What about WJIB?

[ssetta]

I've been thinking about this, because WJIB has a format similar to what WPLM used to be. With this talk about the announcement on WPLM, it would be nice if they went back to being more like WJIB. From what I understand, Jib is a 1-man radio station. I think his name is Bob and he's in his 70s. I don't think there's many single-owned radio stations around, or stations with this format. I think WXKS used to be similar, and I fear that once Bob dies or retires, 740 will probably flip to Spanish. B the good thing about jib is that unlike most stations, they grow old with their audience. I think 1430 used to as well.

 

[DanStrassberg]

From what I understand, Jib is a 1-man radio station. I think his name is Bob and he's in his 70s. I don't think there's many single-owned radio stations around, or stations with this format.

Bob Bittner, owner and operator of WJIB and WJTO 730 Bath ME (WJTO has a format similar to WJIB's) is a regular reader of this board and a frequent poster here as well. He uses the handle JIBGUY when he posts here. AFAIK, however, you have added at least a decade to Bob's age. I think he is 60 or so, but he is still a pretty long way from 70.

 

[danikayser84]

I'm surprised at the lack of a licensed Urban anywhere in Boston... yet there's two Spanish stations on AM; even Seattle has an Urban (KUBE 93) but I think they're even less Black % than Boston last I remember

 

[reelyreal]

the good thing about jib is that unlike most stations, they grow old with their audience. I think 1430 used to as well.

... and then what happens when your audience dies? Shut down the transmitter, mail in your license and call it a day?

 

[JIBGUY]

the good thing about jib is that unlike most stations, they grow old with their audience. I think 1430 used to as well.

... and then what happens when your audience dies? Shut down the transmitter, mail in your license and call it a day?

WJIB plays the same type of music as WXKS-1430 did back in 1983 .... a bit more uptempo with some 1950's 1960's 1970's pop in there too, BUT WJIB still presently plays 40's big band music too, and its well-liked by old people and young people. Back in the 1980's, they used to say that WXKS' format was "Music For What's Left of Your Life"... Well I guess that's not true, as WJIB has a an immense number of listeners, and it is now 30 years later! To see how many young people are listening to WJIB, go to facebook and find "Friends & Lovers of WJIB", the page set up by 30-year-olds. - But WPLM won't do the WJIB format... there's no money in it.

 

[JIBGUY]

I've been thinking about this, because WJIB has a format similar to what WPLM used to be. With this talk about the announcement on WPLM, it would be nice if they went back to being more like WJIB. From what I understand, Jib is a 1-man radio station. I think his name is Bob and he's in his 70s. I don't think there's many single-owned radio stations around, or stations with this format. I think WXKS used to be similar, and I fear that once Bob dies or retires, 740 will probably flip to Spanish. B the good thing about jib is that unlike most stations, they grow old with their audience. I think 1430 used to as well.

 

[JIBGUY]

I think his name is Bob and he's in his 70s. I don't think there's many single-owned radio stations around, or stations with this format. I think WXKS used to be similar, and I fear that once Bob dies or retires, 740 will probably flip to Spanish.

"Bob" - correct
"in his 70's" - nope. I'm 62.
"Spanish" - won't happen.

 

[reelyreal]

the good thing about jib is that unlike most stations, they grow old with their audience. I think 1430 used to as well.

... and then what happens when your audience dies? Shut down the transmitter, mail in your license and call it a day?

WJIB plays the same type of music as WXKS-1430 did back in 1983 .... a bit more uptempo with some 1950's 1960's 1970's pop in there too, BUT WJIB still presently plays 40's big band music too, and its well-liked by old people and young people. Back in the 1980's, they used to say that WXKS' format was "Music For What's Left of Your Life"... Well I guess that's not true, as WJIB has a an immense number of listeners, and it is now 30 years later! To see how many young people are listening to WJIB, go to facebook and find "Friends & Lovers of WJIB", the page set up by 30-year-olds. - But WPLM won't do the WJIB format... there's no money in it.

Right, and that's the problem. You do it for the love of the format, and the love of radio... not the money. I love your station, I catch it every time I'm up that way. I think your business model is really creative too, and I wonder if it could work for more companies and more stations... I think it could add to the variety of formats in some areas. However... it's not a money maker.

 

[raccoonradio]

Passing this along...Jeff Katz posted an article on facebook about terrestrial radio losing listeners.
One of his friends had this to say:
(the following a comment not something from the article)
(Elaine Mello):" The only radio I'm listening to these days in the car is WJIB-AM. A non commercial music station that survives on support by listeners to keep it running. Unfortunately they have to lower their transmitter at night so the signal is lost for anyone outside of the immediate area of the transmitter. Anything else on the dial is more ads than talk or music and of the latter nothing on the FM dial is worth listening to due to the formats. I'd rather plug my ipod into the radio and listen. And this is what is killing radio - conglomerates cranking out generic play lists based on demographic studies. They all sound the same. Better to listen to the independents who are still around, because at least they offer something different."

The article Jeff had linked to:
http://www.minnpost.com/business/20...ustry-war?goback=.gde_136492_member_211076043

 

[fmradio1]

Isn't Katz doing a podcast or working for a satcaster nowadays? Of COURSE he's going to trash terrestrial radio if he's not drawing a paycheck from it.

I wish Bittner would put his stations on the web, but I understand he's doing what he feels he has to. He puts out a unique product even by internet standards, and it would draw a solid audience. He could monetize the stream the same way has he does his terrestrial signals. People would donate to defray costs.

I tune in when I'm up through MA & southern Maine...

 

[WNTIRadio]

My guess is that the stations aren't on the web due to the ridiculous royalties that record companies demand to promote their product.

Bob has a great little station, and he's carved out a niche that works for him and his audience.

Don't expect WPLM to move in the direction of WJIB. Unless you want WPLM to become a one-man operation as well.

 

[blackgold]

Yeah, where's Steven Horatio Coleman when you need him? ???

 

[SixtiesGuy]

(Elaine Mello):" The only radio I'm listening to these days in the car is WJIB-AM. A non commercial music station that survives on support by listeners to keep it running. Unfortunately they have to lower their transmitter at night so the signal is lost for anyone outside of the immediate area of the transmitter. Anything else on the dial is more ads than talk or music and of the latter nothing on the FM dial is worth listening to due to the formats. I'd rather plug my ipod into the radio and listen. And this is what is killing radio - conglomerates cranking out generic play lists based on demographic studies. They all sound the same. Better to listen to the independents who are still around, because at least they offer something different."

She sums up the sad state of affairs very well.

 

[raccoonradio]

No podcast for Katz though he has done
fill ins for Todd Schnitt out of Fla. (nat.
syndicated plus XM)

 

[LowellRadio]

I like WJIB just as much as I liked Ed Penney when it was WTAO 740am and a daytime station.