Will KTSA flip format?

[willdav713]

550 AM has been on the air since 1986 a couple of months after I moved to San Antonio. I remember hearing Simply Red "Holding Back the Years" and Sade "Smooth Operator" on my AM only alarm clock on that station. Seeing that station has been on for 24 years, and talk radios new moves to the FM dial. Do you think BMP will flip the talker to a music format? If so what would be the likely canidate?

 

[musicman3355]

Possibly. Maybe KRIO?

 

[willdav713]

Umm, why in the world would they flip a news/talker flip to music? No one listens to music on AM. If anything, they'll flip one of their low-rated FMs to simulcast the talker. If that happens the AM will remain the same.

Then why is KONO on 860? Why is KAHL on 1310? Why is Norteno on 720? KKYX, KEDA? People do listen to music on AM. If they flipped to a music format from talk what would be the likely contender? Spanish, Show Tunes, Oldies, Jack Simulcast, a more Urban Jack?

 

[musicman3355]

Usually, there would be a music format on AM that is not available on FM. I know that there's music on AM, but that doesn't mean it's successful (Radio Disney is a perfect example). I know Adult Standards usually does a bit well for an AM music station, but if someone wants to listen to, let's say, KONO, they'll most likely listen to the FM counterpart instead. So IMHO, I doubt KTSA would actually flip.

 

[daypart]

Someone has posted here more than once that KTSA is a strong biller, despite its low ratings. I would listen more to the morning show if it were back to Talk that is less stridently political. Surely the audience will lose interest after a while.

 

[fredcantu]

People will listen to good programming on AM. Anyone remember 79Q in Houston? They gambled that a strong top 40 on AM would get listeners. It did. Nowadays operators are content to run their AM stations from a server underneath the FM console and outsource all of the programming.

 

[willdav713]

People will listen to good programming on AM. Anyone remember 79Q in Houston? They gambled that a strong top 40 on AM would get listeners. It did. Nowadays operators are content to run their AM stations from a server underneath the FM console and outsource all of the programming.

Stations like 76-Zrock were outsourced. So it would probally be flipped to a station like that. I just want to hear something new and that is music on 550 AM.

 

[Drunken_Easterbunny]

Why would they flip when the salespeople at BMP can sell commercials on the current format? There is nothing they can do on KTSA that is better than what they're doing right now. They cannot change local programming because that would lose them money. Syndiacated shows can't make salescalls. They cannot dump news because that, again, would lose them money. As bad as it may be sometimes... people just don't take you seriously without news (read: 1067's poorly executed flip.) They cannot switch to ag reporting because.... well.... that might actually work with a sales staff that was willing to seriously hustle.

I've long said the only viable format flips would be ag..... which is very risky..... or build the station around Ramsey with other "consumer" shows... i.e. clark howard. You could sell it as an alternative to WOAI's constant republican yelling. "They yell a lot, we get things done..." tagline. Hook in with the San Antonio Business Journal for news.

The problem, tho, is the fact that KTSA in it's current form makes money. It's not setting the world on fire, but it makes money. Any change would be a risk....

 

[nojustice]

I think someone should look into more talk programs for women.

Call in shows about children, wedding services, divorce counsel, political issues for women etc...

I envision a DR. OZ type or The Doctors on radio...with charismatic local host.

Selling spots for Huggies, Toys, Kids docs, kids resale shops, legal services, catering, bakeries, dj and music setups...etc...

 

[willdav713]

Why would they flip when the salespeople at BMP can sell commercials on the current format? There is nothing they can do on KTSA that is better than what they're doing right now. They cannot change local programming because that would lose them money. Syndiacated shows can't make salescalls. They cannot dump news because that, again, would lose them money. As bad as it may be sometimes... people just don't take you seriously without news (read: 1067's poorly executed flip.) They cannot switch to ag reporting because.... well.... that might actually work with a sales staff that was willing to seriously hustle.

