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What should Fisher do with KVI?
- Thread starter Steenman
- Start date
They could certainly return to conservative talk and regain at least a 1.5, if not a 2.0 share. Suits, Carlson, and add the new "Mike Huckabee" 3 hour national program that will start in June on most Cumulus-owned talk stations. Mike is skedded to air 9 am to Noon Pacific time from the syndicator running it. They could keep Imus in the Morning from 3-6 am; follow with Suits from 6-9 am; Huckabee from 9-Noon; they could add Michael Schmerconish from Noon-3 pm; have Carlson do afternoon drive from 3-6 pm. Evenings/Overnights, could run Roger Hedgecock 6-9 pm; Clark Howard 9 pm-Mid. Phil Hendrie Mid-3 am. They could use NBC Radio News, instead of using the same ABC feed at KOMO at the top of the hour, just for some differentation.
This would be a solid 15 hours of conservative talk a day; 3 hours of consumer/financial; 3-6 hours of comedy/infotainment talk. Very well rounded. No need for a clunky added moniker, just tell it like it is "570 KVI, Thee Conservative Voice."
This would be a solid 15 hours of conservative talk a day; 3 hours of consumer/financial; 3-6 hours of comedy/infotainment talk. Very well rounded. No need for a clunky added moniker, just tell it like it is "570 KVI, Thee Conservative Voice."
I'd be happy if they ran singing lessons.
Think of all the people who show up on Idol, AmGotTalent, Voice, etc. who THINK they sound like Whitney Houston because they scream and belt out a song.
If we taught people how to sing with true music foundation and talent it would be the best use EVER of an otherwise challenged radio frequency.
Think of all the people who show up on Idol, AmGotTalent, Voice, etc. who THINK they sound like Whitney Houston because they scream and belt out a song.
If we taught people how to sing with true music foundation and talent it would be the best use EVER of an otherwise challenged radio frequency.
Why should Seattle, of all places, have yet ANOTHER "conservative" talk station? It doesn't fit the character of the local politics, and there are already more than enough right-wing "missionaries" doing that here (AM 630, 770, 820, 1050, 1300, 1590, not to mention weekend "gun shows" and the like on Tacoma and Bremerton AMs, plus the "conservative" talk shows all day on KOMO, and all afternoon and evening on KIRO-FM).
There is a HUGE multicultural and international population here (despite what some might suggest in this little webboard - what, don't you get out of your car??). Doesn't have to be time brokered stuff for people just off the boat. Maybe even a world music and features format - something new, eh? Probably not something you commercial radio guys are comfortable with trying. Or donate the frequency to KUOW, so that people outside "Seattle's University District" can finally get a non-fuzzy signal from them.
Maybe one of those comedy formats that some other cities use on secondary AM stations could make a dent. This is often a gloomy, unfriendly, over-caffeinated place, and Seattleites could use a goodnatured laugh every day. But, please, not another 24 hours of shouters, paid by the Heritage Foundation and Koch Bros to promote their fantasies and demonize the majority of Americans. All that fuss, just to sell more toilet paper!
Also, don't give up on a new format in less than a year. You need at least that much time to determine actual listening trends. Ratings are best used for comparisons, more so than as an actual barometer of "the truth."
There is a HUGE multicultural and international population here (despite what some might suggest in this little webboard - what, don't you get out of your car??). Doesn't have to be time brokered stuff for people just off the boat. Maybe even a world music and features format - something new, eh? Probably not something you commercial radio guys are comfortable with trying. Or donate the frequency to KUOW, so that people outside "Seattle's University District" can finally get a non-fuzzy signal from them.
Maybe one of those comedy formats that some other cities use on secondary AM stations could make a dent. This is often a gloomy, unfriendly, over-caffeinated place, and Seattleites could use a goodnatured laugh every day. But, please, not another 24 hours of shouters, paid by the Heritage Foundation and Koch Bros to promote their fantasies and demonize the majority of Americans. All that fuss, just to sell more toilet paper!
