Winter I trends - GSP

[awp69]

Well, here's the latest trends:

http://ratings.****************/cgi-bin/rol.exe/arb191

Not much to see as far as change, particularly since not everyone subscribes to the trends. But interesting that both country stations were down almost a share. And WMYI dropped even more (it's days have got to be numbered, I'm afraid).

While not a huge increase, nice to see X98.5 moving in the right direction with a 1.2 share. Think they could easily end up over the 2 share range as they grow. I'd be curious to know if The Planet's numbers dropped at all. Advertising has definately been on the increase on X98.5 (bad for listeners, but good for its long term success).

 

[carolinaradio]

WMYI will be gone by year's end I bet. Their failing is undeniable, look at that slide. No surprise, though, I tried to listen the other day and it is just stale. WHZT appears to have the wind out of its sails, as well (no surprise there, as Rhythmic CHR has fallen on hard times recently).

The Road is leading nowhere. X-98.5 will be a slow-building format. I expect it will settle somewhere between 1.5-2.0, but it could go higher. With Earth now on 103.3, I expect 97.7 Chuck FM will have some of the wind taken out of their sails also.

Thanks for the link. Since they stopped posting the ratings on here, I've had more trouble keeping up with when the numbers are released.

 

[awp69]

With Earth now on 103.3, I expect 97.7 Chuck FM will have some of the wind taken out of their sails also.

Funny you should mention that. The past few times I've listened to Chuck, and granted it isn't often, they seemed to be leaning a bit younger again. Still not the same as Charlie FM was, but more 80s and 90s than I was used to hearing (seemed to be more 70s and even 60s). Could just be when I was listening. I doubt the Earth would have caused a change so soon since they definately skew older, but it will be interesting to see how the Earth and Chuck battle it out.

 

[Scooter Lesley]

Wellllllllllllllllll...looky at all the bad grades on the Wintertime report card! So, MY 102 has dropped/drooped even lower than the 3.5! Hmmmmmmmm? Oh, what to do,---what to do?? I can't take credit for it, but another member of The Think Tank summed it up last year: "They Botched The Flip". A brilliant, Dead-on, statement. However, MAGIC you need to get off your ass, and start flinging some fairy dust or you'll see the cellar too! Even though all three of our (alleged) Rock stations have their problems, I'll delay their scaldings to a latter time. I still like Chuck FM, and I understand the attraction to X-98.5, even though I have not listened much. Over my shoulder, at a backward glance, I reflect on the fallen Star-103. I heard a skinny little pencilneck consultant once whip, "They tried 80's in GSP(Star-103), and it didn't work.". My answer to him was: It failed because every asspect of it was poorly done, and (allegedly) programmed by one of those...easy on the eyes, yet hard on the ears...gals, that also had to (allegedly) program B-93. That type of ee-fish-unt-see can only be discribed as mowing your lawn, with a weedeater! I have said loudly that I support EARTH, but if I have to speak the truth, and I always do, I'll make this negative statement. Straight outta the chute, granting airplay to stack of Urban hits, is a very dangerous mistake. It would be somewhat OK, if you were 18-months in. As I understand the format is listed as "Classic Hits", and definitions of that vary, but you all way better off with 1972-1989 CHR, than searchin' for da funk!

 

[carolinaradio]

I almost struggle to call what MY did a "flip." What they did was botched, no doubt, but it was more like a slow, odd transition. That was the most disastrous transition I have ever heard on a radio station. I will never forget them playing liners attacking B for being too aggressive and Magic for being too sleepy then playing "Your Song" by Elton John. What a joke! I tried to listen the other day and heard "Gold Digger" alongside Mumford and Sons. Pass.

All-80s failed nationwide, just like all-70s and all-90s did. I've voiced my opposition on here many times to decade-specific formats - I like a lot of decades, but I don't want to hear music from JUST that decade (one of my frustrations with satellite radio). Decade-specific formats seem more likely to burn more quickly than broader-based formats. I mean playing just 10 years of music long-term seems like it would get old.

Earth can definitely hurt Chuck. Only thing that MIGHT keep more Chuck listeners from going to Earth is that they play an exceptional amount of 1960s music (something I am not very fond of myself, just not a decade I'm really in to other than small doses) for 2013 which could be a turnoff. Chuck FM sounds more modern some times more than others. Not sure why. I agree that nobody should want to see Earth fail, and like the music or not, it's local radio with GOOD live talent. Anything with those last two have my 100% support!

