Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2007 > July > 12 > Entry
7/13: Can oldies return to Atlanta?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
CBS in New York City, after two years, brought back its classic oldies station WCBS-FM Thursday. The interim format, something called Jack, was jockless and ran a variety of music, mostly from the 70s, 80s and 90s with a heavy emphasis on rock. It drew significantly fewer viewers than CBS and lost a lot of revenue but ratings had started to improve before CBS reverted back.
Here’s an MP3 of the actual switch back.. It ends with Journey’s “Dont’ Stop Believin’” like “The Sopranos,” then does a long retrospective of the 1960s and ’70s with old soundchecks and news clips. First song: “Do It Again” by the Beach Boys.
Atlanta has not had an oldies station since 2005 when Cool 105.7 switched to Hispanic. Does New York’s move mean oldies isn’t as dead as a commercial format as many people think? And can it come back to Atlanta?
The problem: the closest to a heritage “oldies” station in Atlanta was Fox, which lasted from 1989 to 2003. It had huge numbers and revenues in the early to mid 1990s as the Baby Boomers gorged on the Beach Boys, the Supremes and the Beatles. The Ultimate Fox oldies concerts would fill the Georgia Dome.
But those listeners aged out of the desirable demos advertisers tend to favor. And Atlanta is far younger than New York. So formats such as hip-hop, rock, top 40 and country work better. Fox started losing steam here in Atlanta in the late 1990s when radio consolidation began and the station went through a series of owners. Cox was the station’s final owner but its effort failed to perk up ratings or revenues with more focused playlists. Listeners complained that it had gone from “good times and great oldies” to “good times and eight oldies.” Nowadays, advertisers don’t value the core oldies listeners (who are mostly over the age of 50 now) as much as younger listeners. So even a decent number of listeners doesn’t necessarily translate into commensurate dollars. And that’s why oldies stations have disappeared nationwide.
97.1/The River is the closest to an “oldies” station but its core music is the 1970s, not the 1960s. And as we noted a few days ago, it keeps a far tighter playlist than most oldies stations.
Even stations in the ‘burbs which have more potential oldies listeners than downtown Atlanta have dropped the format e.g. Sunny 100 in Canton, Lake 102.3 out near Gainesville.
One theory why New York brought CBS back: Arbitron, which measures ratings, is starting to drop those decades-old paper diaries for a “people meter,” which is a pager-like device that can “hear” what people are actually listening to, rather than relying on them to write it down. In Philadelphia, the first city to get these meters, rock and oldies did much better than under the old system.
Interestingly, WCBS in New York always had a tradition of playing 70s and 80s cuts and the new version skews a bit more toward those decades than they did a few years back. But plenty of ’60s cuts survive, too. You can scan the playlist here..
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Paula
July 13, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
I’d love to have some “real” oldies one the air — from the 50s and 60s. Someday, those advertising execs who think we’re aren’t vaulable for their dollars will be middle-aged too!
By Paula
July 13, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
I’d love to have some “real” oldies on the air — from the 50s and 60s. Someday, these advertising execs who think we aren’t vaulable enough for their dollars will be middle-aged too!
By Leigh
July 13, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
Once I get a new car with a cd player, I will NEVER listen to Atlanta radio again, except for sports. The playlists on every one of them are HORRID! I am a babyboomer, and there isn’t a radio station I like at all. DaveFM is JUST as predictable as The River. Makes my teeth grind.
By Joanne
July 13, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
It is a shame that those of us in the 35+ age group (who are also a MAJOR part of the buying public) really are at a loss of good music to listen to in Atlanta. I remember WPLO-FM years ago when its format included new songs from non-mainstream artists to introduce its audience to new sounds. We definitely don’t need any more country, top 40, hip-hop or Spanish stations. There are so many wonderful artists out there that are selling out concert arenas and millions of CDs and cannot get any airplay because they don’t fit the concrete “format” set by the owners and programming managers/directors. I enjoy 70’s and 80’s music as much as the next person, but would love to see a new radio station which would not have a set format and might include such artists such as Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Diana Krall, Chris Botti, Barry Manilow, Dave Koz, Elliot Yamin, Sarah Brightman, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Il Divo, Victoria Hart, Michael Feinstein, Andrea Bocelli, Bette Midler, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, James Taylor, Carly Simon, as well as playing some of the famous show tunes from movies and Broadway. Hopefully there are others who will respond and feel the same way as I do.