Also, don't give up on a new format in less than a year. You need at least that much time to determine actual listening trends. Ratings are best used for comparisons, more so than as an actual barometer of "the truth."
Golidlocks makes sense - and we all know that will never happen. Someone will have a "vision" and announce some yawn-inducing "new" something with the hopes of being a market beater - and it will languish. The KVI power house days are long gone, of course. It's tough to accept middling ratings and no listener passion, but ...
It would be cool if someone DID try something very different, be pleased with low numbers but big TSL from loyalists and get by on a small staff, a salesperson or two, etc. A shocking idea - really serving a segment of the population.
In our dreams ...
It would be cool if someone DID try something very different, be pleased with low numbers but big TSL from loyalists and get by on a small staff, a salesperson or two, etc. A shocking idea - really serving a segment of the population.
In our dreams ...
S
searadiofreak
Guest
What a great fall from grace. Back in the day, KVI was consistently one of the top 3 radio stations in Seattle. OK, you are asking me to define "back in the day". I would say the 1950's through the 1970's, or atleast the first half of the 1970's. Great talent, great MOR format, but those days are done and gone. Even in the 80's the oldies format was still somewhat viable, atleast until KBSG came along. KVI does have a good quality, low frequency signal. Just a shame.
Actually, KVI was the #1 station (12+) as recently as 1994 (also top 5, 25-54).
Asking "What should Fisher do with KVI?" is like asking a meth addict what he should do now with that nice new suit you bought him for a job interview three weeks ago. It was pawned and is long gone.
KVI suffered a mortal self-inflicted wound when they went oldies and now there is virtually no hope for revival.
Sure the ratings had declined and yes the initial People Meter numbers were troubling for KVI. But things could have been massaged and improved. Turning a heritage AM Talker into an oldies station and then a few months later back into some 'happy-talk' hybrid has proved to be one of the biggest management blunders in the history of Seattle radio.
Asking "What should Fisher do with KVI?" is like asking a meth addict what he should do now with that nice new suit you bought him for a job interview three weeks ago. It was pawned and is long gone.
KVI suffered a mortal self-inflicted wound when they went oldies and now there is virtually no hope for revival.
Sure the ratings had declined and yes the initial People Meter numbers were troubling for KVI. But things could have been massaged and improved. Turning a heritage AM Talker into an oldies station and then a few months later back into some 'happy-talk' hybrid has proved to be one of the biggest management blunders in the history of Seattle radio.
KVI beat KIRO not once but TWICE for the #1 spot in the 90s!
They should go "All Traffic/All The Time."
Why wait until the "4s" for your traffic? We have it here NOW! Not only traffic, but shows on cars, repair, buying, transporation issues---no CBS, NBC, ABC at TOTH --- It will be a Traffic Report!!! Followed by more traffic!
Look what the Weather Channel has grown into? Same can be done for Traffic!
"KVI-Commute!"
They should go "All Traffic/All The Time."
Why wait until the "4s" for your traffic? We have it here NOW! Not only traffic, but shows on cars, repair, buying, transporation issues---no CBS, NBC, ABC at TOTH --- It will be a Traffic Report!!! Followed by more traffic!
Look what the Weather Channel has grown into? Same can be done for Traffic!
"KVI-Commute!"
CorporateSuit said:
That's a pretty interesting idea, and it's something that's been done in other markets, so it would be a format that has a track record nationally.
I think this has been mentioned before on the Seattle board, but 730 AM in Vancouver, BC has been all traffic for a few years and they seem to be doing well. Also, there's a station in I think Montreal, Quebec that is all traffic(and I think it's even in French).
Another station that did this for a while was the old KHJ 93 in Los Angeles in the 80s. That market probably was perfect for an all traffic station because traffic in LA is probably the worst in the country(if it's not, then LA has to be close for worst traffic in the US).