I've long said the only viable format flips would be ag..... which is very risky..... or build the station around Ramsey with other "consumer" shows... i.e. clark howard. You could sell it as an alternative to WOAI's constant republican yelling. "They yell a lot, we get things done..." tagline. Hook in with the San Antonio Business Journal for news.

Progessive Radio is a failure in San Antonio they tried that twice with 92.5 and 103.1 True Oldies have hit #1 in some parts of the Country. A Urban Jack format would probally fair well but would take a hell of a lot of advertising because people are accustomed to the FM dial. San Antonio is a conservative and diverse town. An Urban Jack would fill the void. If San Antonio were Houston I would recommend a Spanish Jack.

The problem, tho, is the fact that KTSA in it's current form makes money. It's not setting the world on fire, but it makes money. Any change would be a risk....

 

[saradio1]

Why would they flip when the salespeople at BMP can sell commercials on the current format? There is nothing they can do on KTSA that is better than what they're doing right now. They cannot change local programming because that would lose them money. Syndiacated shows can't make salescalls. They cannot dump news because that, again, would lose them money. As bad as it may be sometimes... people just don't take you seriously without news (read: 1067's poorly executed flip.) They cannot switch to ag reporting because.... well.... that might actually work with a sales staff that was willing to seriously hustle.

I've long said the only viable format flips would be ag..... which is very risky..... or build the station around Ramsey with other "consumer" shows... i.e. clark howard. You could sell it as an alternative to WOAI's constant republican yelling. "They yell a lot, we get things done..." tagline. Hook in with the San Antonio Business Journal for news.

Progessive Radio is a failure in San Antonio they tried that twice with 92.5 and 103.1 True Oldies have hit #1 in some parts of the Country. A Urban Jack format would probally fair well but would take a hell of a lot of advertising because people are accustomed to the FM dial. San Antonio is a conservative and diverse town. An Urban Jack would fill the void. If San Antonio were Houston I would recommend a Spanish Jack.

The problem, tho, is the fact that KTSA in it's current form makes money. It's not setting the world on fire, but it makes money. Any change would be a risk....

I disagree. 92.5 and 103.1 are both rim shots stations. San Antonio conservative? How so? The last three mayors have been Democrats. Not to mention San Antonio also voted for Obama in the last election.

 

[Drunken_Easterbunny]

NPR (liberal radio... kstx) is currently #20 in the market, losing to KTSA in 12+. Imagine 3rd (or 4th) tier "progressive" talk show hosts on KTSA... and they'll be behind KSTX... and they'll lose what few advertisers they have. Why do that? It's a lose, lose prop.

Music on AM? no way in hell. never, ever, ever work in this age of big dollar car stereos. Show me an am music station that's pulling better numbers than KTSA (and i'm not talking about the 75+ demo.) Why do something worse than what you're doing now, just for the sake of change?

 

[willdav713]

I disagree. 92.5 and 103.1 are both rim shots stations. San Antonio conservative? How so? The last three mayors have been Democrats. Not to mention San Antonio also voted for Obama in the last election.
[/quote]
Are you counting San Antonio's North Side? Or just the inner city, southside, eastside and westside? The next Mayor will be Republican or Independant, but wait I thought that Mayors weren't affilated with polictal party according to city charter. It is interesting to hear conservative talk on several AM and on 1 FM station in San Antonio. Immigration is a hot button issue. I hear Hispanic conservatives on CSPAN from south Texas towns, and on radio against unlawful immigration. I don't mean to steer away from the topic but Talk radio is a format and in my post I am talking about if KTSA changes format what would it be and it includes some polictal discussion.

 

[fredcantu]

It's interesting to click on the cume column on the ratings. WOAI-- the top talker in S.A.-- comes in 16th and is beat by also-rans like KLTO & KGSX. And KTSA-- much further down the list-- has fewer ears than KSTX. Political talk does have a loyal audience, but not as BIG an audience as it's buzz would suggest.

