To John FL and others here on the Treasure Coast.... I recently came across the Central Florida Radio website which lists a lot of tidbits about the Central Florida stations: What's News?. I wonder what would be the feasibility of putting something together in our neck of the woods.
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Treasure Coast Radio
- Thread starter Alex Browne
- Start date
Thanks, Alex, for the mention.
I’m familiar with the site. In fact, I’ve referred to it in various radio posts over the years. I believe there is also a ‘sister’ site that deals with radio history in Central Florida. That’s a subject that interests me greatly and radio history isn’t limited to just Florida.
The site has probably been received well given the dynamics of Central Florida radio. There are numerous markets from big to small and everything in between. With cities such as Tampa, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Cocoa, St. Pete, Melbourne, and even the Sarasota area, there’s no doubt a lot of news.
If an undertaking like that would be attempted for the Treasure Coast, it would also have to include the Palm Beaches. In fact, the two markets are really joined at the hip. As you know, the TC is part of the West Palm TV market. But even with that, would the work involved be justified?
If you look at this radio board, it’s extremely difficult getting participation. While I can understand how a subject of ratings gets interest and response in the top markets, it falls flat when it’s just about the TC. I’ve presented it many times spinning different angles to no avail. If Palm Beach County or any other PPM market into the discussion and interest is aroused. The reality is there is bias against smaller markets. There may be assumptions about quality broadcasting as well. Perhaps that explains the overall lack of interest here.
As someone who has listened to a lot of radio from all corners of Florida to numerous markets across the country, I believe radio on the TC is surprisingly good being far better than average. Part of the reason for this is ownership for many stations come under the umbrella of mom & pop operators.
I call the TC home for over 3 years now. When I first arrived, I initiated a string that inquired about the history of the market such as what were the big stations, personalities, etc. No one commented. Again, a part of the problem is this board simply doesn’t get the traffic. And in the universe of participants on the board, the vast majority have probably never set foot here.
If I sound frustrated, it’s because I am. The Miami/Ft. Lauderdale board sees more discussions about radio in Palm Beach than we ever see. There are some good and lively ones too. I find Florida to be an interesting state on many counts and radio from market-to-market reflects the diversity and differences in each market. It’s worthy of discussion in my view but it doesn’t seem to pass muster.
We hear about the importance of revenue to radio, yet I can’t get even the simplest of questions answered in a recent post. The Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast show incredible growth and the economy is rebounding big time. On Friday, WPTV NewsChannel 5 reported once again about how the unemployment rate in Palm Beach County is below both the national and state level. I tried making the case with a tie-in to the health of radio. You’d think that would be of interest but it’s clearly not the case.
What I’d like to see is those who have had history with the market(s) come forward and contribute here. In the meantime, poster Radio Patrol does an outstanding job in reporting news about markets across the country including ours. If the level of interest for radio in this part of S.E. Florida increases well enough, I would think a dedicated website in addition to this board could make sense.
I’m familiar with the site. In fact, I’ve referred to it in various radio posts over the years. I believe there is also a ‘sister’ site that deals with radio history in Central Florida. That’s a subject that interests me greatly and radio history isn’t limited to just Florida.
The site has probably been received well given the dynamics of Central Florida radio. There are numerous markets from big to small and everything in between. With cities such as Tampa, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Cocoa, St. Pete, Melbourne, and even the Sarasota area, there’s no doubt a lot of news.
If an undertaking like that would be attempted for the Treasure Coast, it would also have to include the Palm Beaches. In fact, the two markets are really joined at the hip. As you know, the TC is part of the West Palm TV market. But even with that, would the work involved be justified?
If you look at this radio board, it’s extremely difficult getting participation. While I can understand how a subject of ratings gets interest and response in the top markets, it falls flat when it’s just about the TC. I’ve presented it many times spinning different angles to no avail. If Palm Beach County or any other PPM market into the discussion and interest is aroused. The reality is there is bias against smaller markets. There may be assumptions about quality broadcasting as well. Perhaps that explains the overall lack of interest here.
As someone who has listened to a lot of radio from all corners of Florida to numerous markets across the country, I believe radio on the TC is surprisingly good being far better than average. Part of the reason for this is ownership for many stations come under the umbrella of mom & pop operators.
I call the TC home for over 3 years now. When I first arrived, I initiated a string that inquired about the history of the market such as what were the big stations, personalities, etc. No one commented. Again, a part of the problem is this board simply doesn’t get the traffic. And in the universe of participants on the board, the vast majority have probably never set foot here.
If I sound frustrated, it’s because I am. The Miami/Ft. Lauderdale board sees more discussions about radio in Palm Beach than we ever see. There are some good and lively ones too. I find Florida to be an interesting state on many counts and radio from market-to-market reflects the diversity and differences in each market. It’s worthy of discussion in my view but it doesn’t seem to pass muster.
