Two New Corpus Christi Stations

[clouseau]

Without Judgement I will post for the board that Corpus Christi apparently has two new stations.

They are coming soon and have webpages at

Http://mymusicnow.fm

and

http://retro361.fm

I don't know if this is funny or sad. I can attest that these "stations" are being marketed as a package of "5 internet stations" (with no sign of the other 3)in an attempt to get advertising on KYRK. This is such a joke they appear to not even have their own websites, but rather are using some type of address making to look like they have their own sites. I wonder what the retention of any advertiser stupid enough to buy this will be???

If they aren't willing to drop a couple of $30 a month's for sites, what do your "Clients" think?

Hey Retro 361... What does it cost for a :60 on the new station? Since internet listening is 100% traceable I'll give you $20 a thousand. (Far more than the market rate $15)

What's the rate???





No matter.

 

[Scott Holt]

These two internet stations will be online, with their own, fully functional websites, within a couple weeks.

These two sites will be promoted in the market and will be easily accessed and listened to, taking advantage of all the latest digital platforms; with the goal of taking one of these to FM in 2013.

There is no "5 internet station package" on the streets. These stations are being presented to Shark clients as additional value, and not being sold on their own (which seems smart to me). They are being presented in realistic, fair way to Shark clients. Of course, the added value to clients only will come once the stations have some traffic.

Those are the facts surrounding these two stations. If you'd like to discuss further the merit and reasoning of my decision to put these stations online, I'd be happy to do that.

KYRK is doing well. Ratings have exceeded our expectations, and revenue is beginning to get to where it needs to be.

 

[theradioexpert]

@Scott Holt- I was in the coastal bend last month and had an opportunity to check out the Shark for the first time- I really enjoyed the programming and station imaging. Keep it up.

 

[Scholarm1111]

I think the concept of locally focused internet stations has promise if they can be marketed effectively. I applaud the effort.

 

[fredcantu]

Isn't that the direction Clear Channel is going with iHeart Radio? Some of their stations seem to mention the web site more than their dial position.

 

[Scott Holt]

After seeing that we had five interenet stations "on the streets"...not the the two we had. I started thinking "why not five?" The start up costs are fairly low----and the potential for some decent growth in revenue is there. So, we've formed a Digital Division of our company and will be launching 5 new interenet station with in the next several weeks.

All five station will have fully functional websites (within 6 weeks) and will take advantage of the most current technology--making the stations very accessible. The stations will be promoted in the market and will be offered to Shark clients as added value through the remainder of the year.

Those are the facts. Happy Radio.

 

[mmnassour]

Cool. Will they be available on stand-alone radios such as those powered by the Reciva System?

 

[clouseau]

After seeing that we had five interenet stations "on the streets"...not the the two we had. I started thinking "why not five?"

Wow, I'm a psychic and I didn't even know it.

Maybe there is a misunderstanding about what "On the streets" means to me. To me, that means "Pitched to a potential client." If you'd like an introduction, I'd be glad to arrange it.

I Realize I pointed out a particular project I find questionable in value and you appeared to take offense to. Sorry if I ruffled any feathers. Perhaps you will have the magic touch . Certainly there's nothing approaching internet success commercially in this market thus far. I'm also glad to hear you are doing well in the ratings. I'm curious how you would know those ratings although I did hear from an advertiser that KYRK subscribed to Arbitron and has used those numbers in a sales pitch. Congrats on doing well enough to afford their fee. Other than Clear Channel and you, I don't believe anyone else subscribes in the Corpus Christi Market market.


It sounds like things are going well for you and while that is a slightly different story than I had heard, I'm happy for you.


I'm very happy for you. and I wish you well.

 

[Scott Holt]

We are a subscriber to Arbitron though the end of 2014.

And, I'm sure you're aware not believe everything you here in the town. Almost without exception , all other radio people in the market have been very supportive. People always try to tear you down anyway they can....especially if they aren't performing as well as they should be.

And, I'm sure you understand that things may not always be as they appear to an outsider.

