Being the first PD of WGTY in 1984 (back then "Country FM 108"), the whole reason why we switched had to do with Adams County/Hanover in York County. We did some research (completely un-scientific--we went out in the masses and just asked "What do you want to hear"), and most said they wanted Country. They felt that WRKZ(Z107) didn't come in clear enough around Adams County ("that Harrisburg station") WPOC was ok sometimes, but people wanted a LOCAL Country station.
It was pretty much a decision based on revenue...how do we get this 10,000 watt FM that's been automated Beautiful Music to make some money for us? The true York metro area was never in the original picture, although we had hopes that, down the road, we may be able to become big enough to "take on the big boys".
Looks like our original vision was right
Say what you want, but WGTY is in a good place...no major competition, moved from old, outdated facilities and built brand new studios a few years ago, been a country station longer than anyone in the market (unless you count fringe WPOC), personalities that don't change every other month, NASCAR broadcasts, decent promotions, and yes, a wide playlist. But its LOCAL...the personalities are visible, they are out in the community, they still have places for part-timers to get in and get started in the business....and the people genuinely like to work there....can't say that about a lot of places. Do they take any big risks? No, they are pretty conservative, including their playlist. I can remember back about 10 years or so ago, a personality was turned down for a job there because they felt that his style was "too blue humored" for what they were trying to do. And, as the previous poster has said "You can't argue with the numbers"....if WGTY is so vulnerable and bad, why hasn't anyone in the market switched to Country?? I guess its easier to have three or four stations playing Boston and Lynyrd Skynyrd to death....but this is just my opinion, I could be wrong
It was pretty much a decision based on revenue...how do we get this 10,000 watt FM that's been automated Beautiful Music to make some money for us? The true York metro area was never in the original picture, although we had hopes that, down the road, we may be able to become big enough to "take on the big boys".
Looks like our original vision was right
Say what you want, but WGTY is in a good place...no major competition, moved from old, outdated facilities and built brand new studios a few years ago, been a country station longer than anyone in the market (unless you count fringe WPOC), personalities that don't change every other month, NASCAR broadcasts, decent promotions, and yes, a wide playlist. But its LOCAL...the personalities are visible, they are out in the community, they still have places for part-timers to get in and get started in the business....and the people genuinely like to work there....can't say that about a lot of places. Do they take any big risks? No, they are pretty conservative, including their playlist. I can remember back about 10 years or so ago, a personality was turned down for a job there because they felt that his style was "too blue humored" for what they were trying to do. And, as the previous poster has said "You can't argue with the numbers"....if WGTY is so vulnerable and bad, why hasn't anyone in the market switched to Country?? I guess its easier to have three or four stations playing Boston and Lynyrd Skynyrd to death....but this is just my opinion, I could be wrong