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Why are Clear Channel classic hits stations older than CBS/Cumulus?

C

carolinaradio

Here's an interesting question -

I've noticed that typically, most of Clear Channel's classic hits stations play less 80s and include more 60s than CBS' (like KOOL, KLUV, WRBQ, WOGL, WOCL, etc) or Cumulus's (like WGRR, KCMO). I guess one could say CC's follow the old "oldies" mold more, and quite a few use the "oldies" word on the air all the time. Some are older than others, and a few like WODC and WRIT don't even seem to play 80s at all, save for a few tracks. CC's WJGH/Jacksonville, KKSF/San Francisco, and WMVA/VA Beach tend to play a little more 80s.

Any idea why? I thought the format had to include 80s and exclude the "O" word to remain viable?
 
It may have something to do with cluster programming and sales targets in the market. I'd have to see what other formats CC has in markets where they are doing older Classic Hits.
 
carolinaradio said:
Any idea why? I thought the format had to include 80s and exclude the "O" word to remain viable?
Click to expand...

The "O" word is only negative at the sales level, where the established definition of oldies is songs from the 60's with listeners in their sixties. Classic Hits defines 70's based formats with younger, more salable demos.

The oldies term can be used on the air at the option of the station.
 
While WJGH Jacksonville plays plenty of '70's and '80's hits, and some '60's, since Christmas, it's been re-imaged as "Jacksonville's ONLY Oldies Station, MAGIC 107-3!
 
That's interesting, as the classic hits station they own in San Francisco, KOSF, dropped "Oldies" from their name and is now just "103.7FM." They just launched as "Oldies" around 8 or 9 months ago. On several stations, such as in Seattle, Milwaukee, Portland, and St. Louis, Clear re-launched oldies/classic hits stations using the "Oldies" branding. These stations play very little music from the 80s.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of using the word "oldies" on air, but whatever works for them. WJGH is one of their better ones, IMO - they have a good variety from the 60s-80s, with the 70s being core and they aren't afraid to play Prince, Madonna, Huey Lewis, etc. from the 80s and mix in older stuff like The Monkees or Beatles from the 60s.
 
Yes, Magic 107-3 has been doing an excellent job with their music mix. Plus, they seem to be bringing on more seasoned personalities as the station evolves - good move! Let's hope the North Florida listeners agree! 8)
 
carolinaradio said:
That's interesting, as the classic hits station they own in San Francisco, KOSF, dropped "Oldies" from their name and is now just "103.7FM." They just launched as "Oldies" around 8 or 9 months ago. On several stations, such as in Seattle, Milwaukee, Portland, and St. Louis, Clear re-launched oldies/classic hits stations using the "Oldies" branding. These stations play very little music from the 80s.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of using the word "oldies" on air, but whatever works for them. WJGH is one of their better ones, IMO - they have a good variety from the 60s-80s, with the 70s being core and they aren't afraid to play Prince, Madonna, Huey Lewis, etc. from the 80s and mix in older stuff like The Monkees or Beatles from the 60s.
Click to expand...

My reasoning for the change at KOSF would be that Don Bleu, the new morning host of KOSF, was just transferred over from Hot AC KIOI. They could be trying to retain the KIOI audience that moved with them.
 
Yeah, KOSF is a pretty good classic hits station musically. I totally agree about WJGH. The more 'modern' ones, such as those, seem much more entertaining to listen to and not as restricted as the more 60s/70s only ones.
 
The ironic thing is that when Clear Channel and the Oldies format were in growth mode in the 90's, CC wanted nothing to do with the format.
 
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