Perfect example of this would be would be rapid fall of JAKE, after I put it on the air in 2005. While I certainly take some of the responsibility, 90% of the direction on the station came from the corporate office--stuff I strongly disagreed with--but what can you do? Same with putting those horrble morning shows on KPUS (the national shows). Weren't my decisions. But, from the outside looking in, it appeared that I made some horrible choices. You can make the best case you can sometimes, but sometimes your suggestions just go on deaf ears. The other glaring example of this would be when I was mandated to put Star 107-3 on the air. I finally had convinced corporate to let me take Jake back to more of what it was like when I first put air---and then, for some bizarre reason they told me to flip to Star, before the ratings came back--- the numbers came back and Jake jumped back up to #1 women 25-54, and I think #4 persons 25-54.

Since I left Convergent, Planet has been a consistent performer and biller--The "new" Jake is doing well in the ratings--and the biling is getting better....but, their challenge now is Classic Rock. They lost nearly 75% of their audience in the couple years and now out of the Top 10 M25-54. (We were consistently 1 and 2 in the demo for years). There are some smart people in that buidling, so I would imagine they are well on their way to getting it back in the right direction.

I appreciate your note.

 

[clouseau]

We are a subscriber to Arbitron though the end of 2014.

That's awesome. The "Th[r]ough 2014" is a little odd as most stations in Corpus have previously been basically "Book to book", except for Clear Channel. I see you are listed publicly in Arbitron and have been since you started. You're obviously a better negotiator than the other stations in the market.

And, I'm sure you're aware not believe everything you here in the town. Almost without exception , all other radio people in the market have been very supportive....

and then immediately following you write...

People always try to tear you down anyway they can....especially if they aren't performing as well as they should be.

Respectfully.... Which is it? Are radio people supporting you and the public is tearing you down are the public "tear{ing} you down anyway they can....especially if they aren't performing as well as they should be?" Or are you referring to the "Radio people who are ""tear{ing} you down anyway they can....especially if they aren't performing as well as they should be?"

If you're sensing I'm calling you out for BS, you're on the right track. A shrewd media buyer would have the same questions. Are you claiming there are forces working against you or is the community behind you? Or Both?

And, I'm sure you understand that things may not always be as they appear to an outsider.

Perfect example of this would be would be rapid fall of JAKE, after I put it on the air in 2005. While I certainly take some of the responsibility, 90% of the direction on the station came from the corporate office--stuff I strongly disagreed with--but what can you do? Same with putting those horrble morning shows on KPUS (the national shows). Weren't my decisions. But, from the outside looking in, it appeared that I made some horrible choices. You can make the best case you can sometimes, but sometimes your suggestions just go on deaf ears. The other glaring example of this would be when I was mandated to put Star 107-3 on the air. I finally had convinced corporate to let me take Jake back to more of what it was like when I first put air---and then, for some bizarre reason they told me to flip to Star, before the ratings came back--- the numbers came back and Jake jumped back up to #1 women 25-54, and I think #4 persons 25-54.

Since I left Convergent, Planet has been a consistent performer and biller--The "new" Jake is doing well in the ratings--and the biling is getting better....but, their challenge now is Classic Rock. They lost nearly 75% of their audience in the couple years and now out of the Top 10 M25-54. (We were consistently 1 and 2 in the demo for years). There are some smart people in that buidling, so I would imagine they are well on their way to getting it back in the right direction.

Wow. I'm not quite sure how we got here. My basic question was about the legitimacy of marketing "5 Internet radio stations" as a legitimate value to a client. IMHO, that is as stupid and destructive as offering "one month free", which multiple potential radio advertisers in Metro Corpus have claimed KYRK has done.

Let me give you some advise, which you may very well choose to ignore.

A decade or more ago a lowly AM radio station approached me about advertising. They said "We need you to commit to a 13 week schedule" because that's how long it will take before you see results. They also wanted a 30 day out. Well when we got to week 9, I called and said "GET ME OUT". I had seen basically nothing. Then in week 10, I had a couple of people say "I heard you ..." In WK 11 I had double the people say they head about us. In week 12 I was Swamped with people saying they had head about us and loved our store. I called the station and said "DO NOT CANCEL ME". From week thirteen I bought advertising for 3 more years until I went into "Sell the store" mode.
The "One month free" guy would have lost me as a client for radio forever.

