As you probably know as of Friday, WLTW at 106.7 had dropped it's "Lite" moniker from its station and it's now be called "New York's 106.7 FM". As of right now, both 92.1 and 98.5 are still using the "Lite" moniker for the rest of the Hudson Valley. As for the big question, why is 92.1 and 98.5 were using the "Lite" name while New York City does not use the name as "Lite-FM" anymore? Tell me?
-
Get involved.
We want your input!
Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.
After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.
After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/
Thanks in advance and have fun!
RadioDiscussions Administrators
Why Is 92.1 and 98.5 Are Still Using Lite-FM?
- Thread starter disney fanatic
- Start date
A
AMonFM
Guest
Because it'd be pretty dumb to call them "New York's 92.1/98.5", when they aren't in NYC. There was nothing I saw etched in stone where it said the HV stations have to mirror everything 106.7 does. Just because one station reimages doesn't mean every AC in the company has to follow suit.
Next...
Next...
Or maybe they should call it "Hudson Valley's 92.1/98.5 FM". That might be a better name than "Lite". I heard it when it says "Lite-FM" at that point, because New York City doesn't use the word "Lite" anymore.
:
Just because 106.7 dropped 'Lite FM' from their name doesn't mean every Lite FM will change it's name.
And 'The Hudson Valley's 92.1 and 98.5' sounds dumb and drawn out.
Just my $106.7
Just because 106.7 dropped 'Lite FM' from their name doesn't mean every Lite FM will change it's name.
And 'The Hudson Valley's 92.1 and 98.5' sounds dumb and drawn out.
Just my $106.7
Kevin said::
Just because 106.7 dropped 'Lite FM' from their name doesn't mean every Lite FM will change it's name.
And 'The Hudson Valley's 92.1 and 98.5' sounds dumb and drawn out.
Just my $106.7
Amen. this is such a pointless thread. Since when does one station's actions REQUIRE another to do the same thing??
There are only a few 'Easy' stations around these days, but it doesn't matter.
106.7 Lite FM was doing well enough with their branding, ratings, and billing. There was no need for change. They just got a little scared because their is a 'fresh' new competitor in town.
106.7 Lite FM was doing well enough with their branding, ratings, and billing. There was no need for change. They just got a little scared because their is a 'fresh' new competitor in town.
Kevin said:
I think it also lends to the debate as to whether the word "Lite" is really accurate anymore.
When AC started, the term "Lite" was pretty accurate because a lot of the music was drippy, slow, mushy... even sometimes literally elevator music. In radio we call it AC, but people referred to that kind of music as "lite listening." In the 80's and early 90's, AC stations were the direct opposite of pop/CHR stations.
Today, most AC stations are playing the very same songs that were their "enemies" back in the 80's and 90's... many even feature such music with features like "the 80's at 8" and syndicated shows like Kid Kelly's Backtrax. And many AC stations include crossovers from CHR and Country among their currents and recurrents.
You could seriously argue that the term "Lite" is outdated and no longer an accurate description of the station's flavor. The problem, however, lies in markets where "Lite" stations have been so successful, PD's cringe at the idea of changing their station's name. Usually a name change accompanies a format and talent change -- listeners may assume their favorite station is gone for good, even though it's just a new name. Will it screw up the diaries? What if another station in town takes over the "Lite" name and manages to steal diary credit?
I believe I read an article where WLTW's management said most of the diaries showed people were writing 106.7, instead of Lite. In that case, the name change probably won't hurt. And if nobody else in town is taking the Lite name, I'm sure they'll still get credit for those who write "Lite."
The argument where the Hudson Valley stations should mirror NYC's actions is partly valid because many people to commute between NYC and the HV. ClearChannel is probably aiming to get commuters "glued" to the Lite brand, knowing they'll hear similar material in their NYC offices as they do in their Poughkeepsie homes. Not a totally horrible idea. But the diarykeeping dynamics and other factors in the Poughkeepsie market (not to mention the likely smaller budget available for massive rebranding efforts) are probably what's keeping the "Lite" in the HV station names.
It could also be that WLTW wants to get a little more competitive with Hot AC's. Shedding the "Lite" image gives them more leeway to get into the hotter tunes that would have sounded awkward right up against a jock break or an imaging liner with the word "Lite."
You bring up a lot of good points Bob.
Perhaps some 'Lite' stations will drop the name and just use their call letters in the future.
Perhaps some 'Lite' stations will drop the name and just use their call letters in the future.
P-Town said:
Yes and No. The actual look of the logo, as it exists right now, is owned by ClearChannel. I haven't heard the station, but I'd also assume any jingles that sound identical to those that are or were on WLTW are also CC property.
However, the word "Lite" by itself, is not owned by CC. There are many stations around the country that are not owned by CC, and call themselves Lite. Same goes for Mix, Kiss, and several others.
But, there are also cases where a company sells a station, and allows the new owners to retain the logo/format as part of the sale price. It could be argued that forcing the new owners to change formats/names/logos could be a detriment to their future business. I've seen a few Mix and Kiss stations out there, not owned by CC, but they have the same logos seen on dozens of CC stations. My guess is that these are former CC properties, and when they were sold, the new owners were allowed to retain the format, logo, etc.
I'm thinking we'll see some cases where the logos/formats remain unchanged, and some cases where the new owners make sweeping changes, either by requirement, or voluntarily.
BobRoss said:
Yeah, you summed it up nicely.. I was gonna respond to that since CBS owns two "Lite FM" stations... 102.9 Lite FM in Minneapolis and 101.9 Lite FM in Baltimore.
mikesingh said:
And don't forget in Miami, there's 101.5 Lite-FM. This station is not owned by CC, it's owned by Lincoln Financial Media, the company that owns "Bob & Sheri".
- Status