By Radioguy
July 13, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
It is a real shame that the Atlanta radio stations don’t know how in the world to program their HD-2 stations. It would be perfect for OLDIES. I own an HD radio because I wanted to get all the “new” channels. The “new” channels play the same old music as the traditional stations. ie: Why in the world isn’t 96ROCK on the PROJECT’s HD2 channel??? Why isn’t OLDIES still on the BULL’s HD2 Channel? Even more important, why doesnt WGST-AM broadcast on an FM HD2 Channel like WSB-AM does (on THE RIVER’s HD station) Can someone give me an answer? Oldies SHOULD BE On the ATLANTA DIAL on an HD 2 STATION. Get a CLUE, Atlanta radio execs!!!!!!
By mayretter local
July 13, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
it’s time for the radio dolts to think outside the box (and the same playlists), and just play good music, regardless of the year it was made!!! a good song is timeless, and will sound as fresh today as it did when first written.
play the deeper cuts from the records for goodness sakes, not just the same ones over and over and over. there are several “classic” songs from artists i love that i could care less to ever hear again. play something else by this great artist, not the one or two songs everybody and their mother knows all the words to!!!!!
and goodness, mix in the genre’s a bit, rock & roll came from the blues, so play me some blues, besides stevie ray vaugh. throw in a jazz tune. blow people’s minds with good music, when it hits ya feel no pain - b.marley.
By ga Boy
July 13, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
ATL the town of mediocrity and will do anything to kow-tow to the colored, hip-hop scene. Disgusting.
By Kevin
July 13, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
To address JoAnne’s comment:
I listen to XM and two of their channels called The Heart and The Blend may come very close to what you would like to hear. XM also has a show tune channel as well. I am sure Sirius has the same channels. The advertisers have written you off. Time to go XM or Sirius if you want a blend of musical genres.
By wcbs fan
July 13, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
I use to listen to WCBS when I lived in N.J. and then when i moved down here I was a FOX 97 fan and it was the most listened to station on my radio. When they got rid of FOX 97, I bought a XM radio and I can tell you that my radio very rarely ever has a local atlanta radio station on it. In fact, I have gotten spoiled with it. I can listen to the same radio stations from atlanta all the way down to south florida. But if FOX 97 came back, I would listen to FOX 97 as much as I use to. JUST DO THE RIGHT THING AND BRING BACK FOX 97 !!!!!!!!!!!!!
By hpetero
July 13, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
I was in high school and we listened to Fox every morning. My family loved Randy and Spiff. I even attended one of the Ultimate Oldies Concert with my best friend who was also in high school. We had eclectic taste in music then and now that I am in my 30’s I still enjoy a lot of different genres. I have found a gem in the dust of the Atlanta market on the AM dial….1690AM. A typical hour might go like this…Tony Bennett, Janis Joplin, Glenn Miller, Beverly Sills or a piano concerto, The Cars, and Kansas. It is crazy in a good way and makes me giddy not knowing what is coming up. Nothing is typical on this station and they like it that way!
By rocker
July 13, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Commercial terrestrial radio is a dead format for real music aficionados, no matter what musical tastes you happen to have. It is geared towards narrow demographic groups, focused only on advertising, and is basically looking for those listeners that mainly want to hear familar songs as background noise for their commute to and from their jobs. For real music fans, the best choices are satellite radio and your own music library. I’ve personally accumulated about 1000 CDs in the last 25 years or so (mostly classic rock), which are now ripped to MP3s, plus a few thousand more downloaded songs…..so I don’t have a heck of a lot of need to hear the same 300 songs played over and over on commercial radio. For those without expansive music librarys, satellite radio is the way to go. I personally love the “Deep Tracks” station on XM…awesome deeps cuts that they would never even think about playing on “The River”.