In listening to an old KHJ aircheck from that era, they called themselves Car Radio, and not only did they do regular traffic reports, but they also had car tips and played Top 40 music of that era every so often. Of course this was 1983/1984, so the top 40 music of that era was probably miles better then anything today.
KVI though could do this, but bring back the oldies format, as sort of a KHJ style station. Traffic reports, car tips and classic hits(or as KHJ called them: Car Tunes) every so often. Sure the station went straight oldies and then spanish after a couple years, but hey, at least it's something.
I just cant stand to see an old time icon laying on the ground and withering. Is not right!! Of course the heydays of golden west are long gone and the generally successful conservative talk format that was, while not a barnburner, went to the boardroom and was killed off by someone's "new and exciting great idea"...The news talk format with traffic as a binder can work. The 710 KIRO format/news radio seventy one worked well for YEARS until enercom showed up and took it all apart. That old KIRO programming could do well if the proper braniac could update it and bring it into the 21st century..Consider this: Are listeners ready and wanting a talk-news-traffic format where they don't feel they have to align themselves with hard left or hard right political viewpoints...? Or is that idea just to damn boring for today's button pusher???
I don't think the so-called "Spanish" audience in metro Seattle is large enough to support several stations - not that the ones already airing something in Spanish are anything to get excited about, since most are right-wing religious themed outlets from missionary broadcaster Salem. Salsa, anyone? Rock en espanol? Mariachi music, even?
There is a Mexican immigrant population here, but not nearly as large, vibrant or stable as in any city in California, from what I see. And the music on "La Grande" network is all "banda" from a particular rural part of Mexico, aimed at low wage workers and migrants. It doesn't seem to appeal to listeners from other backgrounds, whether born in Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, or Illinois. There are other kinds of Spanish-speaking people here, from Central America, South America, and second generations and later here, whom I assume mostly listen to other "mainstream" formats.
Are all three of the Punjabi stations aimed at Vancouver from this side of the border programmed by the same company? I recall local news reports a few years ago on CBC-TV from Vancouver about criminal charges aimed at people behind the time-brokered arrangement at AM 1550, (cross border protection makes Washington State analagous to Sonora or some other untamed part of Northern Mexico!). I don't know the full story, but it seemed like there were suspicions aimed toward some of the people associated with that station - and it seemed to precipitate bringing stations like Red FM (93.1) and others aimed at the area's big South Asian population to start up inside Canada.
All traffic on AM 730 is rather lame. Mostly ferry crossing reports. More updated traffic is on CKWX 1130 every ten minutes on the 1s. I lived in LA when KHJ experimented with that format for a few months, as a last ditch effort before being bought out and going, as you say, "Spanish." Maybe all traffic, with frequent news briefs, weather, sports, etc could work here. "Give us ten minutes, and we'll help you get out of the house."
Seattle sure could use sharper and frequent traffic updates on weekends and evenings, but with announcers who aren't just reading off of DOT maps, and who know how to help me as a listener negotiate around blockages, instead of just saying "find an alternate route," or resigning us to the all day backups that keep many of us out of Seattle for entertainment - it's not all just commuters, you know? (I mean, what's with those "reversable" lanes leaving the city when 5 times mroe traffic is trying to get in??)
I still haven't heard many suggestions that aren't replicating what's already been done or is airing elsewhere. There have to be more than only a half dozen viable program formats for commercial radio -- even on AM! You won't be in the "top ten" of the 6+ ratings, but that doesn't mean you can't serve a niche audience and at least break even financially. Maybe what they're doing now will eventually be such an example.
There is a Mexican immigrant population here, but not nearly as large, vibrant or stable as in any city in California, from what I see. And the music on "La Grande" network is all "banda" from a particular rural part of Mexico, aimed at low wage workers and migrants. It doesn't seem to appeal to listeners from other backgrounds, whether born in Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, or Illinois. There are other kinds of Spanish-speaking people here, from Central America, South America, and second generations and later here, whom I assume mostly listen to other "mainstream" formats.
