WEPN's Cume Already Higher Than WFAN's

[badjef]

Now that the novelty of FM Sports is already fading,

'Ya think?  I'll bet after only two weeks plenty of people don't even know WEPN-FM exists.

I'd take that bet.

New York is one market that Sports is BIG. Plus the people listening to KISS, certainly knew it so people would also find out about it by osmosis. WRKS to WEPN was not a secret when it was happening.

There is plenty of curiosity cume occurring in the NYC PPM world.

Besides, WFAN is soo bad, ANY "New" sports station would be perceived as welcome.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

[Nick]

WFAN definitely shouldn't move from 660 (what would they replace it with, anyway?).    

What would they replace it with? Consider that they might start selling their heritage AMs.  They haven't yet, but in order for them to buy another FM, something has to go.  Clear Channel doesn't own any AMs in NYC, and their NY cluster is very profitable.  I wouldn't be surprised if, at some point, CBS either sells one of their AMs, or puts it in a trust like KFWB in LA.  Then they can buy WFME.

I wonder how much they would get for 660, or who would even want to buy it.  Music formats seem to be leaving radio altogether, and talk is moving to FM.  What's left?  My guess would be some type of foreign language broadcasting.

There would be a lot of buyers if 660 were for sale. It's a 50000 watt clear channel in market 1, not a graveyarder in the middle of nowhere.

[Steve Green NEPA]

It's hard to swallow that a non-music FM of any sort lapped the field in one month.    WEMP has been trying for each of the last four SEASONS to kick CBS's AMers where they don't want to be kicked.    That failure began nine books ago.    So much for novelty curiosity.     

Some of the residual,   ex-WRKS folks *have* to account for this.   Either way -- you can bet that those same hourly PPM breakdowns already have been undergone a microscope test at CBS.

Question :  Isn't the ownership of channel 155,  or whatever it is,   the obstacle to CBS being allowed another NYC property?     Which would be worth more -- WFAN or the TV station? 

[TheBigA]

Question :  Isn't the ownership of channel 155,  or whatever it is,   the obstacle to CBS being allowed another NYC property?     Which would be worth more -- WFAN or the TV station? 

Yes, you're correct.  Here's what the rule says:

Up to two TV stations and up to six radio stations or one TV station and up to seven radio stations.

If CBS wants an FM, they have to get rid of something.  The irony is their weakest AM signal is currently getting the best ratings.

[WNTIRadio]

It's hard to swallow that a non-music FM of any sort lapped the field in one month.    WEMP has been trying for each of the last four SEASONS to kick CBS's AMers where they don't want to be kicked.    That failure began nine books ago.    So much for novelty curiosity.

The difference is that WEPN was/is a functioning and established station, with VERY good brand recognition.  Most people know what ESPN is, even if they don't follow sports.  Add to it, some local NYC personalities such as Kay and Lupica, plus the established syndicated shows, and it's not a stretch that it would compete on FM.

"FM News" stumbled out of the gate like a horse with 3 legs.  First it was the "chocolate" fiasco.  Then it was Kardashian news 24/7, then something in the middle and now they're finally doing mostly straight up news.  Problem is, there are still so many technical issues and things like outdated weather forecasts running for anyone to take it seriously.  Especially when there are not one, but TWO all news stations that have been there for 40+ years and do a superb job. 

The Fan, on the other hand, can be perceived as stale by a lot of people.  5 1/2 hours of Francessa alone is WAY TOO MUCH of him bloviating.  I never understood that aspect of programming on 660.  Put Evan and Joe on a normal shift from 10am-2pm and bucketmouth on from 2-6pm. 

[ansky212]

Question :  Isn't the ownership of channel 155,  or whatever it is,   the obstacle to CBS being allowed another NYC property?     Which would be worth more -- WFAN or the TV station? 

The TV station is WLNY 55 which broadcasts OTA from Long Island, but has cable/satellite carriage throughout the majority of the NYC metro area.  It's not yet clear what CBS plans to do with the TV station (aside from a 9pm newscast starting this summer), but I would have to think a TV station is generally more lucrative than a radio station.  But we'll have to wait and see.

[radioguy39nj]

It may be too early to tell if WEPN-FMs cume is higher than WFAN, but one thing is certain.  WFAN will at some point have to simulcast on FM, either 92.3 or 102.7.  There is no way CBS will unload 660 AM and it's 50 kW blaster signal. 

IMHO, the simulcast will happen before the start of the NFL season.

[TheBigA]

No one ever expected Disney to get rid of its radio stations, but look what happened.  At some point, it's cheaper to rent than to own.

[DToTheJ]

...The Fan... can be perceived as stale by a lot of people.  5 1/2 hours of Francesa alone is WAY TOO MUCH of him bloviating.  I never understood that aspect of programming on 660.  Put Evan and Joe on a normal shift from 10am-2pm and bucketmouth on from 2-6pm. 

Francesa = name recognition in New York sports radio. He's entitled to continue the same 5+ hour shift he was entitled to since he was co-hosting with Mad Dog up until 2009. By the way, ask Glen Macnow and Anthony Gargano in Philadelphia if they're going to question WIP's "aspect of programming" - they've been doing a 5-hour show on WIP for years.

[Turnpike Tuner]

Francesa = name recognition in New York sports radio. He's entitled to continue the same 5+ hour shift he was entitled to since he was co-hosting with Mad Dog up until 2009. By the way, ask Glen Macnow and Anthony Gargano in Philadelphia if they're going to question WIP's "aspect of programming" - they've been doing a 5-hour show on WIP for years.

For what it's worth, the New York sports fans I know who listen to WFAN can't stand Francessa - and no, they are not radio people who are turned off by his reputation off the air.

Should be interesting to see how 98.7 does after the Stanley Cup when both WFAN and WCBS-AM have baseball play by play.