By mayretter local
July 13, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
a lady i used to work with had fox on all day as background music and i tired of their repetitive playlist in a couple weeks. “she was just 17…”, groan how many times can you play that song?!?! how can the rest of the early beatles catalog not be on that playlist?????
By Ed
July 13, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Let there be oldies! There is very little for white folks over 30 to listen to in Atlanta on the radio…just A.M. talk and the same 325 songs on the River over and over and over again. If my commute was 2 hours a day I’d probably spend the $155.40 a year for $atellite radio, but I don’t drive enough to justify the expense. Adding at least one white-folks-over-30 station in the market would make things far more tolerable…and it would eliminate a country or hip-hop or spanish station from the Atlanta market as well.
By LC
July 13, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
The state of radio in ATL is awful…where else is there at least three stations devoted to sports?? And WSB at night, what a Crock!!?? Who wants to listen to he and his wife argue? Colossal waste of air time. Bring back Oldies…we deserve equal time like hip hop. We Boomers will listen to Oldies even in The Home……..
By Pete
July 13, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Rodney’s comment says it best: “Nowadays, advertisers don’t value the core oldies listeners (who are mostly over the age of 50 now) as much as younger listeners. So even a decent number of listeners doesn’t necessarily translate into commensurate dollars. And that’s why oldies stations have disappeared nationwide.”
The Atlanta advertisers would much rather cater to the thugs and gangstas. So I’m sure instead of an oldies station they would rather put another worthless station like V-103 on the air. And hire more losers like Ryan Cameron to DJ.
By Al
July 13, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Clear Channel will not flip one of its poorly programmed stations to oldies anytime soon. You can thank the dimwitted Chuck Deskins for that. An oldies station might actually attract listeners and advertisers, something that Deskins can’t allow since it would interfere with his ongoing obsession to destroy what’s left of the Clear Channel Atlanta radio cluster. Want proof Deskins won’t make a move? Bloomquist is still PD at WGST and CC has 2 stations that cater to the illegals in the area.
By Barbara
July 13, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
I agree with all of you. I’ve loved oldies for years and just about died the Sunday night at 12:00 when theh Fox went Spanish. As a break, I also love the ’70s and ’80s. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to listen to a variety of ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s? I listen to a station based in North Myrtle Beach, SC - 94.9 The Surf. Plays Motown and is a “beach music” station. For those that aren’t from the Carolinas, try it sometime, great music. And, no, beach music is NOT the Beach Boys. Check it out at 94.94thesurf.com. Also, Pandora.com lets you choose the type of music you like and attempts to play songs in those categories. I’ve lived here 28 years, and even when we had “oldies” stations, they couldn’t compete with the stations in Charlotte and Greensboro, NC. Atlanta demographics don’t cater to oldies, unfortunately.
By RK
July 13, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Drew fewer viewers?
And CBS radio made a bad decision? Shocking! Just like their “FreeFM” debacle that they’ve shut down now…
By goonies
July 13, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
VIVA LOS REGULAR GUYS!!!!
By goonies
July 13, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
VIVA LOS REGULAR GUYS!!!!
By goonies
July 13, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
VIVA LOS REGULAR GUYS!!!!
By goonies
July 13, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
VIVA LOS REGULAR GUYS!!!!
By Peggy
July 13, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
I agree with Barbara. Beach Music is the way to go and yes it isn’t Beach Boy music. When I am at the beach they play good oldies and i can really groove. There is no reason that concept can not work in other areas. In case anyone has forgotten, we boomers are many and we enjoy music from our past that brings back the good memories of our younger days…Beach music is the ticket.. Thanks for the heads up, barbara, i will check out this radio station.
By grrtch
July 13, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
I’m with mayretter local… for oldies to appeal to a wider audience, the format has to expand playlists. This would draw the growing ranks of young 20-something hipsters who dig old music and want to know more than the homogenized stuff that Fox 97 clung to until it’s demise. It would have been a smart move to expand the playlist some to appeal to that attractive demographic without alienating it’s core listeners. The tragic thing is that radio execs know diddly, even after some radio consultant spoonfeds them tired, safe advice. What I know is that young hip bands like Atlanta’s Black Lips are rising stars and they listen to old music, talk about it in their interviews, credit underground reissue labels like Crypt and Norton for inspiration to play music. Granted some of that stuff can get pretty obscure, but shoot, I think my teeth woulda fallen out in gleeful surprise had Fox ever played NC instrumentalist Link Wray. His stuff is instantly appealing, energetic and totally recognizable that inspired modern hip bands like the Cramps and Southern Culture on The Skids… Geez, just let me get MY paws on an oldies station, and I could make it sizzle!
