WRDU -- Complete Failure

[BS1012]

I'm not surprised to learn on WRDU's wiki page that there are no programs originating from WRDU but for G105 Bob's Thursday night country show -- which isn't a bad show.

I thought WRDU had some local talent somewhere. Could have sworn Pork Chop Jenkins, the guy who does overnights on G105 and traffic, hosted the morning show. and I thought they had someone doing afternoons at some point.

This radio station has been a complete failure because absolutely nobody cares. Period. Jocks, both tracked and local have come and gone with no success, the ratings are horrible, and it's just an all-around example of how NOT to run a radio station.

WRDU has been a mess for the last three years. Better luck next year.

[berlin201]

They should call the new format "Yuck Radio 106.1/94.5..." I just don't see either of them beating 101.1 WZTK...

[BS1012]

I do. WZTK is a great station with a somewhat unique lineup for a talk station. However, by putting big conservative talkers on two clear FM stations, CC will gain the upper hand. Moreover, WZTK's signal leaves a lot to be desired in the Eastern parts of the triangle and western parts of the triad. There are sections of Southeast Raleigh and Garner where many just won't listen to the mix of talk and noise on 101.1. From what I've been able to tell ZTK's ratings in both markets are decent but nothing special. All in all, CC might win this one.

The question is, what exactly can you do with WZTK? While ZTK might fade into obscurity next year, I can't see anything working better on that signal than talk so they might just keep it talk. Or maybe they'll push much of ZTK's programs to WPTF and WSJS and take 101.1 spanish.

[berlin201]

Or maybe they'll push much of ZTK's programs to WPTF and WSJS and take 101.1 spanish.

Another 101.1/96.9 simulcast, like they did back in the day as Kix Country? I just don't see that...

Which brings me to another possible scenario for the former 850 The Buzz: Why not simulcast La Ley 96.9 on 850? 96.9 would still be the primary channel, and simulcasting on 850 would expand their coverage area, much like the Y102.9/102.3 simulcast...

[carolinaradio]

Is 101.1 eligible for a CP to move closer in to the Raleigh or Triad markets so it serve one market and serve it well (with a different format, if needed)?  Maybe with power reduction? 

I TOTALLY think 94.5 and 106.1 can beat the Curtis properties and will.

[Hourly]

What makes you say that?  It was Curtis who took out WRDU in rock with 96.1 and Curtis who killed them in country with 94.7.  I think I have to put my money on Curtis again if they play there cards wisely and box out WRDU in talk with WZTK and WPTF.

[carolinaradio]

What makes you say that?  It was Curtis who took out WRDU in rock with 96.1 and Curtis who killed them in country with 94.7.  I think I have to put my money on Curtis again if they play there cards wisely and box out WRDU in talk with WZTK and WPTF.

They will have none of the big guns left.  Yes, they may get some decent local shows (and new listeners), but like them or not, Hannity, Limbaugh, and Coast to Coast are very popular and the listeners will follow.  Plus Glenn Beck, although new, will probably get a large audience.

94.7 is a heritage country station that is done very well.  I think it would be hard for anyone to take a station like that on.

[BS1012]

What makes you say that?  It was Curtis who took out WRDU in rock with 96.1 and Curtis who killed them in country with 94.7.  I think I have to put my money on Curtis again if they play there cards wisely and box out WRDU in talk with WZTK and WPTF.

They will have none of the big guns left.  Yes, they may get some decent local shows (and new listeners), but like them or not, Hannity, Limbaugh, and Coast to Coast are very popular and the listeners will follow.  Plus Glenn Beck, although new, will probably get a large audience.

94.7 is a heritage country station that is done very well.  I think it would be hard for anyone to take a station like that on.

Agreed that Curtis is in trouble, but they have a habbit of playing their cards well so we'll see.

WQDR is a fine station, but 106.1 wasn't even a threat in the first place. What a sad, sad try at competition that was.

[tripinva]

Is 101.1 eligible for a CP to move closer in to the Raleigh or Triad markets so it serve one market and serve it well (with a different format, if needed)?  Maybe with power reduction?

Moving closer to Raleigh is definitely impossible because of WRVA 100.7 and WRAL 101.5.  Greensboro would be more likely, but I don't know for certain what would be involved.

- Trip