I'm inclined to agree with this. (Not the first sentence, but the rest.) I don't listen to either, 'cuz it ain't my cup of tea. But were I to think of listening, I'd not consider them competitively interchangeable... like lima beans vs steak... both food, but hardly the same. Interestingly though, I'd bet/guess that both consider me - demographically - a likely listener. They both come to an erroneous conclusion.
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The Breeze blows into Buffalo
- Thread starter EricSF
- Start date
I'm inclined to agree with this. (Not the first sentence, but the rest.) I don't listen to either, 'cuz it ain't my cup of tea. But were I to think of listening, I'd not consider them competitively interchangeable... like lima beans vs steak... both food, but hardly the same. Interestingly though, I'd bet/guess that both consider me - demographically - a likely listener. They both come to an erroneous conclusion.
Interesting perspective and response. Many years ago an astute, highly regarded programmer-consultant addressed a group of radio advertising, programming and management professionals regarding just such a sentiment. At the time FM was posing its initial challenge to AM; FM garnering increased shares of ratings and advertising revenue. At the time some not-so-forward-thinking broadcast managers espoused the "not our competition" mantra regarding the various formats on FM, especially as established AM Top 40 viewed the lighter FM formats including Beautiful Music. Said the well-regarded programmer, "ladies and gentlemen, if it has a transmitter, AM, FM, shortwave, fire and police band... it's our competition." Today, on-line media and owned music could be added to the list.
Of course many of today's radio companies, including Townsquare, are also in the online content business. So they understand.
I don't know how it's thought of from "the inside" so-to-speak, but from a listeners perspective (specifically, mine, in this case), radio stations have yet to really figure out the online stuff (beyond contests and vip-like ticket code stuff). Lots of opportunity there, IMO.
If a radio station is streaming - and even better if they're putting some decent content in place of commercials that aren't running on the stream - they're in the online content business. If they're actually selling commercials instead of simply bonusing them for on-air buys it's even better. If they've got on-line and smart speakers covered they're in the game.
Maybe you can elaborate.
So?
Buddy's statement about not being in the same format still stands. He does not play the same music blend, and he does not target the same listeners.
While every audio delivery system is part of the overall competition, we can also say that every entertainment option is also competition... video games, streaming videos, and so on.
The business of a station like WECK is to deliver an audience to local retailers and services so that they can present their message and create sales. As long as WECK delivers this service at a cost that meets or beats other options, whatever they are, it will be a successful business.
And in that more limited and realistic context of local business, The Breeze is not a direct format competitor and likely will not reduce the effectiveness of WECK in delivering potential customers to its advertisers.
Second last paragraph = All one needs to know.
Curious... Do radio stations 'screen' or 'format' so-to-speak the commercials for demographic fit? For example, if a station/program directly targeting seniors were to be approached by an advertiser that clearly is not focused on that subset, would they take the money & run... or would they politely bow away? And vice-versa... programming geared toward young adults faced with ads directed at seniors.
For me disparate advertising causes discomfort and will make me look elsewhere. Much like entering a restaurant and being severely the oldest (or youngest) person there.
For example, would a senior focused station/program take on commercials for, say, a Headbangers Ball festival... simply for the $$$? yes, I know that's an extreme example, but you get my point (I hope).
Jerry Lee at WBEB in Philadelphia famously tested commercials and advised clients how to best create them.
Most stations don't question the copy unless it is obviously way out of format or texture, and even then many do the old "take the money and run the spots" attitude.
When I was a GSM, I got a rare walk-in client. They guy had heard we were the #1 station, and he wanted to buy. On hearing what he was advertising, I told him I did not want to take his money, but I would gladly call a friend at a better targeted station and ask him to please take care of a new customer. He bought on the other station, which was right for the product.
I did not think any more about it until I learned that the walk-in was the new president of the Chamber of Commerce and that he had given a speech about "ethics in business" with the radio station that would not take his money as the key example. And, of course, that made quite a few members ask their agency to put us on the next buy!
So the answer is that there are all kinds. Generally, good and fair practices will pay back over time.
WECK and The Breeze may be different formats, but the majority of the audience for both will likely be 50+. Since Eduardo is the Wisest of the Wise(and not full of sheep dip), he should know this. That means they are in competition for the same demos. It's possible that a listener may sample both stations. Others will avoid both. Oldies are Oldies no matter what moniker they're given...
The current crop of soft AC stations are really targeted at 35-54, but they have lots of spillage into 55-64, just like Classic Hits and Classic Rock. The oldies format with a full-service approach seems to be overlapping just on the very upper end of the Breeze demo.
Joe Chille just posted on his Facebook page that he is returning to 96.1 as morning host, a position he once held for — well, a very long time. Very interesting news. Joe had been in charge of programming and hosted afternoons on Buddy’s WECK. While Buddy doesn’t consider The Breeze competition, he’s lost a key staffer to them. Joe says he starts, January 21, presumably at the end of the Breeze’s current 10,000 song commercial-free run.
Trading in his kummelweck roll for a cool breeze. Smart move by Townsquare, bringin a known talent (back) to a format which he fits perfectly. And if they need a news person, John Zack would be equally fitting. BTW, word on social media is Townsquare released Liz Mantell from the WYRK morning show and will be looking for her replacement.
There's your Oh Wow! radio story of this very young 2019. Oh Wow! songs, anyone? I'm hearing Movin' Out -Billy Joel for WECK and Welcome Back -John Sebastian + Right Back to Where We Started From -Maxine Nightengale for The Breeze Joe's Facebook page notes that he was Vice President/Programming at WECK. This is a good programming and sales move for Townsquare and The Breeze.
And it's now official: https://buffalonews.com/2019/01/04/after-six-years-joe-chille-returning-as-morning-host-at-96-1/
Joe also gave up his Senior Radio Buffalo hosting duties at the end of December replaced by Linda Pellegrino. (he said then that was because he wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren after working 13-1/2 hour days)
Here's a quick thought:
Be fun if they flipped to 96•1 "JILL FM"
WBUF could truly have a SISTER station.
The station could go jockless...as a measure to save $$$ as well as make money. In addition, using JACK fm's popularity to help launch the station. JILL FM could ease in a female friendly audience while using edgy... and I mean that in a PG manner to welcome guy listeners.
If they're not feeling the vibe on 96.1 - could use cross promotion to steer there audience to JACK.... or 106.5/power 93.7.
Cheers
Be fun if they flipped to 96•1 "JILL FM"
WBUF could truly have a SISTER station.
The station could go jockless...as a measure to save $$$ as well as make money. In addition, using JACK fm's popularity to help launch the station. JILL FM could ease in a female friendly audience while using edgy... and I mean that in a PG manner to welcome guy listeners.
If they're not feeling the vibe on 96.1 - could use cross promotion to steer there audience to JACK.... or 106.5/power 93.7.
Cheers
Wasn't this the guy who was held responsible for the demise of JOY and forced to "retire"? Perhaps it wasn't his fault after all, but rather a company that doesn't know what it wants. Townsquare now hopes to get back all the Blue Haired Ladies they alienated 5 years ago.
The Coma Inducing Breeze might succeed in an older market like Buffalo if they can "sell it". Otherwise, it's another Wide Right miss...
The company knows what it wants, but it's a moving target. The target moves as public tastes change and the audience ages. So it's a different group of blue hairs.
Since when are women in the 35-54 demographic considered "older"?
The format you consider boring is #1 in Miami (which is actually a much younger market) and Tampa and in the top couple of stations in SD, SF and Seattle. The station in the format the longest are not having trouble selling it.
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