By jah
July 13, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
Atlanta radio is by far the worst radio I have ever listened to. We seem to be the last to get new released music on the airway - in fact I was in Jamaica and heard a song people were singing, and had to ask who it was by. A North Carolina lady told me the artist and that it was his new release, then went to inquire as to why I hadn’t heard it - My answer - ATLANTA RADIO SUCKS! I admit that I mostly listen to country, but some of the morning shows are horrible - “The River” doesn’t have a morning show, so I’ll switch over to it to hear some traffic - but when all else fails, I plug in my I-pod! Which, I might add, has oldies on it, and I’m in my 30s.
Please bring back the good old days of radio!
By gttim
July 13, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
My two favorite channels on Sirius are The Underground Garage, which is Rock and Roll from the 50’s to today, and Soultown, which is classic funk and R&B. The classics are great! The playlists are huge. I also listen to the singer songwriter channel and the all Canadian channel. I hear great music that I never would hear on terrestrial radio.
I think any radio station with a large playlist and slightly diversified music could easily get decent ratings in Atlanta.
By woody@aol.com
July 13, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
I want THE 80s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No more latino crap
By woody@aol.com
July 13, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
I want THE 80s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No more latino
By CL
July 13, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
If anyone has access to Rhapsody Music online (it comes free with Comcast high speed internet) you should try the “Classic Rock Vault” channel. They play cuts and artists from the 60s, 70s and some 80s that you have probably not heard in years or maybe had forgotten about. A commercial radio station with a similar format could be a big hit. There are enough songs in this category that you would not hear the same song twice in a day; heck, maybe not twice in a week. I just wish someone had the guts to try it because I too (as a native of Atlanta)agree that Atlanta radio is in horrible shape.
By JMReach
July 13, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
i miss ‘oldies’ in atlanta. you may call it oldies, but it’s the music i grew up listening to.
i get bits and pieces when i listen to college radio. album 88 has a rockabilly show monday nights and a swing/big band show on the weekend i absolutely love.
bring back this music! maybe advertisers would like to know i bring home over $300,000/yr. there are a lot of us with money to spend who would love a station like this.
By Charlie RH
July 13, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Yes, Atlanta radio sucks. That’s a given. Anyone who has lived in this town for more than 24 hours should know that. That’s why they make CD players. Instead of whining about what some corporate “radio” shill is trying force feed you, take the initiative and listen to your own music… or get sattelite radio or something. Or better yet… vote with your pocketbook. Don’t patronize sponsors of crap radio and let them know why you aren’t patronizing them. No one puts a gun to your head and forces you to listen to these stations. The last time I checked, this was still America and you still have a choice to listen to what you want.
By THE TRUTH
July 13, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
I thought you were talkin about Jimmy Barin gettin back on the air, What a releif,
By Sam I Am
July 13, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
You’d think with the large number of radio stations in Atlanta’s market there would be room for something remotely directed at those of us who like oldies or even more of a Classic Rock format. The River beats nothing, but that’s about all. I mean, there has got to be an audience for the Beatles in Atlanta? And not just the over 50 crowd either. I was driving to work just the other day thinking about the songs I miss. If we actually think radio station owners care about what people actually want to hear, we’re all crazy. It is all about the almighty dollar.
By UGH!
July 13, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
First they get rid of Fox 97, then they get rid of the MJ Morning Show and the 80’s music on 105.9!!! Atlanta’s radio dial SUCKS…I just listen to my iPod!
By Radio K!
July 13, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the CBS flip montage Rodney. I’d heard about but didn’t think I’d get to hear it.