 

[ejohn374]

Scooter, all I can say is I love to read your comments! Keep them coming!

 

[jself1982]

I'll say it again... My102.5 should go full force CHR/Top 40 Mainstream and give B93.7 a run for their money. Re-image the station, grab the Reelworld ONE Top 40 Jingle package, update that morning show and lets go Top 40!

 

[awp69]

I'll say it again... My102.5 should go full force CHR/Top 40 Mainstream and give B93.7 a run for their money. Re-image the station, grab the Reelworld ONE Top 40 Jingle package, update that morning show and lets go Top 40!

I would have to agree....perhaps a little more adult-leaning like Channel 96.1 in Charlotte, but I think B93.7 could definately use some competition.

 

[tylerSC]

I'll say it again... My102.5 should go full force CHR/Top 40 Mainstream and give B93.7 a run for their money. Re-image the station, grab the Reelworld ONE Top 40 Jingle package, update that morning show and lets go Top 40! Well they could program 102.5 similar to their Channel 96.1 in Charlotte, and perhaps even simulcast Ace and TJ morning show, which is also heard in Columbia and coastal SC markets. Although it could be a bit overkill as Kiss 95.1 and 96.1 provide alternate CHR choices in many areas of the Upstate market, including parts of Greenville and most of Spartanburg. I get all the Charlotte channels clearly on my home radios, but some are spotty at times in the car. But something should definitely be done with 102.5, and hopefully not another 102.9 since we already have Chuck FM.

 

[awp69]

WHZT appears to have the wind out of its sails, as well (no surprise there, as Rhythmic CHR has fallen on hard times recently).

I was thinking about this and with Hot 98.1 taking a dive, I would LOVE to see the new owner move X98.5 to that signal. I do think with more coverage that X could provide some stiff competition for The Planet.

 

[carolinaradio]

The Rhythmic CHR format is falling on hard times nationwide. Even B-96 in Chicago, who was somewhat of a pioneer in the "hits and hip hop" formula (Rhy CHR) has gone to mainstream CHR. If you notice the disappearance of hip hop on CHR, it's really no surprise. Hip Hop/rap has gone back to the basics and become less CHR-friendly and less friendly to the CHR audience. Many Rhythmic CHR's have evolved back in to CHR with a rhythmic/dance pop slant (with avoidance of most Alternative/country crossovers, etc.). If nothing else, I'd love for Hot 98.1 to do that. There isn't much difference these days between a mainstream CHR and an adult CHR actually - adult might be a little more friendly to non-pop stuff, but that's about it. Definitely not the difference there was just several years ago.

If anything were to move to 98.1 I think it would be the 97.7 format. It's quite notable that 97.7 appears to be doing much better for its signal than 98.1.

Back when 96.1 and 95.1 showed in the Greenville ratings, 95 rarely showed and 96.1 just got tenths of a share, I believe. I don't think the average listener is as tolerant of static as enthusiasts are. CC might not want 102.5 being CHR when it overlaps totally with 104.3 in Asheville who is also CHR. Regardless, I think we'll hear a new format on 102.5 by year's end.

 

[Scooter Lesley]

Regarding the Star 103 "Attempt": Let me further explain...Good ideas(in Radio) are doomed from the beginning when competence therein does not exist. In addition to a clueless PD, we add one of the worst Air Staffs to ever crack an unsupecting mic, and the embryo wisdom some cubical dwelling-desk pilot Consultant. An all 80's format will work for one very concrete reason: In that decade there was 35-40% more recorded product released than any decade before or since. By the time we hit 1978, the record labels were coming out of Disco, and trying to reinvent the wheel, but then customers were buying so much...it didn't really matter much. The industry laughed at Capitol Records when they signed THE KNACK, sighting Beatles wannabees. However, when "My Sharonna" hit #1, every label signed one or more simular bands. EMI-The Plimsouls, Columbia-The Beat,...The Now, The Shoes, The Know, The Pop,...the classification "New Wave" was the thing: Blondie, The Cars,...from the late 70's, and into "The 80's", and you could smell the money! I was on the air the entire ten years, and I can clearly say today there are at least three 80's formats: Retro CHR(Top 30), Retro Churban, and Synci-Pop. Star 103 came outta the chute right on track, then some pencilneck Consultant tightened their playlist, added some 90's songs, and they began promo-ing "Star 103,...The 80's & More". There was always enough material, just not enough smarts between the ears of the afore mentioned Pencilneck. Again, "The Bland Leading The Blind"...both the sheppard, and the sheep over the cliff! Just another Radio station dead, due to a Short, Shallow, Burnt, Allegedly Auditorium Tested, Consultant Approved,...Playlist!

