Re: More On WSJZ

[Chuckigo@aol.com]

In a message dated 9/8/99 3:30:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
bluesradio_99@yahoo.com writes:

<< WSJZ has talk from
 6 am to 6 pm with smooth jazz the other half of the day. Maybe the next
 step is putting shows on till
 midnight, with smooth jazz midnight to 6 am, and so on
 until all slots are filled >>

wouldn't it be nice if they (the management) were to acquiesce to the 
needs/wants/desires of two groups...   those who'd like issue-oriented talk 
AND smooth-jazz?  it's been done before, with success, by stations right here 
in Boston (WHDH and WBZ come to mind for starters... music by day / talk by 
night)
on behalf of those who enjoy the smooth jazz format, i hope the 
"personalizing" of comments towards individuals involved directly with the 
stations' formats and programming did not undermime any consideration being 
given.  if there is a long-term plan for the eventual Talk 96.9, like any 
business decision, that plan is being held in confidence while those tasked 
with making the changes work it through.
regardless of the interpretations, the change has been made.  apparently, 
there was either not enough of a growth pattern, nor did they see one coming 
in the foreseeable future, to continue with a format that was not performing 
up to expectations.  the 96.9 signal was given over to Jazz, much to the 
chagrin of the Country station, for it's killer signal that "could penetrate 
bank vaults" (a quote used in the halls at GreaterBostonRadio), in the hopes 
that a daytime work force/captive downtown Boston audience might latch onto 
Jazz in greater numbers than those born out by the audience measurements for 
Country listeners.  The jazz/country swap was done based on weaker downtown 
Boston country listening versus the stronger County numbers to the north and 
west of the city.  the hopes, again, were that the "hipper" jazz might appeal 
to the "city folk", while the country format would allow for suburban growth.
just my thoughts on the matter.  i am not directly involved with any decision 
regarding 96.9.  i am personally saddened, however, to see good radio 
professionals being displaced and/or moving on, as we all would in any 
situation that involves the elimination or replacement of people with whom 
work on a daily basis. but as i've been reminded by many on this list:  
that's business.     
nobody said it has to be pretty.  just pretty profitable.

chuck igo

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