Cumulus files divest plan-

[Tibbs2]

Lou - the fact that they didn't put QQK into the trust is indeed interesting ... and perhaps telling.

Why they didn't put 92Q on RQQ years ago is beyond me. It would have helped their numbers with the better signal and given the fact that they have only one Top Ten station, QQK, seems like a no brainer decision. Therefore. Maybe they felt like listeners wouldn't find them on 97.1, which we hear on here every week. Listeners are not as lethargic as I am, so maybe three would find their way.

My hunch is they will put these stations into the hands of an individual that they, uh, trust, who will make sure the two stations play by the Dickey rules. What has to be considered is the rights to the "i" concept. Will they lie-cense the rights to the trustee or move it to a station that they believe will have a signal that can make a difference?

I think it would be interesting to keep both stations Country on the 95/103 discussion, but let's face it...if you want to just play it safe and be in the middle of the pack, then keep em both country and watch them both fall a point each as WSIX gains, which is all but guaranteed as part of the brilliance that will follow. We could see anything happen, but my guess is 95.5 will be the one to change.

Finally, WWTN's signal is still screwy and RQQ will be screwed up again in a week, but it is refreshing to see that Crumy made the most stellar business decision to spend a $1,000+ on the new mural of James Franklin on West End. Props to The Tennessean for breaking this most important sports story AND actually getting the station info (97.1-FM) correct. (They messed it up in the story on Coyote and the last ten other radio stories.)  The best quote is from Mark Sullivan, Sr. VP of Crabs "you can't put a price tag on a fan's loyalty to the university" Tibbs2 adding" [but 97.1-FM can make damn sure these same dumb@$$ fans can't pick up the games on your screwed up, lethargic station...]"

[Tibbs2]

By the way, I was a but tough in my bad attempt at humor above. I'm just kidding for the most part on trashing them. Don't want to disrespect any of the hard working folks over there. The paint job was a smart and good jesture and the free publicity in the paper paid for itself. [Buddy, I may need vodka with that Krystal if this keeps up...]

[jetfli]

The reason they chose to keep 92.1 as opposed to 97.1 and 106.7, is because the 92Q brand is better developed than any brand they've been able to develop for the other two stations. They still don't seem to have a stable brand identity. Yes, they could move 92.1 to 97.1, but will the audience follow? And with the 92Q brand so well-developed, do ou really have the same brand if it's 97Q?

[DToTheJ]

Maybe if 92Q started giving away money to listeners at $97 a pop, that would be a good way to instill into their brains that 92Q could be heard on 97Q if they were making such a move.

[lurkerjock]

Just a curiosity question; why with all this going on is Cumulus advertising for a Market Manager in Nashville?  Who was there, did they get promoted out of Nashville, does anyone know the story?  thanks

[firepoint525]

The reason they chose to keep 92.1 as opposed to 97.1 and 106.7, is because the 92Q brand is better developed than any brand they've been able to develop for the other two stations. They still don't seem to have a stable brand identity. Yes, they could move 92.1 to 97.1, but will the audience follow? And with the 92Q brand so well-developed, do ou really have the same brand if it's 97Q?

The other reason is because 92Q is an "urban" station, so they really have no need to reach us out here in Cheatham County.

As for branding, they had also done fairly well with the "Star 97" brand, keeping it through several format changes.  Wish that they had kept it.

[ericjbard]

I see them keeping both FM country stations.  WSM has heritage call letters but Gaylord wont allow them to throw on Classic Country for obvious reasons. 

Instead, I could see them running both at 100K Country stations and positioning one as Mainstream Country and maybe running one as Wide Open Country.  This would allow them to own 2/3 of the Country pie in the city. 

It would be nice to see them move Urban to a bigger signal or even play in the CHR War, but Country has money and brand recognition.  Music City USA can support three Country stations.

[romer979fm]

wonder if there will be a "welcome back" party for Plaster when the deal closes?

[Tibbs2]

The reason they chose to keep 92.1 as opposed to 97.1 and 106.7, is because the 92Q brand is better developed than any brand they've been able to develop for the other two stations. They still don't seem to have a stable brand identity. Yes, they could move 92.1 to 97.1, but will the audience follow? And with the 92Q brand so well-developed, do ou really have the same brand if it's 97Q?

The other reason is because 92Q is an "urban" station, so they really have no need to reach us out here in Cheatham County.

As for branding, they had also done fairly well with the "Star 97" brand, keeping it through several format changes.  Wish that they had kept it.

Fire - you'd be surprised what those PPMs show for especially 101.1 and to a lesser degree 102.5 and 92.1 from areas outside Davidson County, proper. Check the Clarksville ratings for The Beat and The Party, as well.

[firepoint525]

Finally, WWTN's signal is still screwy and RQQ will be screwed up again in a week, but it is refreshing to see that Crumy made the most stellar business decision to spend a $1,000+ on the new mural of James Franklin on West End. Props to The Tennessean for breaking this most important sports story AND actually getting the station info (97.1-FM) correct. (They messed it up in the story on Coyote and the last ten other radio stories.)  The best quote is from Mark Sullivan, Sr. VP of Crabs "you can't put a price tag on a fan's loyalty to the university" Tibbs2 adding" [but 97.1-FM can make damn sure these same dumb@$$ fans can't pick up the games on your screwed up, lethargic station...]"

I hope you were kidding about this part.  Especially since in another six months they will just have to paint yet another coach's face up there!    Much rather see them spend the $1000 on improving their signal.  The story also made the front page of Green Hills News, or whatever it is called in your neighborhood.  Maybe the Tennessean "lifted" the story from them!  Might explain how they got it right!

And why is it just football and basketball coaches up there?  What about the baseball coach, the volleyball coach, the track coach, the squash coach, the soccer coach, the rugby coach, the cross-country coach, and the chess team and debate team coaches?  We could have it looking like the Sgt. Pepper album cover up there!  About the only upshot to this silly mural is that it discourages the graffiti artists (except for maybe when Eddie Fogler left!)