 

[freqdev]

scooter is right. i am adding 3174 songs to the playlist tomorrow. if you heard your favorite song today you will hear it again july 17th

 

[freqdev]

how about earth radio. they got free promotion that established radio can't buy through relationships on TV. all the talk was about a new radio station at 105.7 now it's going to be on 103.3 and they have already played their card with tv. that is a botched launch.

 

[wnc40]

To disagree with the earlier post, I for one never get tired of listening to 80s music, never.

 

[awp69]

If anything were to move to 98.1 I think it would be the 97.7 format.  It's quite notable that 97.7 appears to be doing much better for its signal than 98.1.

I think either of the translators would work well on 98.1. The variety hits on Chuck has proven its success. And even though it's newer, X seems to be doing well and growing. As probably would be the case with any station on a small stick, there's been some noise on 98.5's FB page about not being able to get it in Anderson, Spartanburg and other areas of the Upstate with responses being that their "working" on expanding their range (other than the bit of wattage bump I think they already had earlier this year, I don't know how they could be working on it). Guess I just really do feel there's enough people burnt out on The Planet's unwaivering stance to stick with head banging trash, that I think X could make a big dent in their ratings if they had a stronger signal.

Whatever the case, it'll be interesting to watch this market in the next year to see what, if any changes the newly created Summit Media does with the Cox stations (with former Cox managers, maybe nothing). And what happens with MY.

I'll also be watching The Earth, hoping it succeeds, and if it does, what affect it will have in the market dynamics.

 

[MarkSC]

Earth will be about like the (former) Cox translators, with a little better coverage but still not market-wide. Maybe they can squeeze out 2 shares eventually. Remember, Oldies didn't work on 103.3 AND 103.9, more than a decade ago when the music was less old. So now its on one stick instead of two, and the audience is 10+ years older. Earth-lovers are gonna say they do it better, but that's BS. And, no, all 80's wouldn't work here either. It hasn't worked anywhere.

 

[clemsonbloke]

Out of the gate Star 103 was good then it just quickly went downhill.

 

[Scooter Lesley]

Well,...as I sit sippin' (sip'em if you got'em) this hot french roast, counting the $375, that I won from an ol' radio buddy, James Patrick. As predicted, and I pocketed, from Ronda Rousey's (UFC 157) first round submission, last Saturday night. Since my last post, I have noticed some keen thinking from Clemsonbloke. Now, an honoray member of THE THINK TANK. However, like the oil in a bottle of cheap salad dressing, again MarkSC has surfaced, and grossly incorrect, as usual. A couple-a stabs of revealing sarcazum from Freqdev, as he takes time-out from wallpapering his bedroom with Adam Laviene posters. So, at the risk of pointing-out these acts of acute Boobisum, let the corrections begin: MarkSC, yes...Earth has begun with poor coverage. However, if the Pay-soes cease to roll in, they might be on both 103's, and that will place the proof in the pudding.
Oldies did not work a decade ago: Earth's format is "Classic Hits". Classic Hits & Oldies are two different formats. Either format, correctly programmed will work here. 80's...It hasn't worked anywhere: Wrong-o Again! Star 103 was working here, but failed after an intrusive Consultant shortened their playlist, and added 90's songs. If it has failed in other markets, you can bet your bed of lettuce that it was due to a short, shallow, burnt, playlist. And last, and always least, "Freaky", adding 3000+ songs to your palylist is a good Idea, but you should refain. You don't know which ones to add! Oh, by the way, my afore mentioned radio buddy, James Patrick. Not only is he $375 shy,...he too subscribes to short playlists. Oh, well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MarkSC]

No, Earth is not classic hits. You don't hear that much 60's and ANY 50's on classic hits. No, Star 103 didn't work here. If Star 103 is your example of the success of an 80's format, I think the argument is over. Now, go back to watching girls kick each other in the head.