If they can do it here, why not in Memphis???

[spin003]

This weekend I had the "opportunity" (i.e., picked up a motorcycle I bought on eBay) to drive from Memphis to Wisconsin (1600 miles round-trip) in 48 hours.

Along the way I thoroughly enjoyed listening to different radio stations, both large and small markets.  It reminded me of camping trips as a kid.  I would take my portable radio, put in an earpiece, lie in my tent and tune in to radio stations from all over.

My roadtrip took me through Eastern Arkansas and Missouri, Central Illinois, and Southern Wisconsin.  When one radio station would start to fade, I would scan for another.  Never was I without music along my journey.  Interesting hosts and personalities as well.

My demographic is classified as late "Baby-Boomer", early "Gen X" (I lean toward the former).  I grew up listening to "American Top 40" with Casey Kasem, Sunday mornings on FM-100.  I went to the Journey / Foreigner concert at the Coliseum.  Also saw The Gap Band / Zapp with Roger / Klymaxx there, too.

Along my trip I was never out of earshot of a true 70's-80's station.  I picked up my first one when I reached Osceola, AR. Others in Cape Girardeau and St. Louis, MO; Springfield, Decatur, Rockford, and Bloomington, IL; Madison, WI.  Many others followed as I drifted out of range of one and into another.  And that's when the title of this post hit me.

There is a tremendous opportunity for a station to play 70's and 80's music - not just Top 40 but also Dance, R & B, and Country crossover hits of that time.  The target demographic is the one with the disposable income.  Advertisers should see this.  It appears that the ones in the aforementioned cities have done so already.

A look at the Memphis dial shows where a savvy station manager / program director could carve out a respectable share by taking otherwise unhappy listeners from other stations:

   White Males from WEGR, WXMX, WMC-AM, KQPN-AM, WHBQ-AM, WGKX, WMFS, WVIM 
   White Females from WRVR, WMC-FM, WGKX, WKIM
   Black Males from WHRK, WHBQ-FM, KJMS, KXHT
   Black Females from WHAL, WRBO, WDIA, WLOK, WSNA

As others have posted before, the right format needs to be on the right tower.  WMFS broadcasts to rice fields in Arkansas.  WVIM can't get much above the TN state line.  And even the 300KW blowtorch of WMC-FM has deadspots in it's coverage that a bit of 'transmitter tuning' could fix, based on previous posts.

The Urban market is saturated.  No one is willing to challenge WGKX.  WEGR and WXMX have cannibalized themselves (both listeners AND talent).  WMC-FM and WHBQ-FM are twin sisters, with WKIM as a red-headed step-sister.

Some might call me nostalgic.  But then how many times have we seen fashion revive a previous style?  Don't look now, but skinny ties and colored jeans are coming back!

So, what station is right for the picking???  Who could pull off a coup???

Mr. Speaker, the floor is open....

[radiosaur]

The Cat could have done it if they had been a little more patient.

[spin003]

You are SO right. 

When Wendi Hays and J.L.Fisk had the morning show, they were a contender.  The playlist AND talent were great.

Now look at the debacle that resides on Murray Road ....

[BookerT]

I think that might be the first time Wendi Hays and J.L. Fisk were used in the same phrase as the word "contender".

[RadioGeek06]

K-M-P-Z Osceola/Memphis, you're clear for take off....the all new all hit Z-98!

GOD how great it would be for THIS station to be reborn...the format/the attitude/the production values.  There hasn't been a REAL radio station since "the music died" in 1989 (i believe)...

[Kent]

I really enjoyed Z-98 during a two week visit in 1989.  I believe it was either late '89 or early '90 when it became KPYR "Oldies 98 The Pyramid."  I remember when I decided to go to the University of Memphis a few years later and how disappointed I was to find Z-98 would not be a listening option.  You're right about the attitude of that station.  It was anything goes and talk first, ask questions later!

[spin003]

This weekend I took a much shorter roadtrip to Birmingham.  Only 200 miles away, but far enough to experience some more stations.

Both Magic-96 and Rock 99 out of B'ham had great playlists.  Better than anything in the Memphis metro area.

Still any takers to changing formats???

[Double M]

I was in High School when Z98 started up. I loved the music back then and good personalties. It was a shame when it went to oldies. From then on they tried different formats and personalities came and went. I was never a fan of J.L. as a DJ. I didn't care for the pairing of J.L. and Wendi either. I liked her best when she was doing traffic, although I've never heard her work an airshift alone. So I can't judge her on that. I always thought she had a good personality though. Alot of people pan the Max but I actually like being able to hear a mix of old and new rock on one station. It may need a little tweaking. And I don't think the personalities are bad. I do miss the old D&Z show on Rock 103, I thought it was better than this one. Haven't heard Jarman yet in his new spot but always thought he would be a good fit for nights. Surprised Bobby Duncan will be on nights. Have to wait and see I guess.And glad KIM is getting more personalities. Now if we could get a good morning show going. And yes I would like to hear more of the old KIM format.