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WFMX another step closer to Greensboro/Winston-Salem

> In Friday's FCC report, the FCC approved the request
> changing WFMX 105.7's allocation from Statesville to
> Clemmons in the FM table of allottments...

Could this one be the Spanish FM station for the Triad?
 
> > In Friday's FCC report, the FCC approved the request
> > changing WFMX 105.7's allocation from Statesville to
> > Clemmons in the FM table of allottments...
>
> Could this one be the Spanish FM station for the Triad?

If Clear Channel did want to flip WFMX to a Hispanic format, I don't see why they'd be moving it closer to the Triad and away from Charlotte. I'd think they'd want to stay where they are and target both markets. For one, Arbitron accredits Charlotte with a Hispanic populace, whereas the Triad doesn't get that nod. On top of that, WFMX currently puts a fairly decent signal into both markets... only Greensboro is getting the short end of the stick in terms of coverage, and as was brought up here before, most of the Triad's Hispanic population resides in Winston-Salem, which WFMX covers with a city-grade signal according to radio-locator. If a Hispanic station is the intention for WFMX, I'd think it would be more wise to keep it right where it is.<P ID="signature">______________
"Once a week, recovering illusionist Roy Horn reportedly visits Montecore, the tiger that mauled him. Though disturbingly, they’re conjugal visits!" -- Horatio Sanz
http://theradioblog.blogspot.com</P>
 
> If Clear Channel did want to flip WFMX to a Hispanic format,
> I don't see why they'd be moving it closer to the Triad and
> away from Charlotte. I'd think they'd want to stay where
> they are and target both markets. For one, Arbitron
> accredits Charlotte with a Hispanic populace, whereas the
> Triad doesn't get that nod. On top of that, WFMX currently
> puts a fairly decent signal into both markets... only
> Greensboro is getting the short end of the stick in terms of
> coverage, and as was brought up here before, most of the
> Triad's Hispanic population resides in Winston-Salem, which
> WFMX covers with a city-grade signal according to
> radio-locator. If a Hispanic station is the intention for
> WFMX, I'd think it would be more wise to keep it right where
> it is.
>
Yes, but CC already owns the maximum 8 stations in the Charlotte market---I'm thinking Statesville is not in the QC market. I know they should be, but I just found out my home, 2 miles from the Charlotte city limits is not! If WFMX was to target Charlotte, they would have to admitt they were a Charlotte station. And what about the theory that CC will move WFMX to the Triad and then move 100.3 to the Triangle. THe idea was that WVBZ would move to 105.7 and a new station woujld be created on 100.3 in R/D. I believe CC already has a CP to do just that...
 
> Sad day for another heritage station!
>
> Eric
>
But no call letter changes needed...WFM-Mex!
 
> > Sad day for another heritage station!
> >
> > Eric
> >
> But no call letter changes needed...WFM-Mex!
>
Good point!!!
 
Spacing Issues with 95.1

95.1 and 105.7 are shortspaced. I'm not sure it can be much more than it is now. Why not move it so it can serve a large market and CC can get the most out of it.<P ID="signature">______________
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.winstonsalemskyscrapers.com>http://www.winstonsalemskyscrapers.com</a></P>
 
> > > Sad day for another heritage station!
> > >
> > > Eric
> > >
> > But no call letter changes needed...WFM-Mex!
> >
> Good point!!!
>
I would hate to see the station move and change formats (especially to spanish) If their moving is is a done deal though, I wonder what would happen to their 1500 ft monster transmitting tower east of Statesville? I was just thinking that since Hitz 94 can't get traction at their new site just southwest of there, maybe moving west 20 miles to WFMX's site could be the ticket. I know different companies own the two stations and FCC approal would have to occur. I just hate to see that great transmitting tower and potential signal go to waste.
 
WFMX -- Northwest NC's Very Own!!

I remember back in the 70s and early 80s when WFMX transmitted from the small AM stick in Statesville. It's now their backup, though the original tower was knocked down by Hurricane Hugo in 1989. I really thought that since WFMX has remained this long in Statesville, that they were fairly safe...but it looks like "heritage" is going to end up losing. I've seen brief discussion on these boards before, but how does WFMX fare in the counties where its signal is strongest? Obviously, there's Iredell, Davie, Rowan, Catawba, Alexander, Lincoln, Yadkin, Wilkes, Burke, Caldwell, and the adjacent mountain counties. WFMX is and has been a local station for all of Northwest NC!! And while I'm not a race fan, WFMX has been THE racing station for as long as I can remember. It will not be the same once it's gone--thanks to friggin' corporate radio!!
 
