WTVN-FM

[SonoSational18]

With 103.9 going all news and 97.1 being sports for many moons, how long will it be until Clear Channel blows up one of its FM's to simulcast WTVN and protect the franchise?

[xmusicmatt]

With 103.9 going all news and 97.1 being sports for many moons, how long will it be until Clear Channel blows up one of its FM's to simulcast WTVN and protect the franchise?

Not until WMNI sees some success.. If WMNI sees success.. You betcha WTVN will be on FM in a blink of an eye.

[del_griffith]

My guess is that WMNI, while providing a unique service, due to two overall weak signals won't dent TVN much. 

[Al Timiter]

I don't think you'll see much of an increase in numbers per se. I think they will just sell the "news" brand. And that may be the best they can hope for in this economy and environment.

[Chuck Douglas]

I don't think you'll see much of an increase in numbers per se. I think they will just sell the "news" brand. And that may be the best they can hope for in this economy and environment.

If you're going to lace up the gloves, get in the ring and come out of your corner when the bell rings, you should probably throw a punch or two, regardless of the economy or environment. If WMNI is doing now, what they intend to do for the entire fight, this is going to be a 2 round waste of time. It's really a shame. I always root for the local team. I was really hoping they would come out swinging. It would give them a chance to do something big and frankly, I believe it would force WTVN to get better.

[del_griffith]

I don't think you'll see much of an increase in numbers per se. I think they will just sell the "news" brand. And that may be the best they can hope for in this economy and environment.

If you're going to lace up the gloves, get in the ring and come out of your corner when the bell rings, you should probably throw a punch or two, regardless of the economy or environment. If WMNI is doing now, what they intend to do for the entire fight, this is going to be a 2 round waste of time. It's really a shame. I always root for the local team. I was really hoping they would come out swinging. It would give them a chance to do something big and frankly, I believe it would force WTVN to get better.

Chuck:  Without comparable facilities, WMNI is largely in a Don Quixote mode and WTVN is the windmill. 

Overall, I don't think their product is bad.  It's just not great.  But I don't they would see a greater reward if they stepped it up with the limitations they have.  WTVN has legacy, a powerful signal, the top names in syndication.  And enough local news that they are still seen as the go to station.  Could that be challenged.  Sure.  But with a Class B or C FM signal and balls out local news effort.  And even that is risky.     

[billf82]

Anyone know how WMNI'S coverage of last week's storms and power outages was?  Did they provide coverage at all?

[Chuck Douglas]

I don't think you'll see much of an increase in numbers per se. I think they will just sell the "news" brand. And that may be the best they can hope for in this economy and environment.

If you're going to lace up the gloves, get in the ring and come out of your corner when the bell rings, you should probably throw a punch or two, regardless of the economy or environment. If WMNI is doing now, what they intend to do for the entire fight, this is going to be a 2 round waste of time. It's really a shame. I always root for the local team. I was really hoping they would come out swinging. It would give them a chance to do something big and frankly, I believe it would force WTVN to get better.

Chuck:  Without comparable facilities, WMNI is largely in a Don Quixote mode and WTVN is the windmill. 

Overall, I don't think their product is bad.  It's just not great.  But I don't they would see a greater reward if they stepped it up with the limitations they have.  WTVN has legacy, a powerful signal, the top names in syndication.  And enough local news that they are still seen as the go to station.  Could that be challenged.  Sure.  But with a Class B or C FM signal and balls out local news effort.  And even that is risky.     

Del,

I don't say you are WRONG, but I do believe the people in this business that supposedly know the business fail to consider the human element. PEOPLE are ratings and people have been known to put up with a weaker signal, or static, to hear something they want to hear. 105.7 sounds better now than it did 15 years ago but as the Power Pig and Kiss, it most definitely made an impact in the market and got the attention of WNCI. 106.3 has never been a monster but there were times when the old Quiet Storm got amazingly close to Symons and Love Songs on Sunny. They won't own the market most likely, but WMNI can be more than a mediocre station(s) if they choose to try. Trying is going to require local interaction with local listeners on the locally owned station. The audience doesn't just want to hear...they want to be heard. The spoken word format works because listeners feel empowered and validated. There was a time when CNN brought you the news, over and over every thirty minutes. It got boring and they had to branch out, adding talk shows and HLN over the years. I think WMNI will need to follow that example, and soon, before they become a non-issue.

[del_griffith]

But there are all newsers in NYC (WCBS and WINS), Philly (KWY), LA (KNX), Chicago (WBBM), San Fran (KCBS), DC (WTOP) and Detroit (WWJ).

They recycle the news every 15-30 mins all day long. I think WINS uses the position of give us 20 min and we'll give you world. 

In many markets they beat the yackers. 

Things they all have in common.  Heavy, heavy local emphasis.  And legacy on major sticks. 

Is there enough content and $$$ support to have a major local news operation in a market the size of Columbus?  I never say never, but it would take a lot of things to come together. 

I don't think Columbus needs another Yacker.  They've got TVN that has at least Corby daily*, Dirk on the weekend.  You can nod in agreement with Glenn and Rush.  And express your feminine side with Shawn and crew. 

WBNS FM covers sports and sports talk pretty well.  The libs have WVKO and then of course there is WOSU for more deep topics with Ann Fisher.  But there are outlets and venues to have your say. 

Is it a perfect radio world.  About as perfect as the everyday world. 
* Yeah, I know it's tought to talk about whether you farted on your first date or did you dad know the first time you drove the car when you're politically angry and you need to share it. 

[antares]

"And express your feminine side with Shawn and crew. "

You mean that life-sucking piece of garbage is still on the air? Good grief!