Will CBS Sell KPTK?

[DToTheJ]

It has just been announced that CBS will be selling fifty of their radio stations, none of which has been announced at this time. CBS will be doing this to "focus on the larger market stations" that they own.

While Seattle is a top market, I can't help but wonder if KPTK is indeed one of the stations that CBS plans to divest. Everybody knows that progressive talk is a hard sell, and while their rating may not be strong on paper (a 1.8 is nothing to sneeze at in such a populated town, especially for progressive talk), CBS has been doing an outstanding job with the station. Their promotion is active, and their imaging just blows me away. The only downside is that there is no local talent. However, many of their hosts are coming to Seattle for a live event in a couple of weeks, which I just heard has been sold out.

I wonder if the next owner of KPTK will hold onto the progressive talk format, if CBS indeed decides to sell the station.

 

[Bongwater]

It has just been announced that CBS will be selling fifty of their radio stations, none of which has been announced at this time. CBS will be doing this to focus on larger market stations.

While Seattle is a top market, I can't help but wonder if KPTK is indeed one of the stations that CBS plans to divest. They have been doing an outstanding job with the progressive talk format, their promotion is active, and their imaging just blows me away. The only downside is that there is no local talent. However, many of their hosts are coming to Seattle for a live event in a couple of weeks, which I just heard has been sold out.

I wonder if the next owner of KPTK will hold onto the progressive talk format, if CBS indeed decides to sell the station.

Depends on who they sell it to. If Salem buys it (and they're the only ones really interested in AM radio anymore), it's toast.

If Entercom buys it, I smell sports......

 

[jdweaver]

It's really as cash on cash question. How much cash flow is the station generating? How much managment bandwidth does it take and really, who the hell would buy it anyway?

The reality is that AM stations, with a couple of big stick exceptions, are not worth much. They occupy expensive and environmentally sensitive land (see KRKO for that battle), are technically complex (at least the directionals are) and have declining audience shares. KIRO's capitulation to FM really signals that the future for news/talk is on FM.

 

[Kelly]

Jackson hit the nail on the head. Nobody is buying stand-alone AM's anymore. Maybe someone would do a swap for it, aka one dog for another dog in, or between markets, but I don't think KPTK is on anyone's radar but your own.

This is right up there with the history of past posts/speculation that KPLZ will be flipping to country because it's SO under water, (yeah right), KNDD flipping to MOYL, or most recently, that Entercom should trade KNDD, for KFNK and KNBQ. Now THAT was a good one.

Just remember...

"Everytime you see a funeral procession, so goes another AM listener."

 

[LITTLEBOYBLUE]

Just remember...
"Everytime you see a funeral procession, so goes another AM listener."

(Unless OJ was behind it ... in which case it may be a "two-fer")

I thought CBS already spun most of their non-major market stations? Will have to look at a roster and see what's left, but one has to wonder if they draw line for "major market" at "top 10" (Seattle/Portland both in trouble) or "top 20"...

Either way, Portland properties on the radar ahead of Seattle...
Visit http://www.cbsradio.com/stations/index.html and you'll see PLENTY of stations in sub-prime markets. Would think more likely to sell the couple of stand-alones (e.g. Palm Springs) and smaller markets rather than break up top-20 existing clusters. The under-performers in the majors would be in the NEXT round of "we need some cash for a poker game".

Ones to worry about may be Fisher (all 3 or just 1). Today's Q2 press announcement cites radio's performance as one reason company's financials are dragging a little. At shareholder pow-wow in April, radio wasn't getting a great report card, and even THEN there was emphasis on "we could do better without Mariners...", so handwriting was on the wall already (unless, I suspect, the Mariners deal had turned out to be Xmas in July...for Fisher). Consider, for example, if Bonneville buys Fisher Radio properties. THEN the news/talk plot really gets interesting...!

 

[Kelly]

What is really a bellweather of the state of AM listening, was the comment by someone here that even the mighty KGO in San Francisco, after twenty four consecutive years of being #1 12+, has recently dropped to #9?? Granted it's just someone else's word on this site, and I haven't had an opportunity to verifiy that yet, but if indeed that is the case, then certainly West Coast news-talk AM stations are really losing traction much faster than I would have thought.

