Possibilities for Bonneville in SLC

[x]

I was pondering the possibilities for Bonneville now that it appears they can go ahead and buy KSFI, KQMB, KRSP and KUTR.

First I want to make clear that I have no insider knowledge of anything Bonneville is planning. Anything stated from here on is 100% speculation.

I'm going to say FM100 is safe. They're consistantly up at either #1 or #2 in the 12+ ratings (and I have to figure they do as well in 25-49 and such.) The music fits with the kind of wholesome image the Church has. I expect little change there.

I'm not quite as sure about Arrow. I wouldn't expect a wholesale change, though possibly some tweaking. Doesn't hurt that they're doing pretty well too.

Of the stations on air, I'd say the greatest chance for change would be at Star 102.7. Their hot-AC/CHR format might be a little too hot for the Church to handle. On the other hand, they're doing well in the ratings. If Bonneville decides to flip the format, what could it be? There was speculation here about the new KUTR 820 being an all-LDS music format. That would probably sound better (to most people, hi Michael <g>) on a strong FM signal, which 102.7 certainly is.

That would then leave what to do with the 820AM signal, whenever it signs on. Maybe they could put BYU Radio there, as a complement to KBYU at 89.1. The schedule at byuradio.org is fairly heavy on music, but there are other programs on also.

Interesting possibilities for a seismic shift in the market here. Thoughts?

[SamSpade]

I don't think KQMB is going anywhere. As stated before, Bonneville runs some pretty "hardcore" stations in other markets. (Chicago being the best example) Besides that, KQMB is now at the tops in its key demo's.

Besides KQMB, this sale acquires top 40 KFTZ in Idaho Falls, ID, which is the only top 40 in E. Idaho, so its probably not going anywhere either. I know there has been some speculation that KCVI (K-Bear) would lose its active rock format, but that remains to be seen.

[radiorelic]

You won't hear ANY significant changes on ANY of the three SLC fm's!

[Doh]

I agree no changes Bonneville doesn't care about "church" sound they care about money

[James W Anderson]

Not likely to see any changes on 100.3, 102.7, or 103.5 because all pulled decent numbers the last book.

I do agree that Arrow needs some tweaking, no real 'adventure' anymore there. It's a format CBS cooked up ten years ago (KCBS 93 in LA), and does not appear to have much of a following anymore nationally.

I do agree that Bonneville does some strong formats elsewhere, well remember Washington DC? They run classical on WGMS and CHR on WWZZ! They once owned KZPS Dallas which was a classic rocker. I heard them and they were fairly good. They also had a CHR there for awhile.

So that leads me to believe no changes on FM. The 820 AM station, however, is still another matter. No guesses although there is an interesting history with the calls.

[radiorelic]

notice... they DIDN'T buy KXRK ... and the Arrow is REALLY pretty under control as well as Star

[Monstro]

The reasoning behind why Bonneville did not pick up KXRK or KZNS, is that they were only interested in the highest-billing stations in the cluster, and that 820 had a 50KW stick, while 1280 is only 10KW day.

The other question is what will Bonneville do with some of the positions they have to fill. For example, the KSFI PD position. Alan Hague is staying with Simmons, so who's in line for that gig?