Posted by Z-92 on December 1, 2022, 8:52 pm, in reply to "Ratings"
I've been a loyal B96 fan since the 1980s. I can say I'm ready for it to be put down. But...what format is even needed or a potential ratings getter for Chicago???
Re: Ratings
Posted by Bilbo on December 1, 2022, 10:13 pm, in reply to "Re: Ratings"
As far as what format is "needed," yeah, there's not an obvious format hole in Chicago, and I would be surprised if Audacy flipped B96. But, just thinking about what Audacy would flip to if they decided to throw in the towel on B96, I could see:
* Classic Hits - they flipped a similar legacy station with lackluster ratings (KITS San Francisco) from alternative to classic hits. And Audacy has a lot of classic hits stations, so it's a format they're familiar with. On the other hand, they already had classic hits on 104.3 before they blew that up, and flipping KITS to classic hits hasn't been a ratings winner, either.
* Hot AC - it's another format they've tried before (on 105.9), but WTMX is no longer as dominant post Eric & Kathy, so maybe take them on while they're down? And with Hot AC, Audacy would still have a second female-friendly station they can pair with US99. It's also a format Audacy has had some success with in other large markets.
* Sports - moving the Score to FM would be another option. Audacy has moved several of their more successful AM stations to FM (WBBM-AM, KNX, WINS), maybe the Score will be next.
Re: Ratings
Posted by WYTZZ95FM on December 1, 2022, 10:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Ratings"
On the other hand, they already had classic hits on 104.3 before they blew that up, and flipping KITS to classic hits hasn't been a ratings winner, either.
KITS in SF is meant to protect KOSF their 80s based Classic Hits and flagship station for Martha Quinn's national show, which was on fire in the ratings but is trending down. I think they replaced KITS with Dave, another Jack variant.
105.9FM has not been music based for so many years it is nearly another lifetime.
If they killed off a heritage like KITS, they would kill off B96 in a blink. B96 needs to be skewed gold, Dance, HOT AC, or something to capitalize upon keeping their heritage moniker and higher billing. I do not belive that Audacy is capable of pulling this off. Terrible inept company.
Z
Re: Ratings
Posted by PhilJSmith on December 1, 2022, 11:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Ratings"
I know this is a lot of rebranding to deal with, but they could move Newsradio 105.9 to Newsradio 96.3 which is *actually* WBBM-FM, then replace 105.9 WCFS with WSCR-FM The Score.
Or... Change 105.9 WCFS to WBBM-FM which means virtually no change to Newsradio 105.9 (just TOH ID), and flip 96.3 to WSCR-FM The Score -- which was effectively what Bilbo said.
Re: Ratings
Posted by Jeremy Andrews on December 2, 2022, 7:00 am, in reply to "Ratings"
I don’t believe it’s as much the format itself as it is how they are presenting it. Unfortunately, this is what they are doing around the country and that won’t change because it would cost money.
Re: Ratings
Posted by John from Wisconsin on December 2, 2022, 10:07 am, in reply to "Re: Ratings"
"I know this is a lot of rebranding to deal with, but they could move Newsradio 105.9 to Newsradio 96.3 which is *actually* WBBM-FM, then replace 105.9 WCFS with WSCR-FM The Score. (I was suprised to the "Chicago's #1 sports station was ranked so low! Bad Sox, Bears, etc does not help.)
Or... Change 105.9 WCFS to WBBM-FM which means virtually no change to Newsradio 105.9 (just TOH ID), and flip 96.3 to WSCR-FM The Score -- which was effectively what Bilbo said."
EXACTLY, what I was thinking. Line up the call letters, 780 & 96.3.
105.9 COULD be B105-9, BUT CHR is in the toilet and has been. WOULD a WSCR simulcast work? Well, WINS NYC has added the FM simulcast with a small bump-up in the ratings.
In my own mind, it's not about doing something new, or re-inventing the wheel, but ca$h strapped Audacy saving CA$H! (We all want that, but at what cost?)
Re: Ratings
Posted by Jeremy Andrews on December 2, 2022, 10:14 am, in reply to "Re: Ratings"
I don't think they're worried about the calls. They only ID in the stopset quickly. KCBS in San Francisco is still KFRC although they are well within their ability to use those calls on the FM frequency.
on December 1, 2022, 10:41 am