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2011.
Here it is, the end of the year and San Diego radio continues to evolve in a way that the demarcation line between a major market and a small market becomes blurred.
Jeff and Jer kicked off the year at KyXy and despite the doomsayers, picked up on the core audience. The station remained one of the top billing stations in the market, fueled by morning, and their prime lineup of Sam Bass, Sonny and Susan, and Gene Knight.
In all, any thought that the parent company, CBS Radio, was going to sell KyXy and Radio Sophie were silenced by the top brass as the station’s bottom line increased as advertisers came back to the medium.
Other events continued to shape the radio waves throughout the year. LaDona Harvey initially started her talk show experience at noon to 3 p.m., on KOGO. The big surprise was that Roger Hedgecock will take his afternoon show across town to 760 KFMB, starting Monday, January 2, 2012.
As changes were announced, 95.7 FM swore it was true: KUSS-FM and country music was dropped as KOGO-FM call letters came back to San Diego County. Bryan Suits was added at noon to 2 p.m., giving Lady LaDona a 2 to 6 p.m. afternoon drive on KOGO-FM. Roger, meanwhile, remains on air at AM 600 until the contract expires on December 30.
Add Sully Sullivan at 6 p.m., KOGO regains local talk from noon to 8 p.m., an eight hour block unmatched by anyone in the market.
Chip Franklin remained in the morning drive, now a seasoned San Diego veteran in the market, giving his outlook on the region. One of the important dial stops on the AM band, Chip’s views does not follow a political party line, it follows common sense.
Over at 760 KFMB, Mike Slater started the first Monday of January at the station. Rick Roberts moved to afternoon drive. While Mike continued to hone his skills on the region, street whispers indicated that Rick wasn’t happy with his afternoon slot.
He is expected to leave KFMB schedule next Friday, and has not been scene at the studio for sometime.
Music wise, the core players remained strong as KyXy, Magic 92.5, Channel 933, and Star 94.1 remained near the top. Add KSON, fm 94/9, 91X, and KGB kept up the competition for ears.
In all, this year was a rebuilding one for revenue; but it did come at a price.
Lincoln Financial, owners of fm 94/9, KSON, and KiFM had a significant cut in personnel. Clear Channel did another yearly cutback in personnel, including award winning newsman and anchor, Phil Farrar. KPBS-FM had it’s struggle with donations to keep the station fully funded.
There were bright spots. Stations continued to be the central point for charity. AJ and the Playhouse gathered toys for the Children’s Hospital in San Diego. KSON raised money for St. Jude’s Hospital. KOGO visited East County in a toy drive that was local radio at its best: live broadcast, full crowds all in the idea of giving toys to needy children. Stations proved that San Diego residents have deep pockets for the neighbors.
Sports wise, the three stations in the market will continue to drive a target and niche audience to their side.
What lies ahead? 2012 continues to be a rebuilding year. Clear Channel has a significant debt coming due that could mean a further reshaping of their broadcast outlets. Ad revenues continue to recover, but not at the rate nor the pace it was three years ago. Election year will fuel political talk radio and also fuel revenues as candidates and propositions will buy airtime to exploit their message.
Stations will change formats, long time hosts will disappear, and yet the medium will continue. Broadcast radio has new competition from on-line streaming as the next venture, car reception, will become easier as new phone spectrum becomes available.
Radio continues to be a brave new world and defies the odds against it; but the cracks are showing. Of course it only takes one ground shake, one power outrage, or one man-made catastrophe to give listeners reaching for the first choice in a medium that is always there: FM or AM, radio remains the first choice, today, in the car and home.
Make it a good year! The challenge is on.
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Thank you for stopping by SDRadio in 2011. Personally for me, the last few months have been a rough one. “Things” are well and I thank my friends for their help and understanding. Life continues on!
So until Monday, January 2, 2012, SDRadio will be on standby unless there is breaking news. See YOU on the radio. Merry Christmas, and a very healthy and happy New Year!
God Bless and enjoy your time off.
