The future of Smooth Jazz Radio?

Question

It was a shock to many people that WQCD changed formats after 20 years. Emmis is probably looking ofr a format so they can make more money to get out of their financial problems. After Dallas, New York and Portland losing Smooth Jazz radio is Smooth Jazz on analog radio going to die?

The number one radio market in the country without a Smooth Jazz station is a bad sign. Next we could see KTWV and KKSF flip. KTWV Los Angeles has had low rating for the past year.

New York could experience the same thing that happened in Milwaukee and Philadelphia were another company picks up the format.

Emis dropped 25 year old country station KZLA in Los Angeles one year ago. The new format that Emmis replaced KZLA with has failed. Another company picked up the country format in Los Angeles 6 months later. I believe that Emmis has made some bad business decisions and I'm glad I don't own their stock.

Answer 1

You are correct in that smooth jazz, in general, is not a very profitable format, such as rock, country, pop.  It is a niche market.  By the way, WQCD is still broadcasting smooth jazz on WQCD-HD2.  You will need to purchase a Hybrid Radio (HD), but the benefit is more 'hidden' stations and CD sound, since it is delivered digitally. Plus, no subscription fees.

Radio programmers are not the smartest in some of their decisions but a public company has to make a profit.  Since more of the general population enjoys rock, pop and country more than smooth jazz I can see why they changed.  As in Los Angeles, I am sure another station will pick up the format, if they feel they can get listeners.

Answer 2

I agree with green tadpole... except for some localized areas, I think smooth Jazz will go the way of oldies and such and be forced to the new HD radio sub channels so the more listened to stations such as the country and rock can be played.

Emmis decided to catch the wave of Movin' stations... the Fad format of the day ... a Rhythmic station aimed at white women.. it's an idea that was basically stolen by one programmer from a station in New Orleans.... except for a few areas such as Dallas, the format did horribly to the point that it's been pulled even in the place it was formed .

I find what happens is, it's the stations need freshening up but instead are killed, a loyal base writes and get another lower performer to flip formats to that popular now format with sometimes disaster results sometimes ratings bonanza.

But corporate radio makes bad decisions to follow the trend and make money that way, leading people to tune out after the novelty has worn off again. Maybe why I personally like small stations for personally