What do The mouse, the alt rocker, & the Spanish stations have in common?

[Runrigger]

They are all noticably absent in the list of Providence stations that bought the Spring'09 book. Ignoring the non-Providence stations in the state, WDDZ, WBRU, WKKB & WPMZ were not subscribers. I'm not surprised at Radio Disney & at this point am probably not surprised that WKKB & WPMZ aren't subscribing. The Spanish stations, at this point, are probably not selling by the numbers & I don't know what the deal is with 550AM since I never listen & don't know what local spots, if any, are running. I'm surprised WBRU isn't buying the book though. Just out of curiosity, since there are Cape Cod stations buying it, I'm wondering why WFHN isn't unless WFHN is such a clear winner in their own market that they don't need to. Also, there are Citadel stations in Providence, one of which (PRO-FM) could be considered a competitor.
Subscribing stations are:
WCIB
WCOD
WCTK
WEAN
WEEI
WEII (FM)
WHJJ
WHJY
WHTB (AM)
WNBH
WPRO (AM)
WPRO (FM)
WPRV
WSAR
WSNE
WWBB
WWKX
WWLI
WXTK (FM)

 

[Dighton Rockhead]

About WBRU...I think you already answered your own question. Just replace the calls WFHN with WBRU, and there you have it. I think WBRU is secure and comfortable enough in its own marketing niche, that they must feel they don't need to buy the book.

As for Radio Disney, isn't the whole national operation just a way to keep the Disney marketing machine rolling merrily along?

Like you...I also have not bothered listening to 550 enough to know if there are any local spots.

I even wonder what percentage of the kids who listen do so by way of internet streaming instead of terrestrial broadcasting? Who knows?...There could come a time when iternet streaming/WiFi/WiMax listening could out-number those who listen conventionally...

And the little children shall lead us......

 

[Moonstruck]

I would still think BRU would need some sales tools. Just being alternative isn't enough to sell. They are still up against HJY and they can't tout student listening to entice sponsors since students don't get diaries. WBSM is also Citadel in Fairhaven and could be a competitor to WPRO so it's no surprise Citadel Fairhaven doesn't buy the Providence book although I'm sure they know what the numbers are. They will get the agency buys anyway for big sponsors like Alpert's, Cardi's, and some car dealers. It's the Spanish stations that sooner or later are going to have to sell in a more sophisticated way if they want to survive.

 

[Dighton Rockhead]

It's the Spanish stations that sooner or later are going to have to sell in a more sophisticated way if they want to survive.

My take on it is that it will be later......much later, if ever. Why should the Spanish programmers do anything differently than what they already do?

Right now, they appear to be selling directly to local mom and pop businesses. You don't even have to understand the language......just listen to the tone and tenor of the ads on some of the programs. These ads might sound amaturish...BUT...they're done with a level of gusto and enthusiasm that I don't think has been heard on english speaking local radio in a long long time.

In short, the feeling is that these little advertisers seem to get treated like kings and queens. Now THERE'S a novel idea.

Are you paying attention 630...790...920...990 ? ? ?

 

[McRadio]

This isn't a slight to the Spanish speaking population or the stations involved, but Providence ain't NY or LA. The level of sophistication present in those cities for the foreign population isn't the same as it is here. The younger ones may be more hip (like all younger ones are) but RI is attracting the older ones too and I'm willing to bet it's the older ones listening to Hispanic stations. Hot 106 is grabbing a lot of the younger demos. They had a presence at the Dominican festival recently. I bet the Portugese station in Fall River runs into the same thing. Demographics when it comes to age may not be a factor like it would be in the big markets where stations are going after the young professionals. Radio Disney is a promotions machine. As far as WBRU the only non club ad I see on their website is for NE Tech and that damn sure isn't aimed at Brown students. Don't forgot also the low overhead at WBRU with a volunteer airstaff. Actually checking the websites for the stations that don't buy the book I don't see any "powered by..." if that's any indication of how sales are going.

And the embargo goes on. I hope Arby isn't imposing it to try to get the Spanish stations to buy the book because for now it ain't gonna happen.

 

[Tee Man 82]

And on the subject of Arbitron the Fall SIPs for the Clear Channel stations haven't been received yet I see. They're in for Citadel. Time to get a move on. Is there a PD in the house?

 

[earwig]

And what about WALE? They seem to have some new programming and sponsors....I checked out their web site...Bina and Bianchi have been around a loong time but did not know the other characters...

 

[Moonstruck]

The only "book" WALE can afford to buy is a used paperback. They have to have more volunteers there than WBRU.

 

[MissAM]

Whoever does the BRU play list really should be hung... well hung, or hung well...