We hear about the importance of revenue to radio, yet I can’t get even the simplest of questions answered in a recent post. The Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast show incredible growth and the economy is rebounding big time. On Friday, WPTV NewsChannel 5 reported once again about how the unemployment rate in Palm Beach County is below both the national and state level. I tried making the case with a tie-in to the health of radio. You’d think that would be of interest but it’s clearly not the case.
What I’d like to see is those who have had history with the market(s) come forward and contribute here. In the meantime, poster Radio Patrol does an outstanding job in reporting news about markets across the country including ours. If the level of interest for radio in this part of S.E. Florida increases well enough, I would think a dedicated website in addition to this board could make sense.
John, I've read your all of posts over time with great interest and you're spot on with everything you've stated here. It is true: this section of the boards does not get ventured into much, thus, the "Treasure Coast," instead, gets lumped into West Palm Beach, then ends up in the Fort Lauderdale/Miami boards.
I think that's because South Florida is an odd, geographic duck. And, overall, Florida, as a state, is "three states" in one. I think that's the root of the frustation, if you will. Let me explain, my take:
When we say "South Florida," it's not the same as saying, say, "Los Angeles," and "Southern California" doesn't get the same geographical mix up, if you will, as we do down here: for Los Angeles is L.A. and it stands alone as the "hub" of SoCal. When you say, Southern California, you think, "Los Angeles."
South Florida isn't a "city" (it's not like saying "South Bend," Indiana), although viewed as such, by the many. We've got West Palm Beach, then Fort Lauderdale, then Miami, all pulling against each other to be the "hub" or center of the area. When you say, "South Florida," some think of one city, but not one of the other cities, overall. SoFla is an area where you don't say "Chicago" and you're done.
When all of the TV and film production was going on down here (and some radio pros drifted into it), before leaving for Georgia when Florida pulled the Tax Incentives package, each SoFla city I mentioned, pushed and pulled against one another to be the new "Hollywood," if you will. Endlessly battling to "film here, we have this and they don't" debates to boost their individual economies.
Anyway, it's that crazy mix of SoFla that results in the market jumbling you get by radio pro and listeners, I am guessing. Like you said, West Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast get "joined at the hip." And the smaller markets (and smaller stations) do get thrown under the bus/kicked to the gutters. The bias you speak of is real. And TC is a vibrant market, that's bible.
As for the state, as a whole: I feel, when you're up into the Panhandle, you're no longer in "Florida," you're in Alabama. Take it horizontal to the east, and you're in Georgia. Then you have Central Florida, which is, for me, a whole new "state,: when compared to the third part, which is, South Florida. When I am in Jacksonville, I couldn't feel less in Miami, or Florida. It's a whole different vibe, at least for me.
I've lived in a couple of states . . . and big cities. No other area is quite like Florida/South Florida. Well, okay, I'd say California, could be broken up with the same discussion.
And that CFL site is just awesome, as you can get really lost in it, with the (good) memories.
There are some very interesting stations, smaller stations in smaller towns up there, which are still standalone operations (studios, transmitters, offices in one plot/building) that are not part of a micro-radio group, still making a go of it, locally, not giving in to turning the keys over in an LMA or catchall brokering or riding a network feed. Just good 'ol radio (with computers, now, of course) the way it used to be (it still works, if you try). Just stations trying different things, unique takes, keeping it "in house," which I applaud (and without FM translators!). And I get "frustrated" when those operators are written off as "radio hobbyists" and not "serious professionals" and their efforts are slagged with "mom and pop" a dirty word. And since urban sprawl hasn't swallowed that part of the state (not all of it, anyway), we still have those type of stations in the state. And I say that because, those type of AM stations are long gone in . . . South Florida.
Anyway, always good reads from you, John. The users don't know what they're missing by not poking their nose in here!
I think that's because South Florida is an odd, geographic duck. And, overall, Florida, as a state, is "three states" in one. I think that's the root of the frustation, if you will. Let me explain, my take:
When we say "South Florida," it's not the same as saying, say, "Los Angeles," and "Southern California" doesn't get the same geographical mix up, if you will, as we do down here: for Los Angeles is L.A. and it stands alone as the "hub" of SoCal. When you say, Southern California, you think, "Los Angeles."
South Florida isn't a "city" (it's not like saying "South Bend," Indiana), although viewed as such, by the many. We've got West Palm Beach, then Fort Lauderdale, then Miami, all pulling against each other to be the "hub" or center of the area. When you say, "South Florida," some think of one city, but not one of the other cities, overall. SoFla is an area where you don't say "Chicago" and you're done.
When all of the TV and film production was going on down here (and some radio pros drifted into it), before leaving for Georgia when Florida pulled the Tax Incentives package, each SoFla city I mentioned, pushed and pulled against one another to be the new "Hollywood," if you will. Endlessly battling to "film here, we have this and they don't" debates to boost their individual economies.
