SC's best market?

[carolinaradio]

What do you feel is South Carolina's best radio market and why?

I vote for Charleston.  95SX is my favorite CHR in the state, 105.5 The Bridge is a pretty cool station, Chuck's pretty good, and Y is probably the best AC in the state IMO.  I've read otherwise, but I don't think WYBB is that bad, either (better than our rock station in Greenville).
Chas. seems to have the best variety for my musical tastes.  Also seems to have quite a few flips, which are always interesting (thanks to Apex)...
Columbia is a close second, I like WOMG and WARQ both quite a bit.

[RobynWattsV2.0]

I would have to agree with you on your choices.

My vote for worst has to be Florence. NO CHR, just Hot AC (which is sad since back in the early 2000s, Florence had Z100 (forgot the calls, but I believe they were licensed to Lake City) in addition to 103X).

Robyn

[upstate29651]

Beaufort/Hilton Head.

G

[charlestondxman]

I'd rate them. Worst are Sumter and Florence, but probably Florence. Lots of cookie cutter stations, talk station has only one local show (not even mornings localized), more local sports talk than regular talk, Myrtle Beach and Columbia stations are weak in much of the market (unlike Sumter which at least has the big Columbia stations).

Charleston and Columbia are best. Both have interesting radio scenes. Charleston is more interesting. A country music battle, urban, several rock stations, and interesting all around.

[carolinaradio]

Beaufort/Hilton Head.

G

It's a pretty good place for radio - I'd actually put it at #2, but didn't really consider it a part of SC radio since I technically think of those more in the Savannah market.

So, from best-worst, I'd say Charleston, Columbia, HHI (tie), Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Sumter, Florence.

[tylerSC]

Are you throwing any Charlotte stations into the mix? There are several SC counties that are considered part of the Charlotte Radio/TV market, and their signals actually extend into Greenville/Spartanburg, although the Upstate is its own distinct market. I agree that 95.1 in Charleston is a great CHR, but so is 95.1 in Charlotte, as well as Channel 96.1. Kiss 95.1 still sounds good to me, they are just currently making some on air talent adjustments to compensate for the loss of Ace and TJ. But interestingly, both Charleston's 95.1 and Charlotte's 95.1 sort of drown each other out in the Columbia area, such that you can't really listen to either one depending upon what side of town you're on. And drive towards Augusta, and there's yet another rock station on 95.1.

[awp69]

I haven't spent tons of time listening to radio outside of the Greenville/Spartanburg area, but I'd have to agree with Charleston as the best in the state (even though if I was in the area I'd still be mourning the loss of WAVE).

It's still sad to me that the highest-ranked market (GSP) is one of the worst (although I'd agree that Florence has it beat to that poor distinction).  GSP has been getting a little better but still doesn't have the variety or the quality that other markets it's size and even smaller have. Rock is the one area where I'd definately say GSP has a sore spot (with two of the worst rock stations in the state).

B93.7 isn't a bad CHR but it's countered by Charlotte's 95.1 and 96.1 that leave it sounding lacking when you can get those two stations in. And both ACs Magic's traditional and  MY's hot AC-leaning mix are both far from being best in breed. Chuck is good for a variety station. I guess if you're into country this area's got you covered. But that's about it.

I'd take Charleston in a heartbeat.

[carolinaradio]

If you're in to gospel, this area has you covered more than anything.  89.3, 91.1, 91.5, 94.5 (they aren't always gospel, but that's their basis), 96.7, 106.9.  660 AM.  Country listeners in Greenville even have 99.9 in Asheville to choose from.  God and country...just the culture of the area.

I almost laugh when I hear people say stations like WYBB, WARQ, or WFXH (in Beaufort/Hilton Head's case) aren't good rock stations - any are WAY better than the tasteless, pathetic 93.3 The Planet.  Greenville radio just lacks.  Aside from the country and gospel stations I guess, the other stations are sub-par compared to markets similar in size.

In response to tylerSC: I was really referring to mainly stations based in the major SC markets, not stations receivable, but Channel 96.1 certainly makes listening to the radio in Greenville more bearable.  Technically, I guess Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill could be considered since RH is in SC.

[awp69]

If you're in to gospel, this area has you covered more than anything.  89.3, 91.1, 91.5, 94.5 (they aren't always gospel, but that's their basis), 96.7, 106.9.  660 AM.  Country listeners in Greenville even have 99.9 in Asheville to choose from.  God and country...just the culture of the area.

Ah, yes, gospel should have been noted in my post. Although it's ironic that none of those stations are much but a blip on the radar in terms of ratings.

[carolinaradio]

They're non-commercial.  Non-commercial stations typically don't show in diary markets.  WMUU is commercial, but since they don't subscribe to Arbitron ratings, they don't show.