Although I'm sure your results may vary...

I appreciate your note.

As I do yours.

Clouseau

 

[Scott Holt]

It would be interesting to sit down with you in person to discuss all this. But, nonetheless, it's an interesting discussion.

Since, I've been in the market (2003), I'm not aware of any station going with Arbitron on a survery by survery basis. We had a 5 year deal at Convergent 2004 to 2009. And, I believe (although not 100% sure) that Convergent and CC were the the only subscribers during that time period--maybe Tejas was early on? Signing a longer term deal, obviously, puts you a strong negotiating position.

We're very pleased with the support and repsonse from listeners. My point, and what I was suggesting, was that things are not always as they appear, especially when you're not aware of all the facts, and you most certainly can't believe everything you hear "on the streets". My reference to "people will try to tear you down...", was referencing only one radio person in the market. No, I don't believe "forces" are working against us. LOL.

I'm learing as I go on the sales side. I do think, as time passes, there will be value in our internet stations for our clients. What that value will turn out to be, will see as time progesses. That's why I believe offering these platforms as added value with The Shark is the best way to proceed for the short term. When talking to the few clients that I have so far about these platforms, we carefully and realistically explain what they are---and how this will be a "process". I don't see where this strategy is stupid and descructive. Your point is well taken on the "one free month" and frankly, we learned that wasn't a good idea-- but, it was in the numbers.... trying to get the effective spot rate down. But, it was the wrong way to go about it.

We're one very small company trying like hell to compete with the "big boys". It's been alot of hard work, fun, and challenging. Its a much different ball game, when you're the one taking all the financial risk. My personal investment has been substantial. As we grow, we'll look for other capitial resources but up until this point-- it's been all me (and one silent partner -with a very, very small stake in the company). I think is a great story. And I feel lucky I'm in a position to do it on my own. Whether we sink or swim, it's totally on me. And that's a great position to be in.

Take care.

 

[bturner]

I think the local internet format is a great idea. Managing a few stations over the years, mostly in smaller markets, it is a daily challenge to stay ahead of the others on the dial, outwork them and be the innovator in the market. I sometimes feel like Barnum and Bailey trying to create the image that puts us in the best position to maintain our edge or grow to that point.

I feel internet will play a much more important part for over-the-air radio in coming years. I'd even say we must re-think what radio is and create something different than what we know radio to be. I wish I had that answer.

The key issues I see include increasing awareness and causing visitation to the new internet stations. That not only includes bringing consumers of the product there but also building a success story for advertisers. I feel the internet does offer a great opportunity to provide tangible results for advertisers. The Mom and Pop might be the only option since they can be educated on the spot. The agency buy tends to be 'safe' and that education process will take plenty of time before finding someone willing to jump.

You are certainly on the road to helping radio evolve and not only find new revenue paths but finding new ways to bring your product to listener's ears. Keep thinking and working toward continued success. I take it that you're like me, a person who wound up in the GM chair via programming and then sales, so you understand how programming and sales are both essential to the station's success.

There's one other aspect to think about: people want to associate with winners. If you can present the concept as one that is the better mouse trap, plenty of business owners will identify with this and view you as having an innovative edge over competitors. Listeners will catch on that you created local internet radio, positioning you as the leader. We all strive to 'win' in our personal lives and in business, so that chord you strike with listeners and clients will cause many to grab your coat tails for the ride. The struggle and small failures along the way just make that fight to succeed a sweeter story that you, your listeners and advertisers can tell.

 

[JollyRancher]

It would be interesting to sit down with you in person to discuss all this. But, nonetheless, it's an interesting discussion.

Since, I've been in the market (2003), I'm not aware of any station going with Arbitron on a survery by survery basis. We had a 5 year deal at Convergent 2004 to 2009. And, I believe (although not 100% sure) that Convergent and CC were the the only subscribers during that time period--maybe Tejas was early on? Signing a longer term deal, obviously, puts you a strong negotiating position.