Gee when you think about it, maybe this is an example of "radio natural selection". Eventually the herd, (aka the AM band), will be thinnned out due to the death of the weak ones!

 

[Bongwater]

What is really a bellweather of the state of AM listening, was the comment by someone here that even the mighty KGO in San Francisco, after twenty four consecutive years of being #1 12+, has recently dropped to #9?? Granted it's just someone else's word on this site, and I haven't had an opportunity to verifiy that yet, but if indeed that is the case, then certainly West Coast news-talk AM stations are really losing traction much faster than I would have thought.

Gee when you think about it, maybe this is an example of "radio natural selection". Eventually the herd, (aka the AM band), will be thinnned out due to the death of the weak ones!

Well, if it really worked like that, AM would have been dead by 1980. But a combination of factors are in play, first satellite radio. Sirius XM Inc. are a prime example. Second, iPods and third, Wi-Fi which is beginning to take off.

AM does have a future..for local radio hobbyists and renegade programmers. But there is VERY limited space on the FM band as it is. The ONLY solution for FM is to start seriously leasing out those HD sub-channels and/or EXPANDING the FM band up to 128 MHz or lower to 76 MHz (like in Japan.) A combination of both HD and expansion up AND down the FM dial will be adaquate...for the next 10 years.

The problem here is very few broadcasters know the depth of the mess FM is in. Yes, FM. Because if you haven't noticed, Canadian FM stations take to the airwaves LIGHT YEARS sooner than American FM stations. That's a REAL problem for broadcasters just south of that border. The red tape has GOT to go. Because up here especially, that factors a LOT (think KMCQ-KAFE and the new Vancouver FM on 104.1 CHHR and the obstacles IT ALONE has created.) They've already got FM frequencies trampling on Seattle frequencies

But in the end, maybe the Canadians are farther ahead of the curve than we are. You can't blame them for that. But something's got to give for everybody in the end. In the most ideal scenario, I'd say:

- If everybody's abandoning AM as rapidly as everyone says, fine, let that band become the band of radio hobbyists. There are BILLIONS of AM radios. and room enough for everyone with a set maximum power. And AM Stereo

- A maximum of TWO HD equipped FM radio frequencies per owner, per market (this makes 2 FM frequencies a virtual 6 stations.) If corporate owners can't even keep up with five full power FM HD equipped transmitters, this should actually HELP them in the end. And be the BEST promotion for HD Radio because they will be FORCED to make HD radio something GOOD to listen to.

- BAN ALL CSN/AFR/K-Love/KTLW translators beyond 100 miles of their originating stations (This includes all full power WSU or other public station translators past 100 miles of their originating stations. We all have the internet and Wi-Fi if we really want to pick up a specific station anyway.) This opens up more frequencies for TRULY educational use.

- Supply public stations and LPFMs with HD gratis. They have the right and it frees up more airspace.

- HD on AM is a JOKE. Don't even think of it. AM Stereo worked better. Demand all manufacturers make all new AM recievers C-QUAM compatible. Of course it's not the PERFECT system, none is for AM Stereo (like Quad was in the '70s) but it gives AM a small edge....

So there. Hate AM all you want now and hate my suggestions even more. But my suggestions work a hell of a lot better in the 21st century...

And if THIS proper and RIGHT idea comes to pass, then I guarantee you I will run for President (granted I will be shot just in my campaign for that alone, if not my first year in office). Just remember, you heard it HERE first.....

 

[ajhenderson]

Gee when you think about it, maybe this is an example of "radio natural selection". Eventually the herd, (aka the AM band), will be thinnned out due to the death of the weak ones!

Well, AMs will become brokered stations. Which is who is buying standalone AMs; just not relatively powerful ones owned by big conglomerates in market #14... too expensive.

 

[AQH]

What is really a bellweather of the state of AM listening, was the comment by someone here that even the mighty KGO in San Francisco, after twenty four consecutive years of being #1 12+, has recently dropped to #9?? Granted it's just someone else's word on this site, and I haven't had an opportunity to verifiy that yet, but if indeed that is the case, then certainly West Coast news-talk AM stations are really losing traction much faster than I would have thought.

Gee when you think about it, maybe this is an example of "radio natural selection". Eventually the herd, (aka the AM band), will be thinnned out due to the death of the weak ones!