Are all three of the Punjabi stations aimed at Vancouver from this side of the border programmed by the same company? I recall local news reports a few years ago on CBC-TV from Vancouver about criminal charges aimed at people behind the time-brokered arrangement at AM 1550, (cross border protection makes Washington State analagous to Sonora or some other untamed part of Northern Mexico!). I don't know the full story, but it seemed like there were suspicions aimed toward some of the people associated with that station - and it seemed to precipitate bringing stations like Red FM (93.1) and others aimed at the area's big South Asian population to start up inside Canada.
All traffic on AM 730 is rather lame. Mostly ferry crossing reports. More updated traffic is on CKWX 1130 every ten minutes on the 1s. I lived in LA when KHJ experimented with that format for a few months, as a last ditch effort before being bought out and going, as you say, "Spanish." Maybe all traffic, with frequent news briefs, weather, sports, etc could work here. "Give us ten minutes, and we'll help you get out of the house."
Seattle sure could use sharper and frequent traffic updates on weekends and evenings, but with announcers who aren't just reading off of DOT maps, and who know how to help me as a listener negotiate around blockages, instead of just saying "find an alternate route," or resigning us to the all day backups that keep many of us out of Seattle for entertainment - it's not all just commuters, you know? (I mean, what's with those "reversable" lanes leaving the city when 5 times mroe traffic is trying to get in??)
I still haven't heard many suggestions that aren't replicating what's already been done or is airing elsewhere. There have to be more than only a half dozen viable program formats for commercial radio -- even on AM! You won't be in the "top ten" of the 6+ ratings, but that doesn't mean you can't serve a niche audience and at least break even financially. Maybe what they're doing now will eventually be such an example.
KVI is a mess.
Let's look at the AM market and the "viable" options (or at least the narrow choices usually offered.)
- Conservative talk: Let's face it. Any conservative talker without Limbaugh (and these days, even with Limbaugh) are struggling. It's not what it used to be. KTTH isn't doing that spectacular and KLFE is a joke. Besides, former KVI listeners KNOW that switch to oldies was all Obama's idea. So they're gone for good.
- Sports: Been and done
- Religion: Too many already. Unless it's a different religion (Buddhism, Jewish, Rastafarian, Muslim)
- Spanish: A tough call. Most Spanish radio listeners want music and they won't settle for AM signals anymore. I predict in a few years, there will be a full blown Spanish FM station in the Seattle metro.
- Adult Standards: KIXI has been needing a competitor, a more modern sounding station (I still look at 4BH in Brisbane, Australia as an excellent template) Possible
- Brokered Talk: It's going to be a tough one. KKNW has this one cornered. Rent-A-Stations do bring in money, but nobody really listens to these things.
- All Traffic: Another one with possibilities
.....and on the flip side......
- Smooth Jazz
- All Local/Indie Rock
- All Blues
- Classic B/EZ
- Classic Heavy Metal
- Gold AC
- Radio Reading Service For the Blind
If nothing else, well, KVI would make a nice, tax deductable donation to NWPR for their all news network. But KUOW would probably raise hell over that.
I really don't know what else to do with this station......
Let's look at the AM market and the "viable" options (or at least the narrow choices usually offered.)
- Conservative talk: Let's face it. Any conservative talker without Limbaugh (and these days, even with Limbaugh) are struggling. It's not what it used to be. KTTH isn't doing that spectacular and KLFE is a joke. Besides, former KVI listeners KNOW that switch to oldies was all Obama's idea. So they're gone for good.
- Sports: Been and done
- Religion: Too many already. Unless it's a different religion (Buddhism, Jewish, Rastafarian, Muslim)
- Spanish: A tough call. Most Spanish radio listeners want music and they won't settle for AM signals anymore. I predict in a few years, there will be a full blown Spanish FM station in the Seattle metro.
