Talkers Heavy Hundred

[tbolt909]

The fact that Entercom had to yank WBEN from the FM signal is an
ominous sign. The audience is almost entirely 55+ listeners.
If they can generate substantial revenue with those demographics,
then all is well. Their past success is irrelevant.
The future doesn't bode well for that format with the current content.

The Lake produced the best results of any format that's been
attempted on the 107.7 signal. Entercom is now chasing younger
listeners with no success(ALT 107.7).
WBEN has been their cash cow.
WBEN's failure on 107.7 had to be severe for corporate to remove it...

 

[TheBigA]

The Lake produced the best results of any format that's been
attempted on the 107.7 signal. Entercom is now chasing younger
listeners with no success(ALT 107.7)

How can you say this? Do you have access to the demographic ratings?

 

[SirRoxalot]

107.7 wasn't bringing any new listeners to the party, so Entercom (wisely, IMO) pulled the simulcast and went in a different direction on that weak FM. They didn't "have" to "yank" WBEN from 107.7. The Lake got a few numbers, but didn't make money. Alt 107.7 may actually make more money via non-traditional revenue than The Lake did overall.

WBEN is still doing just fine. WGR is doing even better, and is doing just fine 25-54 males. Between the two AMs, they can combo the stations and sell some pretty strong male numbers. If you listen to WBEN, you'll find no shortage of commercials. They sure aren't giving them away.

The Entercom FMs are strong with women in the money demos, and they appear to have the deepest and most talented sales team in town. That's why they're #1 in revenue. Overall, Townsquare likely has better numbers to sell, but they're still #2 in revenue.

 

[Element9]

The Entercom FMs are strong with women in the money demos, and they appear to have the deepest and most talented sales team in town. That's why they're #1 in revenue. Overall, Townsquare likely has better numbers to sell, but they're still #2 in revenue

Which leaves Cumulus where?

More than a few stations in Buffalo would kill to have the billing and ratings of WBEN. It may be top heavy and gray, but their legacy sellers know how to sell the stations; they're not newbies who get thrown in the deep end with a phone book and told to make ten cold calls a day. Some Western New York AM stations may be on life support (WWKB, WJJL, WLVL, WHLD), but WBEN and moreso, WGR, are making money. That said, if I won a million dollars, the last thing I'd buy is an AM radio station. Regardless of power and present day billing, there's an expiration date for AM, regardless of format.

 

[tbolt909]

Hell, the price for FM signals in major markets has fallen dramatically.
Of course, most companies overpaid badly during the 90's
buying frenzy...

 

[TheBigA]

Of course, most companies overpaid badly during the 90's
buying frenzy...

They paid the going price. In hindsight, they overpaid. But at the time, no one felt that way, either as buyers or sellers.

The bottom didn't really fall out until 2008, which was ten years after the "frenzy."

 

[flybynight]

They paid the going price. In hindsight, they overpaid. But at the time, no one felt that way, either as buyers or sellers.

Are you talking about beanie babies or radio stations?

 

[TheBigA]

Are you talking about beanie babies or radio stations?

It really doesn't matter. We could be talking about Apple stock, or a house in Beverly Hills. The price you pay is based on the marketplace at that time. Ever play Monopoly? What makes a house on Park Place worth more than one on Mediterranean?