By Duane
July 13, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
IMHO, terrestrial radio is missing local “personality” with the advent of Station Managers and Conglomerates using automated/programmed format-specific playlists. I fondly remember the late ‘60s and ‘70s and listened to “Underground FM” where enthusiastic and knowledgeable DJs brought their own record collections to the station. [Donald “Cerphe” (pronounced “surf”) Colwell, Jonathan “Weasel” Gilbert, and Damian Einstein for those Atlanta transplants that may remember WHFS in Washington, DC.] That is, WHFS would broadcast music other FM Rock stations normally would not, including cuts as long as 20 minutes. [Remember Iron Butterfly’s 17 minute album version of “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”?]
For 35 years, Cerphe has been the voice of rock radio in Washington and is presently with WTGB. Unlike other classic-rock stations that have completely changed their format, WTGB recently switched formats to try a blend of ’60s and ’70s rock standards and contemporary artists who fit in with the classic hits: Coldplay, Dave Matthews Band, KT Tunstall, Norah Jones.
The idea is to add younger listeners to the aging classic-rock audience while expanding the playlist to counter the widespread belief that broadcast radio is a place to hear established hits, but not necessarily the best way to discover new sounds.
Why does a station’s format have to be abruptly changed? What is so wrong with at least trying to “blend” formats like WTGB?
It is my fervent hope that the “hold” of market research and consultants that rule music stations be broken. That is, instead of stations using listener surveys to create tighter playlists aimed at ever-narrower demographic slices of the audience, I advocate a return to the days when DJs had the leeway to pick music.
Until terrestrial radio breaks with the highly researched, highly predictable formats of the past two decades, this baby boomer (like many in the iPod generation) has moved away from radio as a primary music source. At home, I listen to internet-only radio (e.g., Atlanta Blues Society - www.atlantabluessociety.com). For drive-time, I make MP3 and audio CDs from my music collection.
By MPM
July 13, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
We need more and better public radio! Pittsburgh has about 4 stations that play rock, oldies, classical and jazz and little talk and best of all—no commercials!! If we did a better job of supporting public radio, maybe we could get more than one station. Put your money where your mouth is - not necessarily XM or Sirius.
By atl music
July 13, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
I love people who say, “i would never buy a XM or Sirius because im not in my car long enought to listen to it” Um guess what? if you pay for cable TV are you in your house long enough? you cant take cable TV to the car, but you cant take XM and Sirius anywhere you go….
By Matt
July 13, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Atlanta has radio? I love my Sirius.
By Hugh G. Reckshen
July 13, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
It looks like the merger between XM and Sirius isn’t going to go through…see http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/25/AR2007042502590.html for details…both of these companies have lost money hand over fist. If they aren’t allowed to merge, then one of the two companies will die out and leave millions of users stuck with equipment that can’t pick anything up. Who want to be stuck with a betamax?
By Ms. Writer
July 13, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
Ga Boy: the fact that you still use the word “colored” says so much about you bubba…lol
By Charlie RH
July 13, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
Wow, Cerphe is still around??!?! Man I remember so many nights listening to him and getting exposed to some incredible music, not to mention how diverse it was. You just don’t find that sort of variety/quality on the airwaves anywhere these days.
I think that the motto for radio in Atlanta ought to be “Some guy in a suit tells us what to play!”
By Rio
July 13, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
It amazes me that no matter the topic, people like ga boy, Pete and Woody will always whip out the race card.
By linnetta
July 13, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
I love the oldies. When we travel, I always search for an oldies station. Little Rock AK has a great oldies station as well as Nashville TN. We(those of us over 50) may not be in the area the advertisers want, but we have the most disposible income. I gave up on FM radio when 94.9Lite went away and now listen to CD or AM talk radio. I would love to see an oldies station come back. And NO I don’t want to have to pay for radio. My collection of oldies from the 60’s and 70’s has increased as well as oldeis from the British invasion. I would rather spend the money on CD’s than XM or Sirrus.
By hippiemom49
July 13, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
JMReach – you’re right on the money – yes, pun intended. I’m 57 years old, and I’m making more money and have more disposable income than I’ve ever had in my life! I have a house, drive a nice car, wear clothes and travel – in other words, I still need - and want - goods and services. I can’t understand why advertisers don’t get that!!
