Big Media wrote:I could see them using a bird to pipe this in.
That's where my money's at... or in-house automation playing a consultant generated playlist... and the shifts are pre-taped (and from other properties).
Well, the K is the only thing they can work with if they still want the calls involved in the branding.
They can't use the Z, because it will remind people of Z Rock.
They can't use "KAZ-FM" or "107.3 KAZ" because they've already been used.
"A-Rock" just doesn't work.
I know they are heritage calls, but they should seriously consider a thoughtful brand, or just call themselves "107.3".
In terms of the name K-Rock, who gets the credit in a diary when someone writes down "Rock"? Seems like Z-Rock, and now (potentially) K-Rock are really close to Rock 105 name-wise. I know it's not a TM like "Kiss" or other monikers, but seems like it would create some diary confusion. If someone flipped to "K-Electric" that would be too close to 102.7, right? Even 100.9 and the current 107.3 differentiate between "Classic Hits" and "Classic Top 40."
Not sure who this would benefit ratings wise, but always baffled me...
The only major "K-Rock" brand left is KROQ in L.A., arguably one of the most successful radio brands in history. Still going strong after many years with the live and local Kevin & Bean in mornings. Consistently one of the top 10 highest-billing stations in the country.
Then, there was "92.3 K-Rock" in NYC that was built entirely around Stern. While it was a decent station with awesome imaging, it had no stand-alone power after he left, and fell victim to the "Free FM" fiasco. It's now CHR as "92.3 Now FM". However, the K-Rock alternative format still exists on the HD-2 and online.
Both stations are owned by CBS. To my knowledge, they've never trademarked the brand like they did with "Fresh" and "Now".
There have been various K-Rocks throughout the country, but none that's been incredibly successful. One reason it may be a dubious branding at this point in time, IMO.
When I hear "K-Rock", I immediately think of KROQ. But, again, it may be largely new to Charleston.
There are several K-Rock stations out there and all with different rock formats, so K-Rock definitely is not branded.
IMO...if they go with a "Pure Rock" format , they'll do okay. My hope is that they go with something similar to 96Rock in Cincy, but then again we all know what happened to Z-Rock in this market!
Something edgy like Atlanta's Project 9-6-1 would be neat. But, we'll probably see something between this and Rock 105, unless they go completely in a classic rock direction.
Edgy is not likely given the market demographics and the company's conservative nature (conservative is not meant in a political sense nor is it meant as a criticism).
It's most likely going to be a classic rock or something closer to that flavor. They may even give John Boy and Billy another go.
We won't know until they actually launch, but it's fun to speculate and this continues to be a fun thread.
I agree edgy would be nice, but I'm not banking on it. On the other hand, The Beat continues to get edgier all the time, even branding as "Hip Hop & RnB" instead of their attempts at Channel 98.7 and other wanna-be CHR moves. So, WVRC has edgy in them, just such a short track record on rock. The only property I know of is WFBY, which is a very safe classic rocker with John Boy & Billy in the morning.
Only other consideration is the addition of Jeff Adams from Centennial in Winchester, Virginia. The report I read on http://www.vartv.com said he left to program V100 and 68KAZ. Could his Bone experience fortell 107.3's future? I've never listened to them before, but their Web site (http://www.rockthebone.com/) and Wikipedia entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WXNB) seem to indicate they are active rock.
The reference to "programming 68KAZ", coupled with Mike Fitzgerald's exit, lead me to believe that the KAZ brand will survive, just on 680/95.3. I guess we'll see...
WKAZ went conservative (IMO) and chose classic rock. I just heard "Money For Nothing" and "Baby Hold On" and if that's the route they choose...well...best of luck cuz they're gonna need it!
Their "new approach" was to compete with WKLC, right? Then, why does it sound like they're competing with WMXE???
What a disappointment...and head-scratcher to boot!
For what it is worth, I heard a JB and B promo on there today. Also, on the 1073kaz FB page this morning, it said that Brian (BT)Thompson was in the studio.
What a shame, I enjoyed his morning show. The Ozzy laugh track got a little tiresome, but you can't deny the energy and passion he has for radio. It was a fun show to listen to. Plus he has a lot of name recognition in Charleston. With the addition of Ricky Smiley on 98.7 and now JB&B on Krock (AKA WFBY), looks like WVRC's moving away from live and local. What a shame.
As discussed a long time ago when 94.5 flipped, I would love to see a Gen X station on that frequency with some legendary and notable talent. Bob Campbell in the morning, Bill Shahan afternoons. Super 94-5. Bound to pull better #s than the sub-2.0 WVTS-FM is getting. Bristol: you should hire them...
Very interesting article. I especially enjoyed this:
He transformed 98.7, their classic rock station, into a hip-hop/R&B format
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Sorry Billy... I know you will get another gig quickly. Props to BT for getting away from L.M. Probably feels like the weight of the world has been lifted from your shoulders, doesn't it?
El Chupa Bitrae (B.T. for those who don't know) good luck and best wishes.
This is not a headscratcher at all. There are at most 5 shares 12+ for active/alternative in the market. There may be as many as 15 shares for classic rock/classic hits depending on which flavor you run with.
Even if they only shave off 3 or 4 shares from WKLC's top end it puts 3 of their properties in a better position for ratings and sales.
I also send my best wishes to Fitzgerald & Shahan. I don't know them, but I do know that they kicked their butts to make Charleston radio sound good!
Jay...the head-scratcher to me is that this keeps the Charleston radio market from progressing. I really don't think that they will "pull in the numbers" and IMO, they will do worse than when they went Jack. Putting The Beat on 107.3 would have been a better move and maybe simulcasting WCHS on 98.7, since WV Radio Corp. loves to simulcast!
djsandman wrote:
Jay...the head-scratcher to me is that this keeps the Charleston radio market from progressing.
I don't know what that means, so I'm not sure if it does or doesn't. I do know for sure that sort of thing (if it means what I think it means) never enters the equation when operators choose a format. It isn't even a consideration. It shouldn't be a consideration. The only consideration is delivering a desired and quality product to your two client bases... listeners and advertisers.
I really don't think that they will "pull in the numbers"
If they have strong content from strong air talent, if they play music that is popular with the target audience, and if they market well and often they can easily pull a 6, maybe a 7, most of which will come directly from WKLC and WMXE. If they take enough away from WKLC it will knock them out of the way for national and regional buys.
and IMO, they will do worse than when they went Jack.
That simply isn't possible. Ha! I'm kidding. It is always possible, but extremely unlikely. They would have to put another Jack format on again for that to happen.
