Star 94 is killing B98.5 in ratings. B needs to revert back to the mainstream AC format..... and fast, before it is too late. WYAY is taking listeners away with their 70s and 80s music. So, I might just have been right after all, B should have stuck with the 70s..... it worked, they shouldn't have changed it. I hope someone from Cox reads this post, and stops destroying their flagship FM with Gaga and Katy Perry. It is just sad.
-
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
With B down, I might just be right
- Thread starter wpb1999
- Start date
wpb1999 said:
Huh? The whole reason they left the 70s thing was that their ratings were in a free-fall during that period
Plus, Star is only up 0.2, so that's not where B98.5 listeners are going
wpb1999 said:
True - so I guess they need to explore a different option...
Maybe go full-blown Hot AC and compete head-on with Star and Q100 - most major markets now have two Hot ACs
I feel like if 70s were the way to go, WYAY would be WAY up in ratings - and it's not
Why do so many people push 70s on AC? That decade is aging out of the format, period. It's time to leave that decade to classic hits.
2 Hot AC's in most major markets? All I can think of in the top 20 is NYC, which has 95.5 and 102.7, but 102.7 is classified as AC and is a little conservative (although they don't play 80s, which PLJ does), DC who has 94.7 and 107.3, and Detroit who has 96.3 and 100.3.
I think Atlanta could support a second Hot AC, though.
2 Hot AC's in most major markets? All I can think of in the top 20 is NYC, which has 95.5 and 102.7, but 102.7 is classified as AC and is a little conservative (although they don't play 80s, which PLJ does), DC who has 94.7 and 107.3, and Detroit who has 96.3 and 100.3.
I think Atlanta could support a second Hot AC, though.
I don't see the 70's being the issue.
I think the bigger problem is that B 98.5 went to far away from the "soft rock/listen while you work" music that has defined them for the last couple of decades and has leaned way too far into more pop music.
Star has, at least in my opinion, always been kind of a CHR/Hot AC hybrid. B-98.5 is sounding way too much like Star 94 and it has hurt them. In my opinion, they need to quit playing Cee-Lo, Pink and Katy Perry (all of which they've played in the last hour) from the somewhat current music and tone down some of the older music. Stick with the softer rock.
I think the bigger problem is that B 98.5 went to far away from the "soft rock/listen while you work" music that has defined them for the last couple of decades and has leaned way too far into more pop music.
Star has, at least in my opinion, always been kind of a CHR/Hot AC hybrid. B-98.5 is sounding way too much like Star 94 and it has hurt them. In my opinion, they need to quit playing Cee-Lo, Pink and Katy Perry (all of which they've played in the last hour) from the somewhat current music and tone down some of the older music. Stick with the softer rock.
But, you gotta understand - Cee-Lo Green, P!nk, and Katy Perry have had big success on the AC chart. They're playing the hits for the format they report as. How can the be faulted for that? They're just one of many stations playing those artists.
Cee-Lo green sounds like a throwback to R&B/soul/disco of the 70s - that sound may test well with the target audience.
Cee-Lo green sounds like a throwback to R&B/soul/disco of the 70s - that sound may test well with the target audience.
Part of the issue is that B98.5 (I refuse to type the stupid "FM") started out as the most stale, conservative AC in existence. When Star swooped in last year and beat them, B promptly swung to the polar opposite end of the spectrum. When I hear "Dynamite" into "Teenage Dream" on B98.5, or "Just Dance" into "Use Somebody" (the segue that just aired) I can't help thinking that they sound like a Star ripoff.
My point is that neither musical iteration has been appropriately balanced. B's current younger skew makes sense given the issues that arose as the Bob Neil days drew to a close, but if I want a station that specializes in the songs I listed above...I'd honestly rather listen to Star. B's trying to beat Star at their own game, but holistically speaking, Star is the superior product.
Having said that, it's just one monthly and until now, B appeared to have a successful Q4 with the new mix. The next few months will be interesting for Cox's flagship FM.
My point is that neither musical iteration has been appropriately balanced. B's current younger skew makes sense given the issues that arose as the Bob Neil days drew to a close, but if I want a station that specializes in the songs I listed above...I'd honestly rather listen to Star. B's trying to beat Star at their own game, but holistically speaking, Star is the superior product.