KGO won 12+ again, albeit by a somewhat thin margin. But N/T outlets usually don't do as well in the spring (with the occasional exception if that station has baseball, and KGO doesn't).

 

[Kelly]

Well, if it really worked like that, AM would have been dead by 1980. But a combination of factors are in play, first satellite radio. Sirius XM Inc. are a prime example. Second, iPods and third, Wi-Fi which is beginning to take off.

I don't quite understand your point here Larry. AM was still going strong in the 80's. It's because the latest generation born in the 80's are using Ipods and developing their own playlists of music and information via podcasts is one reason why AM radio has fallen off map. Music sharing in the 90's also changed the dynamic too.[/size][/size]

AM does have a future..for local radio hobbyists and renegade programmers. But there is VERY limited space on the FM band as it is. The ONLY solution for FM is to start seriously leasing out those HD sub-channels and/or EXPANDING the FM band up to 128 MHz or lower to 76 MHz (like in Japan.) A combination of both HD and expansion up AND down the FM dial will be adaquate...for the next 10 years.

The problem I have with the whole IBOC or HD radio issue, is the auto manufacturers have been quite clear that they don't, and won't want to pay for the chips in the car radios, nor the licensing fees to Ibquity, when XM and Sirius GIVE them the chips. Of course both GM and Ford are investors in XM and Sirius respectively. Two years ago I was attending a HD radio session at the Consumer Electronics Show, and a rep from Delco was very clear to the panelists from the HD Radio Alliance and Ibquity, that the requirement of the radio manufacturers to reimburse the development of IBOC, was going to keep the radios out of cars. Unless the HD guys and the big three automakers can come to an agreement, this HD radio dog won't hunt.

[i]The problem here is very few broadcasters know the depth of the mess FM is in. Yes, FM. Because if you haven't noticed, Canadian FM stations take to the airwaves LIGHT YEARS sooner than American FM stations. That's a REAL problem for broadcasters just south of that border. The red tape has GOT to go. Because up here especially, that factors a LOT (think KMCQ-KAFE and the new Vancouver FM on 104.1 CHHR and the obstacles IT ALONE has created.) They've already got FM frequencies trampling on Seattle frequencies [/i]


The way the CRTC and the FCC operate are 90 degrees apart. The CRTC is very involved with ALL aspects of radio communications in Canada and B.C.,that the FCC has either relegated to private coordination, or private negotiation. If there is any trampling of domestic channels involved, its because the FCC has allowed it to happen. The downside of the CRTC is their regulation of programming. In my view any government regulating what format you play is a bad idea. Besides, have you heard much radio in B.C.? Or tried to watch local TV stations? It's pretty bad!

- If everybody's abandoning AM as rapidly as everyone says, fine, let that band become the band of radio hobbyists. There are BILLIONS of AM radios. and room enough for everyone with a set maximum power. And AM Stereo

AM stereo? Please! Let's see... At the receiver end, 40% IMD distortion, a frequency response 100hz-3.5Khz, and 20db, (downhill with a tailwind), of stereo separation? Oh and you lose it in tunnels, buildings, and Lord help you if you are listening while at your computer, because the noise is so bad. Yeah, AM compared to Ipods or streaming has such a bright future. And don't expect the FCC to open up the band to hobbiests, nor increase the occupied bandwith to even what we had pre NRSC.

- A maximum of TWO HD equipped FM radio frequencies per owner, per market (this makes 2 FM frequencies a virtual 6 stations.) If corporate owners can't even keep up with five full power FM HD equipped transmitters, this should actually HELP them in the end. And be the BEST promotion for HD Radio because they will be FORCED to make HD radio something GOOD to listen to.

Maybe you do, but I don't want the FCC regulating formats or content beyond what they already have. And of all people, I would think that you would welcome diverse programming on ansillary channels. Forcing stations to make HD radio something good to listen to Larry? According to you? We're getting a little conservative in our later years now aren't we??

- BAN ALL CSN/AFR/K-Love/KTLW translators beyond 100 miles of their originating stations (This includes all full power WSU or other public station translators past 100 miles of their originating stations. We all have the internet and Wi-Fi if we really want to pick up a specific station anyway.) This opens up more frequencies for TRULY educational use.

