Bye bye, KFRC-FM

[EastBay]

Almost without exceptions, all news (#1 WTOP in DC) and news/talk and sports on FM have done marvelously. The exceptions have been either marginal signals or startups that had second string, mostly syndicate, talent.

It's the issue about marginal FM signals in the bay area that I wonder about. Frankly, I listen to KGO and KCBS on AM because they're not suceptible to the challenging topo the bay area has (unless there are repeaters). I drive a lot, and like keeping my signal from hill to hill so I can keep up with those traffic reports. 

[radio dx]

I GIVE KFRCnewstalk fm 6 MONTHS. I think KFRC should just have a format  change every 6 months that way they can attract a much larger demo....oh wait they are allready doing that format.

[BossRadioDJ]

The terrific S.F. Peninsula Press Club blog reports that the KFRC crew will return to wrap things up this week:

KFRC's Dave Sholin, Celeste Perry and Sue Hall have been let go, but they will return this week (we don't know when) to do a farewell show.

There's also an interesting snippet of conversation from the company meeting that is reprinted there:

http://sfppc.blogspot.com/2008/10/more-about-kcbss-new-fm-signal.html

CBS is also in the process of putting in a booster in Pleasanton to increase 106.9's coverage in the Tri-Valley area. Right now, when driving, the station's signal begins to decay as you head out on 580 past Hopyard and Hacienda.

Of course, KCBS' signal is loud, strong and clear all the way out into the Valley on 740 AM, so I'm not certain why this is an issue now.

DJ

[Lkeller]

Almost without exceptions, all news (#1 WTOP in DC) and news/talk and sports on FM have done marvelously. The exceptions have been either marginal signals or startups that had second string, mostly syndicate, talent.

It's the issue about marginal FM signals in the bay area that I wonder about. Frankly, I listen to KGO and KCBS on AM because they're not suceptible to the challenging topo the bay area has (unless there are repeaters). I drive a lot, and like keeping my signal from hill to hill so I can keep up with those traffic reports. 

Really?  Maybe because I drive a lot  within the city of San Francisco, I actually find AM reception more challenging.  There is heavy static and hum off and on - frequently from the overhead Muni lines (I think).  FM does not seem to be susceptible to that.  There are a few stations that get spotty reception depending on what part of town you're in.  105.3 fades in and out in some parts of town.  93.3 is especially bad...or used to be...I don't speak Spanish so I don't listen anymore.  98.1 fades out along Hwy 280.  But most FM frequencies remain very strong as I drive around in San Francisco, the East Bay, and San Mateo County. Overall, I think all the talk about the Bay Area's "challenging topography for FM" is not particularly true anymore.

Sure - 106.9 will not have the reach that 740 does.  That's why a simulcast makes more sense in the Bay Area than just moving KCBS completely to FM, as has happened in some markets.

Some of you have said that FM news will not work in the Bay Area?  Why?  You're not going to bring up 95.7/KPIX are you?  That was a truly pitiful excuse for a radio station (though toward the end, they had two good local talk shows).  KCBS is a popular and established presence here.

[gameon]

seems to me that in the ppm world if the new combined am and fm at kcbs gains just 1 share 25-54, kcbs will dominate the ratings...somebody check my math but i think a little goes a long way when you are number 1  think about it would u rather have a #33 FM or take a top 5 25-54 and make it number 1 by a country mile?

[Julius May]

Will the Oakland A's stay on 106.9 for the 2009 season? 

[andreajesus]

depends on the terms of their contract...

[DavidKaye]

It's the issue about marginal FM signals in the bay area that I wonder about.

You don't have to wonder.  The marginal FMs do nicely, thank you.  Notice the ratings.  Even KSOL with 6kw does just fine. 

[Lkeller]

seems to me that in the ppm world if the new combined am and fm at kcbs gains just 1 share 25-54, kcbs will dominate the ratings...somebody check my math but i think a little goes a long way when you are number 1  think about it would u rather have a #33 FM or take a top 5 25-54 and make it number 1 by a country mile?

My admittedly non-expert prediction is that the simulcast will not make a big difference in the short-run.  KCBS will not rocket to a commanding #1.  But their share will build slowly over time, and they will attract a greater share of desirable 25-54 demographic, who (for some reason that escapes me) seem unable to find the AM/FM button on their radios.  And that's the point, isn't it? (No pun intended.)

[andreajesus]

if that is the case, i'm even surprised that CBS Radio would make such a move...would a slow ascent on KCBS' part be ENOUGH for the network??