CBS makes a decision

[chrocket87]

Well, this CBS network is probably just syndicated material, like espn or Fox sports. A sports talker on 92.9 would likely be very local, like their success stories in other markets.

[carolinaradio]

Well, this CBS network is probably just syndicated material, like espn or Fox sports. A sports talker on 92.9 would likely be very local, like their success stories in other markets.

I agree, but it just seems to me they would have already planned to take 92.9 sports at the time the network was announced, so they should have gotten dibs on their own network before Dickey got it.  That's the way I see it.  All (I believe) of CBS's big sports talkers are carrying it, existing or upcoming.

I'm just skeptical about 92.9.  Skeptical that it will stay Dave for the long-run but skeptical that it will go sports.

[RoddyFreeman]

From what I've read, in markets where CBS has an AM/FM All-Sports simulcast, they're planning to put the network on the AM and stay local on the FM.

[carolinaradio]

From what I've read, in markets where CBS has an AM/FM All-Sports simulcast, they're planning to put the network on the AM and stay local on the FM.

I think that's the case in Tampa, you're right.  Still somewhat doubtful that after all of this time CBS would start spending money on a heavily local sports talk station in an already crowded market, but I could be wrong...just seems like they would have said something by now.

[secondchoice]

I wonder if ESPN's FM's (LMA of WEPN FM form Emmis) lack of a ratings bump in NYC has CBS rethinking any possible sports on 92.9?  IMHO Merlin has proved that being on a FM signal does not guarantee success in the spoken word formats.

[chrocket87]

I wonder if ESPN's FM's (LMA of WEPN FM form Emmis) lack of a ratings bump in NYC has CBS rethinking any possible sports on 92.9?  IMHO Merlin has proved that being on a FM signal does not guarantee success in the spoken word formats.

It certainly does not guarantee success, just like placing a music format in a market does not guarantee it's success. Just gives it a greater chance of succeeding, since younger demos aren't scanning the AM unless there's a sports PBP on an AM station that they already know about. And most PBPs are moving to the FM side.

[carolinaradio]

I wonder if ESPN's FM's (LMA of WEPN FM form Emmis) lack of a ratings bump in NYC has CBS rethinking any possible sports on 92.9?  IMHO Merlin has proved that being on a FM signal does not guarantee success in the spoken word formats.

I'm thinking the "92.9 goes sports" rumors will be like the rampant speculation/rumors that WGST would go to FM last year and CC Atlanta would shuffle their FM's around.  We see where that went.

Regardless of what happens with 92.9, I think 680 being simulcast or moved to 100.5 eventually is a given.  790 will never have the luxury of an FM.

[jabba17]

790 will never have the luxury of an FM.

Unless 790 winds up in a big cluster with someone else.  But even then...who might that be?  Cox is maxed out, Cumulus/Dickey is a direct in-format competitor, CBS might cause a rift with Cumulus on the CBS Sports deal, and CC won't even put WGST on an FM.  Radio One?

[UglyRedHonda]

Maybe an indication that something's afoot at Dave - since Merlin brought back WRXP, Steve Craig has been retweeting comments about its return that seem to suggest he might be heading back to New York.

[carolinaradio]

If he does, it will be telling if a replacement is or isn't named.

Here's a thought...how would Hot AC do at 92.9?  Since Star is so strong, would they be worth taking on?  CBS has launched Hot AC's in markets like D.C. and NYC that already had the format.  Viable formats to put on that frequency are tough.  I think Sports is unlikely, and WiLD blocks out a "Amp"-type CHR.  The Urban area is full.  Classic Hits remains the biggest hole, and something that CBS does well, way better than the others.