 

[daypart]

Not only is KTSA not flipping, they're adding a local show on weeknights!

http://www.mysanantonio.com/enterta..._humorous_approach_to_politics_106564283.html

the new Talk Show Nation With Woody and Chad, debuting this week on KTSA radio (550 AM), would be broader and "much funnier" than your average political radio talk show.

The two-hour program - 10 p.m. to midnight Mondays through Fridays - replaces the conservative Schnitt Show, which moved recently to afternoons on Clear Channel's FM talk outlet "The Patriot" 92.5.

Surprising place to put a local talk radio show.

 

[willdav713]

Not only is KTSA not flipping, they're adding a local show on weeknights!

http://www.mysanantonio.com/enterta..._humorous_approach_to_politics_106564283.html

the new Talk Show Nation With Woody and Chad, debuting this week on KTSA radio (550 AM), would be broader and "much funnier" than your average political radio talk show.

The two-hour program - 10 p.m. to midnight Mondays through Fridays - replaces the conservative Schnitt Show, which moved recently to afternoons on Clear Channel's FM talk outlet "The Patriot" 92.5.

Surprising place to put a local talk radio show.

You mean that Woody from KTFM? Tank Tank Tank. Seriously how many people on here were tired of him? Well at least hes got a gig, let's see how long he lasts. I personally found him boring. Now Drex he kept me fired up and awake in the morning back in the late 90s.

 

[willdav713]

NPR (liberal radio... kstx) is currently #20 in the market, losing to KTSA in 12+. Imagine 3rd (or 4th) tier "progressive" talk show hosts on KTSA... and they'll be behind KSTX... and they'll lose what few advertisers they have. Why do that? It's a lose, lose prop.

Music on AM? no way in hell. never, ever, ever work in this age of big dollar car stereos. Show me an am music station that's pulling better numbers than KTSA (and i'm not talking about the 75+ demo.) Why do something worse than what you're doing now, just for the sake of change?

Did you hear about the format change for Seattle's KVI? From Talk to Oldies, and didn't KTSA drop Rush Limbaugh like KVI?

 

[fredcantu]

Did you hear about the format change for Seattle's KVI? From Talk to Oldies, and didn't KTSA drop Rush Limbaugh like KVI?

IIRC-- Rush is part of Premiere which was bought out by Clear Channel. CC would want its top shows on its own stations. So I don't think KTSA dropped it.

 

[Drunken_Easterbunny]

so.... now i'm re-thinking lib radio. ktsa and npr are tied in the 12+ out on friday. both at a 1.9. Now, I'm sure KTSA is killing in the 35+ demo... but that ain't an easy sell. well.... it's not as easy as 25-54 numbers.

lib radio would be cheaper... easier... and you can apparently pull the same ratings.

how is bmp getting a return on their investment?

 

[daypart]

I'm sure KTSA is killing in the 35+ demo... but that ain't an easy sell. well.... it's not as easy as 25-54 numbers.

Look at who KTSA's advertisers are: plumbing companies, HVAC companies, pest control companies, home improvement companies - services for HOMEOWNERS. Do you really think they're missing many homeowners by ignoring 25-34?

so.... now i'm re-thinking lib radio. ktsa and npr are tied in the 12+ out on friday. both at a 1.9.

lib radio would be cheaper... easier... and you can apparently pull the same ratings.

IMO those companies selling services for homeowners will not want to advertise on a lib station. I remember the advertisers on the libtalk station the last time San Antonio had one and it was a much more technology-oriented mix.

Looking at election results and noting where the blue votes in the metro area are coming from (East/West/South sides) IMO the mix of lib voters in town won't be interested in the Anglo-centric slant of syndicated libtalk radio. Libtalk radio focuses a lot on social issues. The blue voters in the SA market are not voting blue because they want gay marriage and abortions.