead to continuing issues.

The Groove is a rhythmic ac that plays up tempo hits from the 80's 90's and today. I actually like the station and listen to them often. The transmitter move actually has improved the signal here in Crestview. I don't understand why it isn't coming in well in p'cola. ??? They have actually added two local Dj's.Much needed. Boomer 10-3 & Matt McCoy 3-7. I think if they can add a solid morning show they will be alright.

 

[cceng1]

Rob wrote : I had no clue the owner of 104.7 died. That's terrible.

Rob...what have you been smoking? The owner of 104.7 is alive and well and broadcasting his country music from Crestview in pseudo stereo ! I just talked to him on the phone and he told me to tell you to pick on someone else.....

cceng

 

[Tibbs4]

Well, CCENG, thankfully and as always --- you beat me to the punch. After being away and off these boards just over a month...it was "great" to about have a breakdown when I read rob's post about JW passing away.

Luckily, even though I never was a news reporter (or much of else anything respectable in radio)
I decided to Google for the details. Happily, there are no details. Jimmy Whitaker lives. With that, I am totally happy. To me, he is the John Wooden of radio.

Now, rob...geez.

I have decided in my absence, that maybe its time to just face the facts...radio is not for our buddy rob. You are close, sir! Newspapers. Specifically may I suggest you Mapquest "New York Times" (near Canada I think.) Become a writer for the NY Times. Your sense of facts seems to
be about that of most "reporters" there.

WAAZ - Mr. Whitaker - 104.7 ALIVE, thankfully.
WABB - Mr. Dittman - 97.5 DECEASED, sadly.

Charlie - I managed to lose two great Panhandle friends in 0ctober --- oddly, both were in the grocery business along the world's most beautiful beaches.... Mr. Charlie Modica at Seaside and Mr. Charlie Lahan at Laguna Beach. I am sure lots of you lucky folks along the Panhandle might have known them. No more losing anymore Charlie's, ok?

Was through that way week before (0F C0URSE) the WPFM reunion (sorry SM, CW to not see that until after I had made all my reservations, etc. and was far away by that weekend - how'd did it go?) Managed to see Charlie Modica a couple days before he died. Sorry for being off topic here.

Would have reached out to you while I lounged for all two days --- but, Noooooooo --- you were in far off, exotic places, CW. Details? Pictures? Hope all is well.

 

[cceng1]

Tibbs...yes, both of those Charlies ran great grocery stores....especiallly their wine and beer sections! Everytime I go over to Seaside, I always go into the Modica Market and buy something.....as for the trip to St Maarten, you can go to my Facebook page and see all kinds of pictures from there......and in case you were wondering, the local coconut rum and guava nectar are reallly great on ice.....I can also strongly recommend "Guavaberry", the local drink of choice.