Anyway, it's that crazy mix of SoFla that results in the market jumbling you get by radio pro and listeners, I am guessing. Like you said, West Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast get "joined at the hip." And the smaller markets (and smaller stations) do get thrown under the bus/kicked to the gutters. The bias you speak of is real. And TC is a vibrant market, that's bible.
As for the state, as a whole: I feel, when you're up into the Panhandle, you're no longer in "Florida," you're in Alabama. Take it horizontal to the east, and you're in Georgia. Then you have Central Florida, which is, for me, a whole new "state,: when compared to the third part, which is, South Florida. When I am in Jacksonville, I couldn't feel less in Miami, or Florida. It's a whole different vibe, at least for me.
I've lived in a couple of states . . . and big cities. No other area is quite like Florida/South Florida. Well, okay, I'd say California, could be broken up with the same discussion.
And that CFL site is just awesome, as you can get really lost in it, with the (good) memories.
There are some very interesting stations, smaller stations in smaller towns up there, which are still standalone operations (studios, transmitters, offices in one plot/building) that are not part of a micro-radio group, still making a go of it, locally, not giving in to turning the keys over in an LMA or catchall brokering or riding a network feed. Just good 'ol radio (with computers, now, of course) the way it used to be (it still works, if you try). Just stations trying different things, unique takes, keeping it "in house," which I applaud (and without FM translators!). And I get "frustrated" when those operators are written off as "radio hobbyists" and not "serious professionals" and their efforts are slagged with "mom and pop" a dirty word. And since urban sprawl hasn't swallowed that part of the state (not all of it, anyway), we still have those type of stations in the state. And I say that because, those type of AM stations are long gone in . . . South Florida.
Anyway, always good reads from you, John. The users don't know what they're missing by not poking their nose in here!
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Cay Daze, I very much appreciate your kind words and your detailed analysis. I enjoyed reading it all and I agree with the crux of what you’re saying. For what it’s worth, I’ve approached every market in Florida with an open mind.
In all the years I’ve posted on Radio Discussions, I don’t think I ever phoned it in. Virtually all my opinions have come from research and preparation - lots of it. Radio has long been a passion and I’ve devoted a great deal of time in studying it.
The reality is people have changed and, in many respects, these radio boards do reflect that. People tend to not be complementary or very much supportive. Today, there's "like" buttons and emoji but it's not the same as an enouraging response.
Differing with someone gets more attention. I maintain that radio in Florida should get more participation. There's incredible differences from market-to-market. Lots to discuss.
Then again, these are not normal times in which we live. As you say, “The users don't know what they're missing by not poking their nose in here!” I totally agree!
In all the years I’ve posted on Radio Discussions, I don’t think I ever phoned it in. Virtually all my opinions have come from research and preparation - lots of it. Radio has long been a passion and I’ve devoted a great deal of time in studying it.
The reality is people have changed and, in many respects, these radio boards do reflect that. People tend to not be complementary or very much supportive. Today, there's "like" buttons and emoji but it's not the same as an enouraging response.
Differing with someone gets more attention. I maintain that radio in Florida should get more participation. There's incredible differences from market-to-market. Lots to discuss.
Then again, these are not normal times in which we live. As you say, “The users don't know what they're missing by not poking their nose in here!” I totally agree!
Well, John. I see three types here -- and all boards, regardless of the subject or industy (so adjust the cats accordingly), are like this, with "factions" or clicks. (It's the way of the web/social media.)
1. The broadcasting professionals (air or management)
2. The Engineers
3. The radio hobbyists/junkies/fans (of music or talk)
I haven't dug in the boards too deep, after not visiting for quite a while, to see if it is the same old-same old. Back when Radio Ink had these boards, it was the lawless land. Lots of dust ups. Harsh langauge. No monitoring. It felt unwelcoming. Non-supportive. Non-complementary. Very difficult to express an opinion -- even a knowledgeable, educated one. Someone always knew better and you were degraded, short of being called an idiot. And lots of "last word" types. Posts going on way long than they should, going off topic. More "them" than a person such as yourself. And the former class took over -- and the latter, left. And it got more acidic, since, all that was left was the acidics.
The third class of users would get it the worst, and practically be chased off. "This isn't for music fans or radio fans," it would be said. But I think this board needs this third type, so you have a listener perspective. Sure, they may not know the business (or understand formats and format fragmentation and format crossover, music marketing, etc.) and their points aren't well-rounded, radio wise, but their "frustrations" about the state of radio, is valid. But, I admit, they got to give us more than "such and such AM radio station, sucks" and make a pet names for a failing station; more think before you type, types.
