WSJS/WZTK Curtis takeover happening.

[XTalker]

CBS didn't want WSJS - not because of it's billing - but because of the market size! For most of the time SJS was part of the CBS family, it was one of the most profitable stations in the company (percentage-wise). Problem is, even in it's best year, WSJS bill in a year what WINS billed in a month!

The CBS philosophy has been Top 25 markets, in general. They really didn't want WSJS/WMFR in the first place but it came with part of the deal with Clear Channel. Postive thing is the station never cost CBS stockholders a dime to operate!

Now, the last 18 months have seen the ratings (and one would assume, revenue) decline - and thus the lower value at sale time.

 

[Djstitch]

Well I see all of this about WSJS/WZTK and a move to the Winston-Salem office but what about WSML/WPCM/WMFR????

WSML- Graham...
WPCM- Burlington...
WMFR- High Point....

What is going to happen with these three?

Just a thought.. ;D

 

[Matt]

Well, all of this is pure supposition...

First, it's quite possible that the 920 signal of WPCM might be a better simulcast partner with WSJS. Their daytime signal blankets the Eastern Triad, and despite having flea-power at night, the signal is about as listenable in Greensboro as WSML.

The Beach/Oldies format now on WPCM could survive...maybe even thrive...on the 1200 signal. It will never be more than a "niche" format, but its listeners seem to be both persistent and loyal, two words local advertisers love to hear.

There is not much more that can be done with WMFR as it sits right now. I figure Curtis will keep Max Meeks as long as he is willing and able to hold down the morning show, then look at either a syndie such as Imus or maybe sell the station for the cost of its annual lease on the Radio Building...UNLESS...

One thing that has not been considered is that we are nearing the end of the FCC's self-imposed moratorium on accepting applications for the AM Expanded Band frequencies of 1610 - 1700 kHz. Since the original allocations were made with the assumption of a station in Reidsville on 1600 kHz, which does not exist any more, there might be the possibility of an allocation around 1620-1640 kHz in High Point with at least the 10kw day/1kw night signal that current occupants of that band have.

One of those sharp engineers at Curtis might even be looking at this as a way to improve WMFR as we speak...who knows.

Later....
Matt Smith
WGSR-TV, Reidsville, NC

 

[XTalker]

Frankly, I don't think ZTK will move.

WMFR is pretty much locked into the Radio Building in High Point because that is where the transmitter and tower are. Lease also requires a lot of work on the building to get out of it. Probably not worth the expense. WMFR programming comes from 5th and Summit. Even though Max works out of the High Point studio, it goes to 5th and Summit to be mixed with commercials and networks, and then back to HP to the transmitter. Look for Max to eventually do the show from home - like Glenn does! That would be the smart way to go. At lease save the electric bill downtown HP.

I look for them to close the WSML office/studios in downtown Graham. They can move that operation and public file to the Elon building easily and save the rent - and maybe some manpower.