Having said that, it's just one monthly and until now, B appeared to have a successful Q4 with the new mix. The next few months will be interesting for Cox's flagship FM.
TheMusicMan said:
A lot of the restraint was due to Cox corporate, and as you point out, the PD. I do think that this whole pop thing is just ridiculous. Lets take a look at B's "Last Songs Played" page:
Every Breath You Take - Hot 'N Cold - Someone Like You - Higher - Down Under - Just Dance - Use Somebody - I Know - Who's Cryin' Now - Dynamite(GAWD!!!!) - Perfect (Pink) So here you go.... The Police into Katy Perry, really. Oh and a better one, Men at Work into Lady Gaga..... the list goes on and on. Straight Up: It's crappy radio. A legend has turned crappy. Wow. Now it is Picture by Cheryl Crow and Kid Rock. Finally a good song, but then followed by that fabulous "80s 90s or Now Contest" That might just be the best combo they have played all night.
carolinaradio said:
I hear what you're saying but Atlanta has always been a little different than most markets. In fact, in the time I've lived in Atlanta (since the mid-80s), I don't think there's ever been a true CHR station. Same can be said for most formats because there have usually been multiple competitors in each format, and stations have always tended to kind of find a niche in between traditional formats. I actually think that was always a strength of the Atlanta radio market. There have been some unique stations here that you don't find in most markets, like V-103 and 99X back in the day. And Power 99 before it.
94Q/Star 94 has never been a true CHR. As far back as I can remember being here in Atlanta Star 94 has always been a hybrid AC/CHR station.
The point being that while AC stations in other markets can get away with expanding their playlist by playing these cross-overs while still maintaining a niche, when B 98.5 did it, they start sounding too much like Star 94. I'm not saying they shouldn't play current music. They just need to move their playlist away from what Star is doing.
I think this is worth adding, ALL of Cox's AC stations (Warm 94.9/Tampa, 97.3 The Coast/Miami, Mix 96/Tulsa, Lite 106.9/Louisville) are exact carbon copies of B98.5. Very uptempo and are 80s/90s/Now. What's funny is that, as mentioned earlier on this page, these used to be some of the most conservative AC's in the country, along with the B, just a year ago. I like the sound now much more, personally.
"Every Breath You Take - Hot 'N Cold - Someone Like You - Higher - Down Under - Just Dance - Use Somebody - I Know - Who's Cryin' Now - Dynamite(GAWD!!!!) - Perfect (Pink) So here you go.... The Police into Katy Perry, really. Oh and a better one, Men at Work into Lady Gaga..... the list goes on and on."
That's the AC format. Listen to most AC's in the country and that's what you'll hear. I realize that this may not work in Atlanta, but if you listen to the majority of AC's in the country, that's what you're going to hear, and most stations are successful with it. Whether this is a unique case is yet to be seen.
"Every Breath You Take - Hot 'N Cold - Someone Like You - Higher - Down Under - Just Dance - Use Somebody - I Know - Who's Cryin' Now - Dynamite(GAWD!!!!) - Perfect (Pink) So here you go.... The Police into Katy Perry, really. Oh and a better one, Men at Work into Lady Gaga..... the list goes on and on."
That's the AC format. Listen to most AC's in the country and that's what you'll hear. I realize that this may not work in Atlanta, but if you listen to the majority of AC's in the country, that's what you're going to hear, and most stations are successful with it. Whether this is a unique case is yet to be seen.