And management types would be short with the air folks. Heavens forbid if your knowledge, in an ever-changing business, was a bit dated. You got pounced. It's a fact that, sometimes, there's air guys -- with years of experience and have skills -- who hated the business or legal ends, so may not know broadcast law (just enough to squeak by for their air concerns to do a shift; there's many). But their experiences, still count.
But, after returning recently, as a reader, only . . . I see that it's much better, now that's it's independent from a parent publication. The chaps running it come across as, not only long-time business professionals who know their stuff, but are passionate in creating a safe place to exchange thoughts on radio -- whether you're still in the business, retired, and no matter what area of the business you worked/excelled in. It feels encouraging, now. (At least more than it was, from what I see so far.) Looking at those top categories -- wow. They surely work hard in design and maintenance.
Hopefully, any apprehensions past users had will see things are a bit more mellow here, and participate more.
Why it's all "South Florida" and Central Florida is the ugly girl at the radio ranch, it's beyond me. As your posts said, Volusia County is booming nicely and not exactly Hicksville, USA.
To put this back on track for Alex and John, both TC radio fans (as am I). I discovered two, small AMs that I listen to from time to time. However, they're in Brevard, which is the "Space Coast," so I am guilty of "joining it to the hip" of the "Treasure Coast," which would be, as we know, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River. So, sorry about that! Of course, the two stations in Brevard I am mentioning are lumped into "Central Florida," and found on the Central Florida Radio site, noted above.
WKQK 1300 is very interesting. It's seem to be a husband and wife team running it. It's all local music talent from Brevard with a mix of original and cover tunes across all genres. It looks like, when a deal fell apart with Rama Communications, they picked it up for a bargain by paying off the FCC fines incurred by Rama. Google maps show the studio, transmitter, and offices all all one site.
WPGS 840 is a fun listen with its very wide and deep "Classic Rock" playlist. All '50 and '60s oldies/doo wop on Sundays, with hosts. But no DJs during other times. A few political and religious talk shows by someone named, Pastor Marty (he does an Oldies show, too) who, I take is either the owner or one of the partners of the station, considering how often he's on-air. The studio and transmitter are in different locations, but the studio looks like a home, as it on the edge of a residential neighborhood. (They did, for a time, rebroadcast on the 50kw WIXC 1060 in Titusville, which I was asking about at the 1060 WIXC thread.)
I like the little stations that are trying for something different, not just going into brokering or syndication or network sports. Hope you listen and leave your thoughts. Any other "little stations that could" in the Treasure Coast area I should know about?
WKQK 1300 is very interesting. It's seem to be a husband and wife team running it. It's all local music talent from Brevard with a mix of original and cover tunes across all genres. It looks like, when a deal fell apart with Rama Communications, they picked it up for a bargain by paying off the FCC fines incurred by Rama. Google maps show the studio, transmitter, and offices all all one site.
WPGS 840 is a fun listen with its very wide and deep "Classic Rock" playlist. All '50 and '60s oldies/doo wop on Sundays, with hosts. But no DJs during other times. A few political and religious talk shows by someone named, Pastor Marty (he does an Oldies show, too) who, I take is either the owner or one of the partners of the station, considering how often he's on-air. The studio and transmitter are in different locations, but the studio looks like a home, as it on the edge of a residential neighborhood. (They did, for a time, rebroadcast on the 50kw WIXC 1060 in Titusville, which I was asking about at the 1060 WIXC thread.)
I like the little stations that are trying for something different, not just going into brokering or syndication or network sports. Hope you listen and leave your thoughts. Any other "little stations that could" in the Treasure Coast area I should know about?
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I live in Port St. Lucie, Cay, and am unable to pick up WKQK or WPGS, but they do sound interesting. I can't even get a decent signal from the Vero Beach AMs John has referred to in the past. In St. Lucie and Martin Counties, we have a group of 3 small AM's, WPSL/Port St. Lucie, WSTU/Stuart, and WJNX/Fort Pierce. The first two carry conservative talk shows and network sports on evenings and weekends, but do produce some local talk shows -- swap shop, some advice shows run by local businesses (which may be paying for the time), etc.; WJNX plays Spanish music but oddly carries CBS news (in English) on the hour. I think it's interesting that these are locally operated, but I wouldn't call the programming particularly cool or creative. I note that none of those 3 have an FM translator -- very unusual for an AM these days! Another AM station, WIRA/Fort Pierce, plays Latino hits and is now know by its translator: "La Nueva 104.9."
I am aware of these stations, as well, but haven't taken an interest in them in quite some time. They had so many owner and format flips. I think as far as even being dark, at at a point. I do recall WPSL/Port St. Lucie tried local, English-based sports with network stuff; it wasn't very good, what I heard was a very bad imitation of, an amateur-local "morning zoo." Like high school or college kids given the mics. Awful.