Re: WFMX -- Northwest NC's Very Own!!

OK. I've seen all the talk about WFMX moving to Greensboro. I will admit who I am, this is OPIE joe. I worked at WFMX for 7 years and recently did the morning show with Keith Todd until October 2005. I am currently in Roanoke, VA at WYYD. Now, yes it is true that WFMX is moving its COL to Clemmons. And yes it's true that the operations must move from Statesville to Greensboro in order to stay compliant with the FCC.

However, what isn't clear is whether its stays country or not. Personally, I don't know what it will be. There had been talk for years when I was there about if it moved to Greensboro would they keep it country. That is yet to be determined and according to my sources inside the building, we will know in as little as 9 months. First, they may keep it country to "back-burner" WTQR and keep any other country from coming in. Let's face it, if another country did come in and wanted to take WTQR out, they could.

You may recall a little radio station from a couple years ago, Country 94.5 which is now The Beat. You're saying, "They were a 2nd country in the Greensboro market and they changed them because they didn't have strong ratings." True that is, but 94.5 didn't have the heritage that 105.7 has. WFMX has a quite a following in the Winston-Salem/Greensboro market. I know, I was on the air there for 6 years. From doing the morning show with Keith, we took many calls in the morning from listeners that were making a switch to WFMX all the time. Now, that's not to say that WTQR was bad or doesn't have a place. I think all people want is variety. If you go the grocery store, you can buy Swedish Meatballs from either Stouffer's or Lean Cuisine, there's a choice. You may like one over the other and that's OK. There are still people buying the other kind.

Moving WFMX into the Greensboro market is more of a strategic move not only for Clear Channel but for WFMX. First, it will protect WTQR from any other country stations coming in. Let's face it, 3 country stations in the Greensboro market would be too many. Second, look how much more WFMX is going to make in billing only because they're in a rated market. They will be above the line according to Arbitron. Now I do hate it for the markets that WFMX has served for so many years such as Hickory, Statesville, Salisbury and the little towns that don't have a radio station like Taylorsville or Maiden and think that the stations in Charlotte or Greensboro are "stuck up." Trust me, those people exist. I've spoken with them.

The whole mission statement for WFMX was to serve whoever could listen and to do it well. I think they did that. I am very proud to say that I've worked for such a legendary station. All these people on this board and the Charlotte board that "knock" WFMX, shouldn't. I've seen posts like, "they wouldn't be missed." I'm not trying to be mean, but they would be missed. Morgan Bohannon who is the RVP of the Statesville market as well as Charlotte said that he would hate to take the phone calls from irate listeners if Clear Channel blew up such a heritage station.

My two cents...just because you don't listen to it or think it's horrible because WFMX is in Statesville...doesn't mean that other people think that. I am still in contact with everyone there and will give updates as soon as I have them. I wish all my former co-workers there the best and good luck!

OPIE joe
 
Re: WFMX -- Northwest NC's Very Own!!

