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Question on FM

Posted by John from Wisconsin <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=John+from+Wisconsin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 9, 2023, 8:27 am

We talk of AM, formatics, etc., but I saw a quote on some message board, and it really hit me. It hit hard! What do you think?

Here is the quote: "FM right now is where AM was in 1980." True?

Re: Question on FM

Posted by Z-92 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Z-92' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 9, 2023, 8:43 am, in reply to "Question on FM "

Kinda feels like it. Satellite radio and streaming are the new 1980s FM maybe? That's just my feeling, no analytics.

Re: Question on FM

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 9, 2023, 9:30 am, in reply to "Re: Question on FM "

199% accurate statement. FM will follow AM's decline and demise. No ones fault except the industry. Very short sighted when the Internet started gaining speed. "Head in the sand" mentality, does not make it go away.

Someone will tell me deregulation from the 90s is at fault. I don't dispute it, all I say is, it escalated it along with the Internet. You never ignore competition. You go after it and are better. Or you flail. Now, on to a 20 minute stop set and another stop set over the top hour!

Z

Re: Question on FM

Posted by JJSPC1372 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=JJSPC1372' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 9, 2023, 10:37 am, in reply to "Question on FM "

If not 1980, certainly 1985.

Re: Question on FM

JJSPC1372, 1980 was viewed as the turning point for AM radio. Top40 was first format mass abandoning to FM. WKTU-FM in New York knocked off WABC-AM from its perch and never recovered as a Top40 but rebounded when they went all talk. Yet, you are correct, 1985 is when it was really rolling downhill fast.

The other 1980 occurrence was the total disaster launch of AM stereo. FCC: Let the market (capitalism) determine the dominant standard. LOL, yeah that worked out great as we see. Further decimated the band and offerings of broadcasters toward the abyss. If the idiots would have just chosen one standard, we might be at a different spot today.

Z

Re: Question on FM

Z, yes AM Stereo was a COMPLETE debacle. I was working at WOKY in Milwaukee in 1985 when they installed C-Quam and it sounded quite good. Like today though, the problem even back then was that the public was not rushing out to buy a new radio or receiver when they already had FM Stereo.

Re: Question on FM

JJSPC1372, I agree the C-Quam sounded good. Great fidelity and frequency response. I remember Jeep was on board to include it standard in their vehicles. The last station I remember was Radio Disney in AM Stereo around here in the 90s. People say WLS turned it back on when they turned their IBOC on. I never heard it.

Z

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