Now, looking at the sites and social media for those stations, I am impressed. The studios are well equipped and clean. Certainly an inviting environment if you wanted to work there or buy airtime. I think a well-equipped facility, a clean facility is an important part in, not only obtaining a good staff, but more clients. Equipment counts. (Is this Evan & Bonnie "Get Up and Go" "morning show" on WSTU brokered or are they "employees"; they run the station (OD and office/sales manager, doing a show)? I ask because three hours a day for five days, that's a hefty brokering fee! Not unless they're hussling and selling spots on their own to keep it going!)
So many of these small AMs ... I know they're trying and they are cash strapped, but when you see them running off a little music mixing board from Sam Ash/Guitar Center (and probably not even new, at that) plugged into a lap top, you cringe a little. Yeah, it gets the programming on the air and maybe it's easier/less intimidating for the brokered host or some new, first time employee with no experience you picked off the street and are training, but still. Not a very inviting environment to get quality employees or clients (spots or brokered shows).
Not to put down WKQK or WPGS, but looking at their studio photos, they are operating like this. But they are wholly, truly "mom and pop" outlets. Both have been battered and bruised (tracing their history at the Central Florida Radio site), so you gotta do what you gotta do. I commend them not brokering in-house or LMA'ing or just "riding the bird" to fill the time.
But back to WPSL/Port St. Lucie (website) WSTU/Stuart (Facebook) and WJNX/Fort Pierce (La Gigante; website), I see that they are, as you said, a "group." When I went to WPSL, they have buttons/links to WSTU and WJNX. (But the other two do not link back to another.) Again, impressed with the facilities and the local slant to them. I have no issues with the network weeks/local weekends, as I know how hard it is to maintain a live-local, or even taped-local, as an independent without a larger entity behind you to provide programming from other sources (like Beasley with WWNN 1470, which now, is a lone station). While WKQK and WPGS make a go with a full-time (in part) music format, that's not viable for everyone. Plus, very hard to sell spots to keep that afloat. Again, anyone that wants to buy on AM, wants their "own show" (to show off).
Another interesting AM group is "Radio Vision Nouvelle." Now, it's not exactly Treasure Coast or Space Coast, but in that neck of the woods, in part.
The group is WPOM 1600/Rivera Beach, WIRA 1400/Fort Pierce, and WSWN 900 (Sugar 900)/Belle Glade. As you can see from the link, James Leger owns them. Now, he was an imfamous, notorious radio pirate with an extensive FCC history. He'd be shut down, and go back up again (and he had issues with immigration; passport fraud; all online via Google). Now, I am not particularly fond of radio piracy. (He refers to his past on the site an "underground radio operator," umm, okay.) So, it rubs a bit that Legar was allow to purchase commercial outlets -- after so flagrantly violating FCC (and other) laws. But, looking over the stations' social media, the group seems nice and has good equipment (but that photo on their "about" page is definitely NOT their studio).
I do, however, commend Leger for keeping the stations on air and viable, which I assumed are brokered. I think WPOM and WIRA (no site) run the same programs. Sugar 900/WSWN is still the indie black gospel outlet it was before (you might recall that JVC Broadcasting out of New York turned it into "900 AM "The Talk (of the Palm Beaches)"; JVC sold it to Legar and brought back the "Sugar" branding, which is on an 101.7 translator, now). They don't stream anymore and seems to be a marketing site for a "Brother Church," so I have no idea what the programming is, now.
Point being: There are little guys out there, in the smaller markets (such as the Treasure Coast/Space Coast; or the smaller stations in Palm Beach that are forgotten) trying, keeping the smaller AMs going -- and without translators and rebranding as an "FM" -- and not evening mentioning the AM at all. This is what's up with "The Surf" in West Palm Beach; that's actually the old "Seaview 960" on two FM translators, now owned by VCMG Live after being a JVC New York station. If you recall, Chet Tart, a long time Gold and Treasure Coast radio guy that goes back to Fairbanks' days, owned, put Seaview on the air as a new AM.
Now, looking at the sites and social media for those stations, I am impressed. The studios are well equipped and clean. Certainly an inviting environment if you wanted to work there or buy airtime. I think a well-equipped facility, a clean facility is an important part in, not only obtaining a good staff, but more clients. Equipment counts. (Is this Evan & Bonnie "Get Up and Go" "morning show" on WSTU brokered or are they "employees"; they run the station (OD and office/sales manager, doing a show)? I ask because three hours a day for five days, that's a hefty brokering fee! Not unless they're hussling and selling spots on their own to keep it going!)
So many of these small AMs ... I know they're trying and they are cash strapped, but when you see them running off a little music mixing board from Sam Ash/Guitar Center (and probably not even new, at that) plugged into a lap top, you cringe a little. Yeah, it gets the programming on the air and maybe it's easier/less intimidating for the brokered host or some new, first time employee with no experience you picked off the street and are training, but still. Not a very inviting environment to get quality employees or clients (spots or brokered shows).