> OK. I've seen all the talk about WFMX moving to Greensboro.
> I will admit who I am, this is OPIE joe. I worked at WFMX
> for 7 years and recently did the morning show with Keith
> Todd until October 2005. I am currently in Roanoke, VA at
> WYYD. Now, yes it is true that WFMX is moving its COL to
> Clemmons. And yes it's true that the operations must move
> from Statesville to Greensboro in order to stay compliant
> with the FCC.
>
> However, what isn't clear is whether its stays country or
> not. Personally, I don't know what it will be. There had
> been talk for years when I was there about if it moved to
> Greensboro would they keep it country. That is yet to be
> determined and according to my sources inside the building,
> we will know in as little as 9 months. First, they may keep
> it country to "back-burner" WTQR and keep any other country
> from coming in. Let's face it, if another country did come
> in and wanted to take WTQR out, they could.
>
> You may recall a little radio station from a couple years
> ago, Country 94.5 which is now The Beat. You're saying,
> "They were a 2nd country in the Greensboro market and they
> changed them because they didn't have strong ratings." True
> that is, but 94.5 didn't have the heritage that 105.7 has.
> WFMX has a quite a following in the Winston-Salem/Greensboro
> market. I know, I was on the air there for 6 years. From
> doing the morning show with Keith, we took many calls in the
> morning from listeners that were making a switch to WFMX all
> the time. Now, that's not to say that WTQR was bad or
> doesn't have a place. I think all people want is variety.
> If you go the grocery store, you can buy Swedish Meatballs
> from either Stouffer's or Lean Cuisine, there's a choice.
> You may like one over the other and that's OK. There are
> still people buying the other kind.
>
> Moving WFMX into the Greensboro market is more of a
> strategic move not only for Clear Channel but for WFMX.
> First, it will protect WTQR from any other country stations
> coming in. Let's face it, 3 country stations in the
> Greensboro market would be too many. Second, look how much
> more WFMX is going to make in billing only because they're
> in a rated market. They will be above the line according to
> Arbitron. Now I do hate it for the markets that WFMX has
> served for so many years such as Hickory, Statesville,
> Salisbury and the little towns that don't have a radio
> station like Taylorsville or Maiden and think that the
> stations in Charlotte or Greensboro are "stuck up." Trust
> me, those people exist. I've spoken with them.
>
> The whole mission statement for WFMX was to serve whoever
> could listen and to do it well. I think they did that. I
> am very proud to say that I've worked for such a legendary
> station. All these people on this board and the Charlotte
> board that "knock" WFMX, shouldn't. I've seen posts like,
> "they wouldn't be missed." I'm not trying to be mean, but
> they would be missed. Morgan Bohannon who is the RVP of the
> Statesville market as well as Charlotte said that he would
> hate to take the phone calls from irate listeners if Clear
> Channel blew up such a heritage station.
>
> My two cents...just because you don't listen to it or think
> it's horrible because WFMX is in Statesville...doesn't mean
> that other people think that. I am still in contact with
> everyone there and will give updates as soon as I have them.
> I wish all my former co-workers there the best and good
> luck!
>
> OPIE joe
>


What a great and honest post. I don't know you Opie Joe but I credit you for going on the record and giving this site a taste of reality. Speculation and rumor drive these blogs but some of these guys get carried away. Your takes were refreshingly blunt and your right that nobody knows what CC's intentions are for that station. Remaining country should certainly be an option.
 
Re: WFMX -- Northwest NC's Very Own!!

> What a great and honest post. I don't know you Opie Joe but
> I credit you for going on the record and giving this site a
> taste of reality. Speculation and rumor drive these blogs
> but some of these guys get carried away. Your takes were
> refreshingly blunt and your right that nobody knows what
> CC's intentions are for that station. Remaining country
> should certainly be an option.

WFMX is a great story in radio. I also worked there, briefly, part time. It was during the change from their horrible old studios to the new Wheatstone stuff and DCS system. The heritage there was pretty interesting.

I've always thought they were a better station than WTQR, or WSOC.

It's kind of funny, when I was there, I said that the station would end up in either the triad or Charlotte due to de-regualtion. People thought I was ill informed about how this new fangled open ownership worked.

Ah, that was when it was just a few months into a corporate ownership and out of the hands of Statesville Radio.
 
Re: WFMX -- Northwest NC's Very Own!!

I am also an alumnus of WFMX. I hate to see what's happening in this corporate world of radio, but hey, besides the suits in the BIG office, who isn't sad to see these types of things happening. I know it's kind of futile to even mention what's going to happen to the current WFMX staff, but I think we all know. I just hope that not too many people's lives are put into a tail-spin because of this. Unfortunately, these types of things aren't really considered when making a move like this.
Good luck to all of the WFMX staff. You have been great on the air, and have done real, honest business over the years. That's unusual in this day and age of only caring about the "bottom line".
 
Re: WFMX -- Northwest NC's Very Own!!

>
> What a great and honest post. I don't know you Opie Joe but
> I credit you for going on the record and giving this site a
> taste of reality. Speculation and rumor drive these blogs
> but some of these guys get carried away. Your takes were
> refreshingly blunt and your right that nobody knows what
> CC's intentions are for that station. Remaining country
> should certainly be an option.
>

Maybe--hopefully--WFMX can remain the heritage country station it has been, just moving slightly northeast. Maybe CC will consider keeping programming the same. The signal in Statesville/Iredell will likely degrade very little, and will still be strong in Hickory and Taylorsville. I think it will be noticeably weaker, though west of these areas--with the exception of Boone, where the high mountains will help.
 
Re: WFMX -- Northwest NC's Very Own!!

