Re: WROR/WZLX

[Nostatic <nostatic@attbi.com>]

The classic rock format as we know it today is much different than it 
was when WZLX and other first wave classic rockers signed on in the late 
1980's.  Back then the format was strictly 60's and 70's based and 
targeted the Baby Boomers who were then dominating the 25-44 
demographic.  With the Gen-Xers now starting to outnumber Boomers in 
that demo, classic rock has responded by adding more 80's songs than 
ever before. I still see WROR as more of a classic hits station with an 
older and softer focus, and not a true classic rocker, despite all the 
hype a few weeks back.  For the most part, classic rockers around the 
country have adopted the 80's (at least the early 80's) as an important 
component of their music mixes.

As an older Gen-Xer who graduated high school in 1984, I can identify 
with a lot of the music currently playing on WZLX. During my high school 
years I remember listening to bands like the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Van 
Halen, Rush, Styx, the Cars, Ozzy Osbourne, Boston, and yes, Journey. 
 All of these bands get plenty of play at WZLX. I also liked some of the 
middle to late 80's new wave/alternative stuff after high school, and 
it's too bad there is no place on the dial to hear most of that music 
anymore.  

The question is, will classic rock be like oldies and chase the Baby 
Boomers to the grave or will it stay relevant to the 25-54 money demos? 
  If it's the latter, I could see even more 80's stuff filtering into 
the format over the next few years and it could take an alternative 
lean, depending on the market.  However, the icons of the format--Led 
Zeppelin, The Who, The Stones, and other 70's rockers will probably stay 
in the format for quite some time to come.  


SteveOrdinetz wrote:

> This sort of begs the question as to why a classic rock station is 
> targeting Gen Xers in the first place.  I thought this generation was 
> mainly interested in punk/new wave/altrock (even at the expense of 
> more pop-oriented 80s stuff).  Seems odd that they're embracing their 
> parents' music (not that it was ever escapable at any time in their 
> lives).  Dude!!  Journey!!!  Allright!!!