A few thoughts about the changing tides in radio, before heading out for a long holiday weekend…
It’s been a tough patch for Rock-based formats these past few years. The ratings have trended down for both Alternative and Active Rock, and up until recently, there have been few new sign-ons.
But consider the following radio news headlines…
1. PPM ratings in Philly continue to look great for both Mainstream Rock formatted WMMR, and Classic Rock WMGK. MMR was doing well in the diary methodology, but zooming to and remaining #1 25-54 adults has been the pattern since PPM came to town. MGK is underscoring the power of a strongly programmed Classic Rock station, hovering around the Top 5 25-54 spot. These are both Greater Media properties, and are well-programmed stations.
2. Long-time PPM naysayer Cox Radio signed up for the service in 8 markets, lending more support for this new ratings platform.
3. In Philly, Clear Channel signed on an Alternative-type station, Radio 104.5, replacing Spanish-formatted Rumba. How’s that for a reversal of fortune? And we’ll have our first look at how a format change registers in the meters in Philly.
4. CBS has done a 360, bringing Rock radio back to New York City after trying the FM Talk format. Aside from the fact there’s a gaping hole for anything that rocks in the nation’s #1 market, consider that PPM goes into effect there this Fall. Is this a harbinger of things to come in other markets, as the Portable People Meter begins to replace the diary over the next few years? There may be a lot of logic for some struggling Rock stations to hold on in anticipation of the switch to PPM.
Have a great weekend. Back with a new blog entry on Tuesday.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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