I listen to 97.1 The River only out of desperation – their playlist is WAAAYYYYYY too limited. The last time I had it on I heard the same two songs two nights in a row at the same time of night!
I’ve been listening to realoldies1690.com at work since Cool 105.7 was canned. It’s late ‘50’s to mid-‘60’s and, although the playlist isn’t extensive, it’s still music you can’t here anywhere in Atlanta. And occasionally they slip in a gem … When was the last time you heard “Pretty Ballerina” by the Left Banke?
And by the way, ADVERTISERS – my son was raised on oldies – he’s 21 now and won’t listen to anything else. He says he’s ashamed of today’s music. I’m sure that many of my fellow baby boomers raised their kids the same way – so it’s not just the “over 50” demographic this music appeals to!!
Hey, JMReach – where do you find album 88? I’d love to hear the big band program!
By JJ
July 13, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Please please please bring back the oldies, and bring back Randy & Spiff too. You can’t have one without the others!!!!! BRING THEM BACK NOW!!!!
By Fred Urich
July 13, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Who cares about atlanta radio? They have jerked it around so much changing formats, changing the dj’s. clear channel has screwed up atlanta radio like nobody else can. Look what they did to the regular guys and the kimmer !!! once clear channel leaves, then things will get back to normal. just get sirius radio. I thoight that I would never buy it but now I dont know how I lived without it. and I only commute 15 miles to work but I rather listen to 15vminutes of music than listen to 15 minutes of commercials !!!
By Bob
July 13, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
I don’t think it is the actual advertisers who “prefer” young audiences, but is the young buyers and the young account execs at the stations who aren’t necessarily sold on the product.
Also, Cox did a terrible job with Fox 97. A 100,000 watt station that is operated like Fox was under Shamrock would do wonders.
It would pull numbers in the burbs… and pull Atlanta listeners from more distant places like Dalton, Calhoun, Ellijay, and so forth.
Over 50s listeners have more money.
I advertised with and Listened to both the original Fox 97 and the most recent Sunny 100. And my current advertising budget for that group has gone to television.
By erin
July 13, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
Im 35, single with good disposable income. So I feel like I am most advertisers target….
And I would love oldies - some good beach music, motown, beatles, etc….
I get sick to death of listening to Fergie over and over again on the other radio stations. Sometimes you need a break from top 40. In every other city - oldies are always on my radio rotation.
By Sammy
July 13, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Forget Atlanta radio. Go with XM. They have individual stations dedicated to the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, classic rock, even Motown oldies. The only reason to listen to local radio is for News, Neal, and Captain Herb.
By Bill
July 13, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
Get an XMtogo radio. You can use it in your car, in your house, and on your belt. When on its charging stand, it broadcasts its signal on the FM band and I can pick it up all over my house. I haven’t listened to local radio in over a year.
By Kathy
July 13, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
I agree, please bring oldies back to Atlanta! I loved Fox 97 and listened to it all the time. Then, when it left, I switched to Sunny 100 and loved it but they turned it into a Spanish format. Now, to hear my oldies, I listen to my cd’s or the Internet. There are still oldies stations out there. Atlanta just doesn’t have any. I have tried Majic 102.9 but their format is 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. But, mostly 80’s.
By Duane
July 13, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
To: Charlie RH
Re: “Wow, Cerphe is still around??!?!”
Yelp – I am listening to his drive-time show right now on the Internet. Go to (http://www.947theglobe.com/) and click on “Listen Live”.
Cerphe is on Weekdays 2-7 PM
And if you can believe it, Weasel even has a morning show Weekdays 6-10 AM
Enjoy the memories.
By Bob
July 13, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
Thanks Rodney - I now have WCBS on my computer at work.
By Bob
July 13, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
Thanks Rodney. I now have WCBS on my computer at work.
By CC
July 13, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
I hate coming back to Atlanta from Chicago because I miss the music so much - just one station is all we ask for - just one
By Da Man
July 13, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
BRING BACK FREDDIE T!!!!!
By Bernard
July 13, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
XM or Sirius; problem solved. Terestrial radio is for people who don’t have $12.95.
