True Country 105.3 Sounding Better?

[EggsOverEasy87]

I know I have ripped on this station in the past. But for over a month or so, I decided to give it another try. I must say something sounds different.

It appears that True Country seems to have taken a turn more towards Texas country. I have heard many songs on there that I have NEVER heard played on KLLL or KQBR. I think it's great to see KJDL finally making themselves different from 96.3 and 99.5. 105.3 is starting to remind me of 95.9 The Ranch outside of Dallas. I'm actually starting to listen to this station over Triple L and the Bear. I only wish they could have a better signal so I could listen at work.

But it could be worst. Dallas radio listeners have wanted The Ranch to move closer to the metroplex for awhile now...but the radio band is so clogged out there that it isn't possible.

Props to 105.3 for changing things up a bit! Seems to have a unique feel now over KLLL and KQBR.

 

[rockchicktx]

Problem is that "The Ranch" never has and never can crack much of a rating. Yes, signal strength and all that...but like in my old field...these "TX stations" are like those Alt/Rock stations. They only speak to a select amount of people (the dangerous "youth" demo by and large) and never grow past that. That's why the "winning/bigger" stations play it safe by putting on the artists everyone knows. It'll be hard to dent the bigger boys.

Not like they're going for ratings wins or anything...it's like the Food Network knows it'll never beat NBC...but that's their niche and all.

But what's that crap they play in the mornings??

 

[static]

I probably listen to this station the most of any music stations in town. I listen more to the news and sports stations but they play real music on 105.3. It's the stuff you can hear on the radio, catch an interview with the band then go to a bar that night and see them play live. I don't know if they're doing any good with the station, though there are a bit of commercials on. It just seems like common sense that local is good and this is much better than whatever the automated stuff was the used to be on 105.3. Also, I've seen some Texas music bands on channel 34 in the mornings, which is also a change of pace.

I'm no expert, but this is a refreshing change from the same bland country you hear on the other stations. Also, I checked 1420AM the other day and I think it's not locally produced but the classic country there is better than I think what used to be on 105.7FM.

 

[fredcantu]

They only speak to a select amount of people (the dangerous "youth" demo by and large) and never grow past that. That's why the "winning/bigger" stations play it safe by putting on the artists everyone knows. It'll be hard to dent the bigger boys.

Over the last 30 years I've seen this happen in Austin with various stations. They play Texas and/or local and get some buzz, but so-so ratings. Then they drop or ease back on the local stuff and go more mass appeal and the ratings go up.

 

[DG]

...Also, I checked 1420AM the other day and I think it's not locally produced but the classic country there is better than I think what used to be on 105.7FM.

105.7 was using the Real Country radio format that was syndicated by the ABC Radio network. Citadel bought them out in 2006. They offer 2 Country formats, the other being Best Country.

I was told that the local rights to air the Citadel format would expire just after KRBL sold to the Bros Benavides, and that Citadel did not and would not renew with them.

That cleared the way for 105.3 to pick it up and also pretty much sealed the demise of KRBL as a continued Country music presence in Lubbock. The only question was what KRBL would become after that (gee-whiz they're Spanish now on 105.7? Never saw that coming...NOT!).

I think Mr. Walker is now using the "Best Country" format from Citadel as it features more contemporary artists than Real Country does. There's some other differences I'm sure, but I'm not a regular listener and have been out of that side of the biz for awhile now...

 

[DMcCloy]

The classic country is on the AM only, it seems.

I really like what 105.3 is doing. Calling themselves the Red Dirt Rebel, or whatever name it is, it's a fresh sound on the radio. They don't have the strongest signal, but I get it fine in my car and pretty well in the office. At least it's something different than the same old formats used over and over again. I'm from the Metroplex originally and go back often, and I agree they sound similar to 95.9 The Ranch. I listen to 105.3 most of the time now, and don't hear any satellite programming except on Sunday afternoons it seems. Bravo to them for finally doing something unique on Lubbock radio.

 

[Garrett]

...Also, I checked 1420AM the other day and I think it's not locally produced but the classic country there is better than I think what used to be on 105.7FM.

105.7 was using the Real Country radio format that was syndicated by the ABC Radio network. Citadel bought them out in 2006. They offer 2 Country formats, the other being Best Country.

I was told that the local rights to air the Citadel format would expire just after KRBL sold to the Bros Benavides, and that Citadel did not and would not renew with them.

That cleared the way for 105.3 to pick it up and also pretty much sealed the demise of KRBL as a continued Country music presence in Lubbock. The only question was what KRBL would become after that (gee-whiz they're Spanish now on 105.7? Never saw that coming...NOT!).

I think Mr. Walker is now using the "Best Country" format from Citadel as it features more contemporary artists than Real Country does. There's some other differences I'm sure, but I'm not a regular listener and have been out of that side of the biz for awhile now...

During overnight and off hours, KJDL AM/FM simulcast. Not sure which country network is used for the simulcast.

 

[static]

...Also, I checked 1420AM the other day and I think it's not locally produced but the classic country there is better than I think what used to be on 105.7FM.

105.7 was using the Real Country radio format that was syndicated by the ABC Radio network. Citadel bought them out in 2006. They offer 2 Country formats, the other being Best Country.

I was told that the local rights to air the Citadel format would expire just after KRBL sold to the Bros Benavides, and that Citadel did not and would not renew with them.

That cleared the way for 105.3 to pick it up and also pretty much sealed the demise of KRBL as a continued Country music presence in Lubbock. The only question was what KRBL would become after that (gee-whiz they're Spanish now on 105.7? Never saw that coming...NOT!).

I think Mr. Walker is now using the "Best Country" format from Citadel as it features more contemporary artists than Real Country does. There's some other differences I'm sure, but I'm not a regular listener and have been out of that side of the biz for awhile now...

During overnight and off hours, KJDL AM/FM simulcast. Not sure which country network is used for the simulcast.

I'm not sure about that. I hear Texas country music on the weekends and later at night on 105.3. They might go to that at some point overnight, but I heard many hours where there isn't a DJ but they have different programming. In the morning weekdays it is a simulcast on both stations, a pretty decent show. But it's the music that draws me there, it's something different. They play music I know I won't hear anywhere else in town.

 

[Garrett]

One thing we all agree on, real country is a real good local
effort, huh?

 

[DMcCloy]

Overnight doesn't seem to be a simulcast. I was listening driving home late (12:45 AM) last night and flipped over the KJDL AM. They were playing some old country, but DJ came on and it seems to be a satellite service of some sort. On KJDL FM there were no DJ's and were playing Texas Country. I did listen this morning and switched over to AM and found they simulcast their morning show. I like the show, Steve Ritchie and Dave Walker. Of course, I flipped back over to FM because it obviously sounds better. I wonder why they simulcast? Would anybody listen to the AM as opposed to the FM?

Either way, it seems like the FM is completely locally programmed. I didn't get any hint of syndicated sounds. I like it!