Not to put down WKQK or WPGS, but looking at their studio photos, they are operating like this. But they are wholly, truly "mom and pop" outlets. Both have been battered and bruised (tracing their history at the Central Florida Radio site), so you gotta do what you gotta do. I commend them not brokering in-house or LMA'ing or just "riding the bird" to fill the time.
But back to WPSL/Port St. Lucie (website) WSTU/Stuart (Facebook) and WJNX/Fort Pierce (La Gigante; website), I see that they are, as you said, a "group." When I went to WPSL, they have buttons/links to WSTU and WJNX. (But the other two do not link back to another.) Again, impressed with the facilities and the local slant to them. I have no issues with the network weeks/local weekends, as I know how hard it is to maintain a live-local, or even taped-local, as an independent without a larger entity behind you to provide programming from other sources (like Beasley with WWNN 1470, which now, is a lone station). While WKQK and WPGS make a go with a full-time (in part) music format, that's not viable for everyone. Plus, very hard to sell spots to keep that afloat. Again, anyone that wants to buy on AM, wants their "own show" (to show off).
Another interesting AM group is "Radio Vision Nouvelle." Now, it's not exactly Treasure Coast or Space Coast, but in that neck of the woods, in part.
The group is WPOM 1600/Rivera Beach, WIRA 1400/Fort Pierce, and WSWN 900 (Sugar 900)/Belle Glade. As you can see from the link, James Leger owns them. Now, he was an imfamous, notorious radio pirate with an extensive FCC history. He'd be shut down, and go back up again (and he had issues with immigration; passport fraud; all online via Google). Now, I am not particularly fond of radio piracy. (He refers to his past on the site an "underground radio operator," umm, okay.) So, it rubs a bit that Legar was allow to purchase commercial outlets -- after so flagrantly violating FCC (and other) laws. But, looking over the stations' social media, the group seems nice and has good equipment (but that photo on their "about" page is definitely NOT their studio).
I do, however, commend Leger for keeping the stations on air and viable, which I assumed are brokered. I think WPOM and WIRA (no site) run the same programs. Sugar 900/WSWN is still the indie black gospel outlet it was before (you might recall that JVC Broadcasting out of New York turned it into "900 AM "The Talk (of the Palm Beaches)"; JVC sold it to Legar and brought back the "Sugar" branding, which is on an 101.7 translator, now). They don't stream anymore and seems to be a marketing site for a "Brother Church," so I have no idea what the programming is, now.
Point being: There are little guys out there, in the smaller markets (such as the Treasure Coast/Space Coast; or the smaller stations in Palm Beach that are forgotten) trying, keeping the smaller AMs going -- and without translators and rebranding as an "FM" -- and not evening mentioning the AM at all. This is what's up with "The Surf" in West Palm Beach; that's actually the old "Seaview 960" on two FM translators, now owned by VCMG Live after being a JVC New York station. If you recall, Chet Tart, a long time Gold and Treasure Coast radio guy that goes back to Fairbanks' days, owned, put Seaview on the air as a new AM.
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I think another very nice cluster -- that has a small town, small station feel -- and has that "joined that the hip" vibe between WPB and TC is Glades Media Group. They've got nicely imaged Country AMs with WAFC 590 and WOKC 1570, which cover Okeechobee, Belle Glade, Labelle, Clewiston (I know, that's more "central"). Their other AMs are, WAFZ 1490 (Mexican) (well, that's Naples) and WWRF 1380 (Latin, WPB)-- each of these have one, two, and even three FM translators.
I appreciate Glades has not gone the way of brokering or satellite (sports or politics) and creating a real format with imaging. The country stations are staffed up, but not sure how much of that is live, local, or voice tracked (and not local, at that), but it sounds really good. It's great that's their cluster is all music and no talk (live local or network), which is nomally the case with AMs -- talk.
Then Glades has their FMs: WLMX 95.1 cover the Treasure Coast into Fort Piece and Vero Beach with a translator. WAFZ 99.5 "La Ley" is West Palm. Not sure of the format difference, tweaks of Regional Mexican. Are the formats, the music, of WLMX, WAFZ, and WLLY the same, and just the imaging is different? What's the format tweaks to each. Is one more traditional and "older" and another more current and "youthful"?
The other FM Glades has -- besides WLMX 95.1 and WLLY is WKYX 96.7 (one translator) which is "alternative classic rock" in the Keys. That's a unique format you don't hear often on commercial stations.
Glades comes across as a commendable company with a nice variety that's really trying with their AMs -- although only one station -- WLMX -- fits into the "Treasure Coast" discussion of this thread that needs to exist.
Add in other TC and Space Coast stations that stand out or our your favorite stations or long gone station you remember!
Fairbanks was nice company but they had/started getting stations out of state, as well, before their demise, if I recall. It's been so long!
