Wow, AAA seems hot at the moment!

[BRH]

It's really great to see the format gaining a lot of exposure and growth over the past few months. Just in the last year, we've gotten a bunch of new, major market AAA's. ("101-9 RXP" New York, "94-7 the Globe Washington DC, and now "100.3 the Sound" in LA). Also, there are several new younger skewing AAA/Alternative hybrids like WSWD and WNNF Cincinnati, KSCF San Diego, WRFF Philadelphia, and WBOS Boston.

I've always loved the format and am glad to see it finally getting a real shot in major markets across the country. As far as the reason goes; I'm guessing that the new PPM rating system being introduced is playing a big part. So far, it seems like adult rock is doing well in PPM tests, so I'm guessing that is a major reason for the growth in adult targeted rock formats like AAA and Classic Hits in the past few months. Also, with Smooth Jazz basically imploding, you've got stations looking for a more lucrative alternative in attracting adult demos and right now AAA seems to be the choice.

Anyway, whatever the reason, it sure is great to see AAA, and AAA hybrid formats finally debuting on full market signals in major cities.

 

[SuperRadioFan]

While I appreciate your sentiments, I'm not holding my breath
KSCF (Sophie) in SD is a goner they haven't even got a 1 share (12+) and their obituary is being prepared. I'm not sure about The Globe these days but I did sample them when they first came on and they sound wayy too safe and bland. I'm sure you know 'RXP leans AAA but relies too much on Classic Rock and I believe is 2nd rate by streaming in MONO!! At least The Sound has streamed in Stereo (64kbps) from minute 1. WRFF is decent.

From what the "experts" on these boards opine, AAA formats have good TSL which is NOT good for the PPM which is more geared to cume. I hope you're right about the PPM test results so far. Maybe AAA is becoming the new format or the next progression for smooth jazz fans

 

[naydock]

i'd like to work one again, too. I worked one in the late 80's-early 90's on WAZL in Hazleton, Pa.
we called it "AM15"(1490) and it was triple-A for guys! from led zeppelin to to frank zappa to the
rolling stones to tom waits to uncle green and dada...most fun i ever had in radio.

 

[SuperRadioFan]

Tom Waits ,, now there's an artist that rarely get played on ANY terrestrial radio station.
Yesterday heard DizzneyLand-dada on The Sound 100.3 FM LA

I remember Hazleton, I used to date a gal (for 5 years) who had a sister living in Hazleton. Nice little town.

 

[naydock]

ironically, after being out of radio for 5 years (songwriting), then a stint at an FM classic rocker
nearby, i'm back at WAZL. It's sort of a standards/oldies/country hybrid where i can play things like
older tom waits (heart of saturday night, old 55) john hiatt, etc., and it mixes well with whatever
standards/mainstream stuff you're working your game plan with....i'm having fun.

 

[hotpatrick2004]

It is funny most formats chr or hot ac you go city to city and they play a standard set of songs from the charts but with triple a wow those stations can vary widely from east to west!!!

In my hometown louisville ky we have a triple a that is very singer/songwriter based. Some classic rock not a whole lot but any is to much for me. But i am struck how different triple a's can be from state to state. My triple a is www.wfpk.org and they do throw in a little from the alternative charts like coldplay or modest mouse i missed the boat but they are very singer/songwriter based. Do not care for the new one in new york way to much classic rock!!!

There is one in indianapolis and theres and the one in Louisville ky are very different.

 

[Remaster]

The format has evolved nicely this decade. I think many of the "alt kids" of the early 90's are still seeking out new music...but not bands like Saving Abel etc and they need an outlet. The format can now play alt classics (and some deeper tracks) as gold while playing new credible music. I see more of an upswing until Korn fans hit the 35-40 age range.