I agree that the K-Love's and Chapel Falls "religious" stations have taken liberties with the loopholes in the allocation process. Whereas I don't agree in just "banning" them from the airwaves, the commission does need to close the loopholes.

- HD on AM is a JOKE. Don't even think of it. AM Stereo worked better. Demand all manufacturers make all new AM recievers C-QUAM compatible. Of course it's not the PERFECT system, none is for AM Stereo (like Quad was in the '70s) but it gives AM a small edge....

I disagree with you about HD on AM. In fact, I believe the FCC should mandate that all AM stations go IBOC over the next five years, and turn off their analog modulation within five years after that. That way, all Medium Wave domestic stations will be transmitting higher quality audio, lower noise, and better coverage. This scenario will allow stations on the MW band to survive. If something isn't done, analog AM will continue to suffer with continued poor quality, and declining listenership if something isn't done technically to help save it.

So there. Hate AM all you want now and hate my suggestions even more. But my suggestions work a hell of a lot better in the 21st century...


I don't hate AM. I am one of the few people around that can still tune up an AM directional antenna system. The fact remains however, that the next generation of listeners are leaving AM behind. You can hang on to your memories all you want, but just ask a 15 year old if they listen to an AM station, let alone any radio, in a given day.

And if THIS proper and RIGHT idea comes to pass, then I guarantee you I will run for President (granted I will be shot just in my campaign for that alone, if not my first year in office). Just remember, you heard it HERE first.....

Super! And based on your opinions here, what party affiliation will you be running under?? Better watch out Larry, you may have some Conservative tendencies!

 

[LITTLEBOYBLUE]

As a sidebar...Kelly, FMSteve, or anyone else who "gets this stuff"....assuming AM band were to die, what would be appropriate and/or likely (not necessarily the same thing) use of that spectrum? I don't understand specifics (but want to), but assume something like that MAY not be capable of fielding something like new digital cellphone technology, etc. Seems all references to digital devices involve "mHz" references...

The only thing I seem to recall is that I thought FM spectrum sits between TV/6 and TV/7. KIRO-TV had 50th anniversary special the other night, and C. Wedes was recalling how people were having a tough time with reception when they launched in 1958 because Channel 7 and Rabbit Ears not very friendly with each other.

 

[DToTheJ]

Well, here's somewhat good news: Of the 59 stations All Access posted as possibly being sold by CBS, none of them were from Seattle. Or any of the top 22 markets, for that matter.

 

[Kelly]

As a sidebar...Kelly, FMSteve, or anyone else who "gets this stuff"....assuming AM band were to die, what would be appropriate and/or likely (not necessarily the same thing) use of that spectrum? I don't understand specifics (but want to), but assume something like that MAY not be capable of fielding something like new digital cellphone technology, etc. Seems all references to digital devices involve "mHz" references...

The only thing I seem to recall is that I thought FM spectrum sits between TV/6 and TV/7. KIRO-TV had 50th anniversary special the other night, and C. Wedes was recalling how people were having a tough time with reception when they launched in 1958 because Channel 7 and Rabbit Ears not very friendly with each other.

In the scheme of things, the Medium Wave, aka AM band, is pretty small as compared with most other domestic spectrum. Being so small, there may not be much that it would be useful for if stations weren't on it.

I suspect if the AM broadcast stations were to go away completely and would become completely useless in our lifetime, it would be because of terrestrial noise from modern electronic devices like new video displays, energy efficient lighting products, consumer product power supplies, or the proliferation of Internet access over power lines, (BPL). Noise like this is increasing every day, and low frequencies like low-VHF TV channels, and the AM broadcast band are suffering for progress. Just as some of the other LF spectrum like 26-49Mhz., you could use the MW broadcast band for future close range RF devices like garage door openers.

No offense to my friends at the FCC, but the commission in DC has become pretty toothless when it comes to regulating how much interference and spectral noise is generated by modern consumer electronic devices.

 

[gr229]

openers.

No offense to my friends at the FCC, but the commission in DC has become pretty toothless when it comes to regulating how much interference and spectral noise is generated by modern consumer electronic devices.

maybe this will explain it...A whole lot of reading here
I didn't notice anything what they can't produce just what they must accept....part 15

http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/rules/