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Cay Daze, it’s wonderful seeing this level of participation on the Florida board. You touched on many subjects in your posts. I may have more response if warranted. Here are my thoughts from your prior posts.
AM Radio has received a good deal of discussion on these boards. Over the years I wouldn’t be surprised if I posted about it near 100 times. To this day, I find the listener transition to FM and the rapid decline of AM to be a fascinating subject.
As I have often mentioned, I’ve traveled extensively throughout Florida. There were easily 6-8 trips a year alone between North and South Florida. Before I became a subscriber to SiriusXM in 2010, I enjoyed pulling in local AMs and FMs. When I traveled alone, and had the time, I would often get off the highway to explore a community. One such visit was New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County.
I can’t recall the station name, but it was an outstanding one. It was an obvious local mom & pop AM. There was a festival in a park right by their City Hall. The station was broadcasting live from there featuring adult-based music with what I call a unique and grown-up sound.
There was Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, with oldies thrown in that didn’t dilute their overall sound. To this day, I remember these back-to-back songs. It was Boz Scaggs’ “Look What You’ve Done to Me” followed by Steely Dan’s “Deacon Blues.” I was back in South Florida hearing those tunes!
As I listened, it became obvious that little stations in small markets don’t get the notoriety of their big city, big company counterparts. But they also help contribute to the health of radio as a business. Their format uniqueness, latitude, and involvement in the community to name a few attributes give radio the advantage to everything else. How they stay afloat today is the question. I hope they stick around.
Before I moved to the Treasure Coast, I traveled through the area quite often. When I waited at the Turnpike entrance, I would often scan stations and was always amazed at what came through. It was typical to find Orlando, Miami, Daytona Beach, even Tampa stations pop up, disappear, then come back again. Jokingly, as a radio junkie, I often thought this would be the place for me to live. Who'd have thunk it that I did!
Since being a part of the Treasure Coast, I’ve seen that local management matters. iHeartMedia on the T.C. and Palm Beach County do a great job in my view. I had contacts at Palm Beach's AC WOLL. I had some insight as to goings on there. I've always respected private conversations. What an incredible station and history. In my time in Jacksonville, I found the former Clear Channel then iHeartMedia was totally dysfunctional. In your earlier post you brought up Jax so I'd like to put in my two cents. Trust me, I could write a book about that place.
Jacksonville had a solid radio history. Much happened from bad decisions to management who didn’t have what it took. I won’t relitigate all of that here but for years I kvetched on these boards to no avail. When I moved from Jax over three years ago, I breathed a sigh of relief. It’s a great community but radio there is the worst I ever experienced anywhere. It wasn’t always that way. Jacksonville's downward slide didn’t happen overnight either.
Many changes in radio happen including ownership. Sometimes that can be a good thing but often the uniqueness that exists with a mom & pop operation is replaced with the big company’s format brand.
When I researched the ratings string for all the Florida markets, I found Cumulus Media didn’t impress me at all. This is based on what I heard “through the speakers.”
Cumulus has a presence in Melbourne in Brevard County. From a distance perspective, it’s around 40 miles from the northern Treasure Coast. That’s scary close. Could Cumulus have their eyes set on expanding further south? I certainly hope not.
I’ve often spoke about Treasure & Space Coast Radio. You mentioned them in your last posting. I have been extremely impressed with the company and their ties to the community. They have a good cluster of stations offering a wide range of formats targeting totally different audiences. They are a classic mom & pop operations. Of particular interest to me is their Soft AC – WOSN (97.1 Ocean FM) I suppose it’s rare to love 100% of a station’s playlist but that’s where I am.
Besides “light and refreshing,” another tagline is “we’re a one-of-a-kind radio station.” That’s certainly true. Finding a station that offers jazz on Sunday morning is a rarity. For the time I’ve been living on The Treasure Coast, I’ve listened to Ocean FM on the way to Church, on Sunday morning errands, and return trip home. You just know a Cumulus would end all of that. Ocean FM would be another typical AC you can hear anywhere.
Cumulus could probably run the Treasure Coast cluster right from Melbourne with perhaps a small sale office on the TC. Economically it’s what’s done. Virtually all my life, I was into big city radio. I am now a big fan of small market, mom and pop radio stations. Perhaps seeds of that were already planted when I enjoyed that New Smyrna radio station from 20 years ago.
We’re a two-vehicle family. My better half listens only to SiriusXM. In my car, I probably listen to commercial radio more often than SiriusXM which I prefer listening to at home more. Radio that’s local and engaging is powerful and addictive. I have lots of choices. Far more than I ever had in Jax. Besides a Soft AC, there’s a great local variety based Classic Hits Station, there’s NPR, there’s oldies, there’s several West Palm stations, and a decent AC out of Stuart.
