WPPZ 1039 packing a powerful GOSPEL punch...

[j-michael]

I'm surprised as to how in a very short period of time WPPZ was able to jump into the market swinging as an urban gospel format and is holding it's own in the market even without having jocks. Imagine if Radio-One fully staffed the station, where it could go and what impact it could make after such rapid growth already...

 

[WTUX]

Gospel has scored impressive ratings in the south, but I did not expect it in a nothern urban market. Radio One seems to have been right on in picking up on the desire of listeners for this format.It is also interesting that WDAS-AM has been only marginally hit by WPPZ. I wonder how the Norristown station is doing revenue wise?

 

[j-michael]

Good question, the revenue side is usually a different story... well, for some markets as it concerns gospel formats. I think if the position of the station best represents the listeners and their desires, the format will prosper.I'd like to tip my hat to radio-one for making the format work in Philly... Can't wait to see what's in the making, I think you'll see WPPZ in the top 5 when jocks are added.

 

[wprt949]

Mabye they wanna run it on the cheap end without DJS

 

[Binx]

A new jock will be on in the morning starting monday the 19th. They expect it to help in ratings now that praise will have a face on the station that can show up for station remotes.

 

[wprt949]

and who told you that ???

 

[the golden boy]

Good question, the revenue side is usually a different story... well, for some markets as it concerns gospel formats. I think if the position of the station best represents the listeners and their desires, the format will prosper.I'd like to tip my hat to radio-one for making the format work in Philly... Can't wait to see what's in the making, I think you'll see WPPZ in the top 5 when jocks are added.

Radio One has done very well with their FM gospel station in Atlanta and has been consistently among the top three or four stations in that market. As far as revenue goes, since Philadelphia and Atlanta are much bigger markets, they will probably do better, but many of Clear Channel's Hallelujah stations have had some financial struggles. One rumor last year had Hallelujah in Birmingham switching to urban AC (which didn't happen) and a recent post on the Louisiana board even suggested that CC may already be looking for a new format for Hallelujah in the New Orleans (though it's only been on the air almost a year; ratings in N.O. have not been released because of Katrina--Baton Rouge numbers are fairly well). I knew someone who worked at a competing gospel station here in Jackson and he told me that it's not just Clear Channel struggling with revenue. His own station was, too. Maybe Radio One knows how to sell the format right, or it could be that advertisers are scared that the listeners are too old. But God bless Radio One (pun intended) in their endeavors.

 

[Rockin Rob]

Gospel stations will thrive and survive without regard for revenue and ratings.Otherwise, there'd be fewer secular religious stations.So long as the Word is being spread, its not gonna matter who's backing it.

 

[the golden boy]

Gospel stations will thrive and survive without regard for revenue and ratings.Otherwise, there'd be fewer secular religious stations.So long as the Word is being spread, its not gonna matter who's backing it.

That's true, but to a degree. A lot of the newer gospel stations in larger markets are owned by corporations like Clear Channel and Radio One. A small operator may not regard revenue and ratings very highly. In many cases, it's the owner's personal format of choice. But the corporate-run stations have a bottom line and won't be as patient. But if the corporations are satisfied with their stations' performance, then they'll be around for a while.