I've heard it will be Spanish. That is still nothing more than a rumor, but one that has Isasi at Que Pasa on edge right now. He has said his product is different because it will be more local than a Viva 105.7 would be. Still, I always feel bad for those who lose their jobs. It seems like these days you can't work in radio and buy a house unless you're the top rated morning personality, an engineer or janitor and still that's not a given these days. When I lived in Winston-Salem, I could listen to 105.7 without an antenna on my radio. A Winston-Salem resident will see no gain at all, though eastern market residents will. I thought WFMX was better than WTQR, which does sound more corporate. WFMX always sounded small town and local. Qualities you look for in a great country station. It will be missed. The signal from the Sauratown Mountains north of Winston-Salem won't reach Charlotte at all. I would sometimes listen when I lived in north Charlotte, even though the signal had problems from the powerful 95.1 in Gaston County. Of course Charlotte gains WAGI from this move, as I predicted earlier. That is a lot of memories moving! If it stays Country, they need to keep all of the current staff to make the most of the heritage and keep as many listeners as possible. Maybe an ad campaign in Greensboro and Burlington advertising a stronger signal would also be a good idea. It would also be great if they could move to the old Clemmons School, instead of the airport, so current employees don't have to travel across Winston-Salem or move. Rumors right now though are saying Viva 105.7. Living in Atlanta, Viva 96.7/105.1/105.3 is good, but they have a very small playlist.

Census estimates from 2000-2005 are currently showing Winston-Salem as #3 after Charlotte in Raleigh in hispanic growth with around 10,000 new hispanic residents in the past five years. Also Winston-Salem is #3 after Charlotte and Raleigh in hispanic births from 2000-2005. Hispanic spending is at $504 million in Forsyth County, $382 million in Guilford County, $89 million in Davidson County, $74 million in Iredell County and $72 million in Surry County. This station will place a strong signal directly over those high growth areas in Winston-Salem.<P ID="signature">______________
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.winstonsalemskyscrapers.com>http://www.winstonsalemskyscrapers.com</a></P>
 
Re: WFMX -- Northwest NC's Very Own!!

It is still just a rumor, but you are right. Not only Issai but Saucedo will feel the impact which I believe it is overdue for the region. Now with this, I guess they both have amunition to go and ask Davidson and Epperson for a price reduction (rent wise). I guess Que Pasa’s possible plans to switch YSR to a format similar than Viva is in jeopardy now.



> I've heard it will be Spanish. That is still nothing more
> than a rumor, but one that has Isasi at Que Pasa on edge
> right now. He has said his product is different because it
> will be more local than a Viva 105.7 would be. Still, I
> always feel bad for those who lose their jobs. It seems like
> these days you can't work in radio and buy a house unless
> you're the top rated morning personality, an engineer or
> janitor and still that's not a given these days. When I
> lived in Winston-Salem, I could listen to 105.7 without an
> antenna on my radio. A Winston-Salem resident will see no
> gain at all, though eastern market residents will. I thought
> WFMX was better than WTQR, which does sound more corporate.
> WFMX always sounded small town and local. Qualities you look
> for in a great country station. It will be missed. The
> signal from the Sauratown Mountains north of Winston-Salem
> won't reach Charlotte at all. I would sometimes listen when
> I lived in north Charlotte, even though the signal had
> problems from the powerful 95.1 in Gaston County. Of course
> Charlotte gains WAGI from this move, as I predicted earlier.
> That is a lot of memories moving! If it stays Country, they
> need to keep all of the current staff to make the most of
> the heritage and keep as many listeners as possible. Maybe
> an ad campaign in Greensboro and Burlington advertising a
> stronger signal would also be a good idea. It would also be
> great if they could move to the old Clemmons School, instead
> of the airport, so current employees don't have to travel
> across Winston-Salem or move. Rumors right now though are
> saying Viva 105.7. Living in Atlanta, Viva 96.7/105.1/105.3
> is good, but they have a very small playlist.
>
> Census estimates from 2000-2005 are currently showing
> Winston-Salem as #3 after Charlotte in Raleigh in hispanic
> growth with around 10,000 new hispanic residents in the past
> five years. Also Winston-Salem is #3 after Charlotte and
> Raleigh in hispanic births from 2000-2005. Hispanic spending
> is at $504 million in Forsyth County, $382 million in
> Guilford County, $89 million in Davidson County, $74 million
> in Iredell County and $72 million in Surry County. This
> station will place a strong signal directly over those high
> growth areas in Winston-Salem.
>
 
Re: WFMX

Clear Channel to turn up volume

Remember to LINK articles rather than re-printing copyrighted material!

Here's THE LINK!

Edited by
Moderator Matt<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by Matt on 01/17/06 05:27 AM.</FONT></P>
 
Re: WFMX

> Where did this article come from?
>
Business Journal
 
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