We're very pleased with the support and repsonse from listeners. My point, and what I was suggesting, was that things are not always as they appear, especially when you're not aware of all the facts, and you most certainly can't believe everything you hear "on the streets". My reference to "people will try to tear you down...", was referencing only one radio person in the market. No, I don't believe "forces" are working against us. LOL.


RE: Scott's internet stations. You are about 3-5 years ahead of yourself young man. It's hard enough in CC Radio to make a living unless you are top 5. KZFM is a good example. With there heritage and ratings they are not even making budget. They blew it on their AM. Gave the audience to 1360. Bayfm is not making budget and it's a skeleton staff! Even country powerhouse K-99 is just half a shell in ratings and revenue. Call it the economy, or call it the same tired old ideas from the same old tired people. Owners/operators have made so many mistakes. The same dead weight doing the same lame ideas. That goes for Owners, GM's, GSM, OM, PD and on air talent.

No slight to you Scott but i've heard your station. It's OK. Nothing remarkable and compelling. I can think of just a hand full of programmers that have made a difference. One or two a HUGH difference. I can only think of 2 Managers that made a lot of money for their stations..

Corpus radio is what it is. Radio in Corpus is like hurricanes. One every now and then shakes up the place and makes a impact. A big impact.

In 5 years the big internet stations will be the big terrestrial stations you see today. KISS, Z-100, KFI, WABC, WLS-FM, The Wolf, Etc They will be owned by BIG companies with very deep pockets. And they will own the most popular internet stations in smaller markets like CC. Only a handfull with big ratings will make money. The big boys win again.

I'm learing as I go on the sales side. I do think, as time passes, there will be value in our internet stations for our clients. What that value will turn out to be, will see as time progesses. That's why I believe offering these platforms as added value with The Shark is the best way to proceed for the short term. When talking to the few clients that I have so far about these platforms, we carefully and realistically explain what they are---and how this will be a "process". I don't see where this strategy is stupid and descructive. Your point is well taken on the "one free month" and frankly, we learned that wasn't a good idea-- but, it was in the numbers.... trying to get the effective spot rate down. But, it was the wrong way to go about it.

We're one very small company trying like hell to compete with the "big boys". It's been alot of hard work, fun, and challenging. Its a much different ball game, when you're the one taking all the financial risk. My personal investment has been substantial. As we grow, we'll look for other capitial resources but up until this point-- it's been all me (and one silent partner -with a very, very small stake in the company). I think is a great story. And I feel lucky I'm in a position to do it on my own. Whether we sink or swim, it's totally on me. And that's a great position to be in.

Take care.

RE: Scott's internet stations. You are about 3-5 years ahead of yourself young man. It's hard enough in CC Radio to make a living unless you are top 5. KZFM is a good example. With there heritage and ratings they are not even making budget. They blew it on their AM. Gave the audience to 1360. Bayfm is not making budget and it's a skeleton staff! Even country powerhouse K-99 is just half a shell in ratings and revenue. Call it the economy, or call it the same tired old ideas from the same old tired people. Owners/operators have made so many mistakes. The same dead weight doing the same lame ideas. That goes for Owners, GM's, GSM, OM, PD and on air talent.

No slight to you Scott but i've heard your station. It's OK. Nothing remarkable and compelling. I can think of just a hand full of programmers that have made a difference. One or two a HUGH difference. I can only think of 2 Managers that made a lot of money for their stations..

Corpus radio is what it is. Radio in Corpus is like hurricanes. One every now and then shakes up the place and makes a impact. A big impact.

In 5 years the big internet stations will be the big terrestrial stations you see today. KISS, Z-100, KFI, WABC, WLS-FM, The Wolf, Etc They will be owned by BIG companies with very deep pockets. And they will own the most popular internet stations in smaller markets like CC. Only a handfull with big ratings will make money. The big boys win again.

 

[clouseau]

"This website is temporarily unavailable, please try again later."

This is the message we get when chasing the new "Bogey"/"Shark" INTERNET stations in Corpus Christi. We've heard these promo'd on air here, but still no "Early September" launch is there to be found. What did Clarabelle say?

"Where's the beef?"