Jack is not a bad format, except they think they need to include one rap per day-part, just to be safe.
By Melanie
July 13, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this
BRING BACK THE OLDIES!!! I have not listened to the radio since they got rid of fox 97 & 105.7. I have a cd player in the car & I play my oldies. Atlanta, get a grip!!! How many more country & Latino stations do we need? Bring back the 50’s & 60’s!!
By beki
July 13, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
I am a babyboomer who was born in the first year after WW2; and, as a child,heard the blues;pop sounds of Bennett, Sinatra, and Como; country tunes from Reeves and others;the big bands;Broadway tunes; and, the beginnings of rock ‘n’roll.Yet,when the 80s began, the pop sounds became techno - driven ( thank you, Divo! );and, now it’s either gangsta sounds, country, or soul.In other words, radio stations are segregated to appeal to a particular audience and, within that group,a core of 20 -34 year olds for rating purposes———just like our summer movies are. It’s not a good segue; but,Atlanta’s radio stations sux because there is too-oooo many stations that play the same sounds REPETITIVELY ad nauseum. I may not have a new car ( ‘98 vintage )with a cd player or sirius; but, once I begin a long trip I take my tapes -I have tapes of music from the beginnings of recorded sounds ( 1905 to 1970s )and will sing along to the melodic sounds as I scoot down to PC Beach. I, however, have beeen seriously thinking of pawning my stereo and cd player because I have digital cable and can listen to any music genre on my tv. The Platters are singing “Only You” and here comes Joanie Summers singing “Tan Shoes and Pink Shoe Laces.” Indeed, there was music before the Beatle invasion.
By beki
July 13, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
I am a babyboomer who was born in the first year after WW2; and, as a child,heard the blues;pop sounds of Bennett, Sinatra, and Como; country tunes from Reeves and others;the big bands;Broadway tunes; and, the beginnings of rock ‘n’roll.Yet,when the 80s began, the pop sounds became techno - driven ( thank you, Divo! );and, now it’s either gangsta sounds, country, or soul.In other words, radio stations are segregated to appeal to a particular audience and, within that group,a core of 20 -34 year olds for rating purposes———just like our summer movies are. It’s not a good segue; but,Atlanta’s radio stations sux because there is too-oooo many stations that play the same sounds REPETITIVELY ad nauseum. I may not have a new car ( ‘98 vintage )with a cd player or sirius; but, once I begin a long trip I take my tapes -I have tapes of music from the beginnings of recorded sounds ( 1905 to 1970s )and will sing along to the melodic sounds as I scoot down to PC Beach. I, however, have beeen seriously thinking of pawning my stereo and cd player because I have digital cable and can listen to any music genre on my tv. The Platters are singing “Only You” and here comes Joanie Summers singing “Tan Shoes and Pink Shoe Laces.” Indeed, there was music before the Beatle invasion.
By G.B. - Music Magazine
July 13, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
There is a station right here in town that plays great oldies and more!!! WSJR-100.3 ELLWOOD,GA. No commercials really … Atlanta radio needs DJ Stevie - J!!!!
By G.B. - Music Magazine
July 13, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
There is a station that broadcast out of Ellenwood, Ga. that plays everything … 30’s 40’s 50’s, all!!!! WSJR-100.3!!! ATLANTA RADIO NEEDS DJ STEVIE-J!!!