Okay, lets go compare the playlists of KOST and WLYT (CC), KVIL (CBS) and WSB-FM (Cox):
KOST 103.5 in Los Angeles (ClearChannel):
Kelly Clarkson- Behind Those Hazel Eyes
Tina Turner- What's Love Got To Do With It
Eric Clapton- Layla
The Bee Gees- Stayin' Alive
Andy Grammar- Keep Your Head Up
The Police Every Breath You Take
Marvin Gaye- Let's Get It On
Celine Dion- The Power of Love
Lite 102.9 in Charlotte WLYT (ClearChannel)-
One Republic- Good Life
EWF- September
Pink- F**kin' Perfect
The Outfield- Your Love
Michael Jackson- You are Not Alone
Bon Jovi- Who Says You Cant Go Home
Fresh 102.5 in St. Louis WEZK (CBS):
Snow Patrol- Chasing Cars
BEP- I Gotta Feeling
Band Perry- If I Die Young
Madonna- Into The Groove
Bryan Adams- I Do It For You
Katy Perry- Hot N Cold
K104.7 in Charlotte WKQC (CBS):
Madonna- Lucky Star
Smash Mouth- All Star
Taio Cruz- Dynamite
WhiteSnake- Here I Go Again
The Calling- Wherever You Will Go
B98.5 in Atlanta WSB (Cox):
BEP- I Gotta Feeling
Colbie Caillat- Brighter Than The Sun
Lady Antebellum- Need You Now
Michael Jackson- Billie Jean
Alanis Morissette- Ironic (officially the worst song B plays)
Club Nouveau- Lean on Me
I bolded the song B98.5 would not play.
So, It looks like CC is kind of conservative while the CBS ACs tend to be more like the present day B98.5......
Usually CC ACs get Higher Ratings:
KOST > KTWV
WLYT > WKQC
WASH> WIAD
WMGF> WOMX
WMTX> WSJT
Those are all I know of, I am sure there are more.
KOST 103.5 in Los Angeles (ClearChannel):
Kelly Clarkson- Behind Those Hazel Eyes
Tina Turner- What's Love Got To Do With It
Eric Clapton- Layla
The Bee Gees- Stayin' Alive
Andy Grammar- Keep Your Head Up
The Police Every Breath You Take
Marvin Gaye- Let's Get It On
Celine Dion- The Power of Love
Lite 102.9 in Charlotte WLYT (ClearChannel)-
One Republic- Good Life
EWF- September
Pink- F**kin' Perfect
The Outfield- Your Love
Michael Jackson- You are Not Alone
Bon Jovi- Who Says You Cant Go Home
Fresh 102.5 in St. Louis WEZK (CBS):
Snow Patrol- Chasing Cars
BEP- I Gotta Feeling
Band Perry- If I Die Young
Madonna- Into The Groove
Bryan Adams- I Do It For You
Katy Perry- Hot N Cold
K104.7 in Charlotte WKQC (CBS):
Madonna- Lucky Star
Smash Mouth- All Star
Taio Cruz- Dynamite
WhiteSnake- Here I Go Again
The Calling- Wherever You Will Go
B98.5 in Atlanta WSB (Cox):
BEP- I Gotta Feeling
Colbie Caillat- Brighter Than The Sun
Lady Antebellum- Need You Now
Michael Jackson- Billie Jean
Alanis Morissette- Ironic (officially the worst song B plays)
Club Nouveau- Lean on Me
I bolded the song B98.5 would not play.
So, It looks like CC is kind of conservative while the CBS ACs tend to be more like the present day B98.5......
Usually CC ACs get Higher Ratings:
KOST > KTWV
WLYT > WKQC
WASH> WIAD
WMGF> WOMX
WMTX> WSJT
Those are all I know of, I am sure there are more.
I am now officially know as WPB1999- The only person on this board who wants the old B98.5 back.
I advocate for Billy Joel, Elton, Van Morrison, and The Eagles to be brought back to Cox' flagship FM. It is not right for Star 94 to be B's competition: WYAY should be. With all the 70s and 80s they are playing, AGH should be and soon will be B's main competition.
I advocate for Billy Joel, Elton, Van Morrison, and The Eagles to be brought back to Cox' flagship FM. It is not right for Star 94 to be B's competition: WYAY should be. With all the 70s and 80s they are playing, AGH should be and soon will be B's main competition.
Clear Channel stations are safe, across all formats. Their AC stations are some of the most boring and predictable (except for LiteFM in NYC and Chicago) - we had one here in Greenville, SC, and it flopped, and went to some strange Hot AC sound that hasn't really done anything yet...wpb1999 said:
Some of those comparisons aren't really fair because some of those stations, like WOMX, WIAD, and WSJT/WMTX, are Hot AC's. I know that normally, in Orlando, WOMX beats WMGF....it might have been the Christmas book. You gotta admit, though, that B98.5 being 'strange' about certain songs is nothing new....I remember back when "Hey, Soul Sister" was a hit, they wouldn't touch it, and only started playing it after it started falling down the charts...
- Status