WFNX to CC deal may be one of the best things to happen for Alternative radio. I believe that CC will relaunch 101.7 and aim it squarely at the 18-34 demo. They have been honing their Alternative Project for years and are starting to sound pretty good. CC recently began running it on a translator in Cleveland. 101.7 will be an ideal opportunity for CC to work Alt Project on a "real" signal as opposed to the internet and HD2s they've been using. 101.7 has a 30 year Alt format just waiting for CC to cut out the dead wood and revive with a younger audience.
CC knows how to successfully play the Alt game. They flipped KSRY (103.1) to simulcast KYSR, which screwed up Indie 103.1 in the Valley enough to hasten Indie's demise. KYSR has taken a HUGE bite out of KROQ's ass in LA.
I have to disagree with this. I believe CC is killing alternative radio. You mentioned the Alt Project by CC, NO NO NO, this is not alternative rock. Alt rock skews a little older and more intelligent than active rock. CC's alt project is a alternative/active rock hybrid. They even play Metallica for goodnesss sakes.
Alt radio has been skewing 25-54 far too much lately. There may be a 10 year age overlap between 18-34 and 25 to 54 (25-34y.o.), but the 25 to 34 (18-34 demo) Alt listener is a totally different animal than the 25-34 y.o. listeners in the 25-54 demo. I believe CC is savvy enough to understand this and program an Alt accordingly.
The end is NOT near and the bell does NOT toll for Alternative radio!
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