The Treasure Coast is a great radio market. The spots are mainly local. The whole vibe is local. Radio truly represents the community quite well. I hope it stays that way.
AM Radio has received a good deal of discussion on these boards. Over the years I wouldn’t be surprised if I posted about it near 100 times. To this day, I find the listener transition to FM and the rapid decline of AM to be a fascinating subject.
As I have often mentioned, I’ve traveled extensively throughout Florida. There were easily 6-8 trips a year alone between North and South Florida. Before I became a subscriber to SiriusXM in 2010, I enjoyed pulling in local AMs and FMs. When I traveled alone, and had the time, I would often get off the highway to explore a community. One such visit was New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County.
I can’t recall the station name, but it was an outstanding one. It was an obvious local mom & pop AM. There was a festival in a park right by their City Hall. The station was broadcasting live from there featuring adult-based music with what I call a unique and grown-up sound.
There was Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, with oldies thrown in that didn’t dilute their overall sound. To this day, I remember these back-to-back songs. It was Boz Scaggs’ “Look What You’ve Done to Me” followed by Steely Dan’s “Deacon Blues.” I was back in South Florida hearing those tunes!
As I listened, it became obvious that little stations in small markets don’t get the notoriety of their big city, big company counterparts. But they also help contribute to the health of radio as a business. Their format uniqueness, latitude, and involvement in the community to name a few attributes give radio the advantage to everything else. How they stay afloat today is the question. I hope they stick around.
Before I moved to the Treasure Coast, I traveled through the area quite often. When I waited at the Turnpike entrance, I would often scan stations and was always amazed at what came through. It was typical to find Orlando, Miami, Daytona Beach, even Tampa stations pop up, disappear, then come back again. Jokingly, as a radio junkie, I often thought this would be the place for me to live. Who'd have thunk it that I did!
Since being a part of the Treasure Coast, I’ve seen that local management matters. iHeartMedia on the T.C. and Palm Beach County do a great job in my view. I had contacts at Palm Beach's AC WOLL. I had some insight as to goings on there. I've always respected private conversations. What an incredible station and history. In my time in Jacksonville, I found the former Clear Channel then iHeartMedia was totally dysfunctional. In your earlier post you brought up Jax so I'd like to put in my two cents. Trust me, I could write a book about that place.
Jacksonville had a solid radio history. Much happened from bad decisions to management who didn’t have what it took. I won’t relitigate all of that here but for years I kvetched on these boards to no avail. When I moved from Jax over three years ago, I breathed a sigh of relief. It’s a great community but radio there is the worst I ever experienced anywhere. It wasn’t always that way. Jacksonville's downward slide didn’t happen overnight either.
Many changes in radio happen including ownership. Sometimes that can be a good thing but often the uniqueness that exists with a mom & pop operation is replaced with the big company’s format brand.
When I researched the ratings string for all the Florida markets, I found Cumulus Media didn’t impress me at all. This is based on what I heard “through the speakers.”
Cumulus has a presence in Melbourne in Brevard County. From a distance perspective, it’s around 40 miles from the northern Treasure Coast. That’s scary close. Could Cumulus have their eyes set on expanding further south? I certainly hope not.
I’ve often spoke about Treasure & Space Coast Radio. You mentioned them in your last posting. I have been extremely impressed with the company and their ties to the community. They have a good cluster of stations offering a wide range of formats targeting totally different audiences. They are a classic mom & pop operations. Of particular interest to me is their Soft AC – WOSN (97.1 Ocean FM) I suppose it’s rare to love 100% of a station’s playlist but that’s where I am.
Besides “light and refreshing,” another tagline is “we’re a one-of-a-kind radio station.” That’s certainly true. Finding a station that offers jazz on Sunday morning is a rarity. For the time I’ve been living on The Treasure Coast, I’ve listened to Ocean FM on the way to Church, on Sunday morning errands, and return trip home. You just know a Cumulus would end all of that. Ocean FM would be another typical AC you can hear anywhere.
Cumulus could probably run the Treasure Coast cluster right from Melbourne with perhaps a small sale office on the TC. Economically it’s what’s done. Virtually all my life, I was into big city radio. I am now a big fan of small market, mom and pop radio stations. Perhaps seeds of that were already planted when I enjoyed that New Smyrna radio station from 20 years ago.
We’re a two-vehicle family. My better half listens only to SiriusXM. In my car, I probably listen to commercial radio more often than SiriusXM which I prefer listening to at home more. Radio that’s local and engaging is powerful and addictive. I have lots of choices. Far more than I ever had in Jax. Besides a Soft AC, there’s a great local variety based Classic Hits Station, there’s NPR, there’s oldies, there’s several West Palm stations, and a decent AC out of Stuart.
The Treasure Coast is a great radio market. The spots are mainly local. The whole vibe is local. Radio truly represents the community quite well. I hope it stays that way.
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