- Adult Standards: KIXI has been needing a competitor, a more modern sounding station (I still look at 4BH in Brisbane, Australia as an excellent template) Possible
- Brokered Talk: It's going to be a tough one. KKNW has this one cornered. Rent-A-Stations do bring in money, but nobody really listens to these things.
- All Traffic: Another one with possibilities
.....and on the flip side......
- Smooth Jazz
- All Local/Indie Rock
- All Blues
- Classic B/EZ
- Classic Heavy Metal
- Gold AC
- Radio Reading Service For the Blind
If nothing else, well, KVI would make a nice, tax deductable donation to NWPR for their all news network. But KUOW would probably raise hell over that.
I really don't know what else to do with this station......
How about sticking to a format for more than a year? They were HOT Talk, then Freedom, then Talk, then Oldies, then Smart Talk. It takes a couple of years in any format to have an impact especially on the AM dial. Conservative Talk is too crowded in Seattle, which is why KVI left. KTTH has a 1.7 share 25-54 and has all the major talent. KVI should have adjusted and they would still have a solid one share or so. Oldies was a good plan. There are multiple Oldies stations on AM that do well, like AM 650 in Vancouver BC that typically has a two or three share. Oldies, Classic Country and Music of Your Life are on dozens of AM stations from Detroit to Denver to Vancouver and work. Smart Talk may do well too, but not if you change the format every six months.
Should KVI have stuck to Conservative and improved on it. YES (Maybe adjusted hosts)
Should KVI have stuck to Oldies for more than 11 months. YES (Maybe adjust to Gold AC or older when KJR came on)
Should KVI stick to this new format for a couple years before changing again: YES
Should stations consider improving formats before blowing them up to try the next hot thing, no matter AM or FM: YES
Should KVI have stuck to Conservative and improved on it. YES (Maybe adjusted hosts)
Should KVI have stuck to Oldies for more than 11 months. YES (Maybe adjust to Gold AC or older when KJR came on)
Should KVI stick to this new format for a couple years before changing again: YES
Should stations consider improving formats before blowing them up to try the next hot thing, no matter AM or FM: YES
A
AQH
Guest
CorporateSuit said:
And cannibalize KOMO?
Has Fisher every reviewed the likes of Gene Autry and Golden West Broadcasters ? Maybe the corporate executives need a refresher course on what made KVI, KFSO AND KMPC so successful. It's tremendously sad that program directors (starting in the 80's,) had to tweak the programming to start KVI's downhill spiral. Strong local talent like Hardwick, Jim French, Jack Allen, Peter B, Don Hoffman and Bill Taylor were all discarded like garbage, in hopes of a better market share. How could the new program directors be so naive, knowing that all AM stations were losing some ground to FM programming, and yes KVI would move down a few points too.
At this point, I'm not sure what Fisher should do. News radio is still near the top in market share. KIRO is doing well on FM, KOMO is slightly less on AM. Maybe KVI could move to news radio too with a few twists of it's own. However, it would need strong recognizable talent to promote the station. I'm talking the likes of the late Larry Nelson that had the morning program on KOMO for years. A friendly voice and native talent that knew Seattle inside & out.
At this point, I'm not sure what Fisher should do. News radio is still near the top in market share. KIRO is doing well on FM, KOMO is slightly less on AM. Maybe KVI could move to news radio too with a few twists of it's own. However, it would need strong recognizable talent to promote the station. I'm talking the likes of the late Larry Nelson that had the morning program on KOMO for years. A friendly voice and native talent that knew Seattle inside & out.
S
searadiofreak
Guest
jerryo said:
Here is some notable KVI history, albeit sad.
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19920604&slug=1495350
KVI and its management can't be blamed for getting rid of many of their stars. Things were decidedly against AM's starting in Seattle as early as the mid-80's. What the rest of radio is experiencing now, pales in comparison to the hits that AM was taking in the 80's and 90's. The 2000's were just the nail in the coffin.
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