By debbie mccarter
July 13, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this
I now live in Greenville, SC but when I lived in Smyrna from 91-96 and then Cartersville from 96-98 that is all we listened to is fox 97, they were the bomb!!!! I would get up on Sat. mornings to do house work and crank up the stereo on fox 97… I am now 40 but my parents grew up with that music and I think it is so cool, and it is clean music!! It p** me off cause we are southeners and that is our kind of music especailly in South Carolina, we are the shaggin state. We have Beach Bobs on 103.3 but it doesn’t come in clear cause it is a coastal station…. Me and my family would get on lake Hartwell every week-end in the summer months and have the station on Fox 97 and we would just crusie on the pontoon and just loved that station, what in the heck is Georgia thinking getting rid of that station? Forget who is a baby boomer or who is not there are many many people from the south that love that music and I demand it come back and if it does I want a Fox t-shirt!!!! I mean come on, not everybody likes that rappin crap and it is all over the radios, I mean what is up with that!!!! Come on Atlanta, you’re screwing up if you don’t get the oldie station back!!!!! Debra Lynn McCarter Greenville,SC
By buddy
July 13, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this
oldies formats are great and would work if the stations were willing to do two things — take the music seriously enought to have live dj’s who are knowledgeable about this music, and use a larger playlist, so we’re not listening to the same songs over and over. half the excitement of oldies is hearing songs you haven’t heard in several years, not just yesterday. since they’d be drawing on a potentially huge library, it makes no sense to be subjected to the repetitive offerings we get right now. dave fm and the river seem to play one elton john song and one eagles song every hour, and even those selections are incredibly repetitive. They’ve even played “Bohemian Rhapsody” twice in a three-hour set! come on, guys, we’re your customers! Take care of us.
By ~Skeevie~
July 13, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
I was looking forward to “The River” when it first went live. I’m not as impressed as I had hoped to be. A short play list that repeats way too often and after a year an a half they still use the the word “New” in their self promotion.
Sorry… you’ve lost this listener.
Bring back the oldies! :)
By rbg
July 13, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
I find most of these topics boring, no insight, but this one is great. Thanks to all of you. You’re all right (well, most of you - just ignore the dumba** race or other types). I’m 44 with a 3 figure income; I love the new music pop, rock, soul, but I love the old stuff too and have since my 20s. The “Jack” concept is taking a slow dive. Their credo is “Playing What We Want”, as they feel most of their listener are just stupid, and often they are indeed listening to “the suits”. Suffice to say, I have disposable income and if every station would double the size of their playlist; most people (again) really dig hearing a variety (really, not just lip service) of songs (take a hint 97.1 The River). There are a lot of songs from the past 30-40 years, or hte past 2 or 3 years, that made the top ten you just don’t hear and people love them! If a station plays good music, the advertisers and listeners will sustain them given the chance; maybe I’m just non-corporate naive. As for XM versus Sirius, go Sirius if going that route; XM is owned by Clear Channel. They are the lynchpin that’s destroying radio in Atlanta and other markets; I hope as many of their stations here as possible tank! They did similar things in other cities, although not as severly as Atlanta. I travel a lot; The “Jack” format station in Savannah, GA also flipped back to Oldies 98.3 after a few years as “Jack”; Free-FM is headed south. Their station in San Francisco went classic hits. The same may be true for 92.3 K-Rock in New York City. Yes, 101 CBS in NYC is great. Other great oldies stations are in Philly (98.7 I think), Detroit (104.3), K-Earth in Los Angeles (101.1), and 102.7 in Miami. As a former DC resident, Cerph rocks! I remember him from years ago on 106.7 JFK 9 99.1 HFS in DC was awesome, too. Corporate programming, and misguided advertising executives, the feedback from listeners they use are from those who ONLY do listen to the radio for 30 minutes per day, they aren’t the ones with dollars who spend them who repeatedly hear those radio ads. That has nothing to do with genre or age, it has to do with all music from all decades, and has to do with JUST GOOD RADIO, something that’s non-existent in Atlanta - in large part, lately, due to ClearChannel ; I hope they fail miserably.
By Barry Blakely
July 16, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
Atlanta needed another country station, like the BULL, or another Latino station, like what used to be Sunny 100 (100.1FM) like my wife needs another pair of shoes (she has around 75 pairs at the latest count)!!!!
A good Oldies Station with a good play list (and not a limited amount like The River’s 300) could make it here…God knows, we have the fans!
By Chris
July 20, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Sunny 100’s playlist was far wider-ranging than Fox’s or Cool’s. Either way, I’d love to see the format back here. I note that WCBS refers to it as “the greatest hits of all time” rather than “oldies” in order to keep from turning off the young demo. Fortunately, up here in Rome I can listen to 95.7 The Ridge (WATG Trion, GA) which is 60s/70s/80s. Pretty decent format.
By Phillip
July 26, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
They can get 1 if they want but i wont listen 2 it 107.9 and v103 is all i need