Who makes the format change decision for corporate stations?

[Groove1670]

When it comes to format changes in medium smaller markets, who makes the decision to pull the plug? Does it come from corporate, the GM etc. This question would apply to CC/Cumulus stations, ETC.

 

[TheBigA]

The two companies you listed seem to operate very differently.

 

[davideduardo]

When it comes to format changes in medium smaller markets, who makes the decision to pull the plug? Does it come from corporate, the GM etc. This question would apply to CC/Cumulus stations, ETC.

In very general terms, a format change requires a change in the business plan for a radio station. So, if local management feels a format change is advised, they have to give reasons why the existing format is a poor option compared to a new format. That plan would have to be approved by higher management, whether the group is 5 stations or 500.

Naturally, a variety of scenarios are possible.

One is that the owners (or their representatives) find the results from operations of a station unsatisfactory so they set the wheels in motion to cause the format to be changed.

Another is that local managers start the evaluation, and recommend change to the higher management. This might be because local management sees changes in competitors that a format change could take advantage of... or changes in the client base of the market.

It is very very rare for a format change of a station owned by a group to be changed without active involvement from group management or the owners.

 

[Groove1670]

It is very very rare for a format change of a station owned by a group to be changed without active involvement from group management or the owners.

Out on Friday. Stunting for 2 weeks, new staff after that. That seems to be the general observation from what I have followed with the changes that have gone down the past couple of months. It looks like good news for those with news/talk/sports experience programming & sales.