Spring Arbs out

[CAwasinNJ]

So the spring Arbs are finally out.

KSL has a nice bump. I'm thinking the presidential campaign likely helped them. Summer and fall should be pretty decent too.

Both of the classic hits stations (Arrow and KODJ) had nice gains. Partially at the expense of KOSY?

Nice gain for K-Bear. Not so good slide for X96.

The Eagle took a bit of a beak dive. KSOP isn't showing again, so no telling where they are these days. KTMY is a no show, but they may be below the line. (which would be a bad sign for Clear Channel)

Who else are we missing?

[ANGRY AT ARBITRON]

I'm really tired of the fact that Arbitron is trying to strangle people into subscribing. NO ONE CAN SELL A DAMN 12+ number!!! At least give them some bragging rights (or shame). This is annoying because RRC also has to comply so we have no idea if non-commercial stations are attracting a diary audience either. (at least in this market, no one subscribes)

[CAwasinNJ]

RRC has had the noncomm data as recently as Winter '08, I believe. I remember looking at the data a few months ago. Maybe they haven't added the Spring data yet?

[dspete]

I really hope Simmons keeps Movin' *Movin* cuz it really is a good station but I would like to see it come out of the closet... or expand it's horizon meaning adding house music like the Energy stations they have in Phoenix and San Fran.....Old School New School and everything in between Dance-Dance-Dance

[seattlefollower]

"Long time observer, first time (registered) poster."

I hate for this to be my first post, but here are my thoughts.
1. You're right, CA, I was a bit harsh above. It appears KRCL, KUER, KCPW, and KBYU fork out the big $$$ for survey data. I guess USU doesn't need it since they likely would be hit by not having a Salt Lake Valley presence.

Stations no longer recorded publicly but previously shown are:
K-PC-W (Summit County is not part of the metro, but I believe is included in 2 of the 4 books)
I think at one point "K-Love" and the two high school stations in Utah County have also hit the radar, although not since Spring 2007 apparently.

2. It's evident and broadcasters are lying to themselves if they can't see it... that younger people are not listening to the radio! I guess you could argue that they all have mobile phones (true) and aren't as easily found since Arbitron can't solicit them.

However, just look at 12+. Traditionally "older" skewing stations are popular:
#1 KSL-A/F (N/T is traditionally 35+ audience..., plus... c'mon we all know KSL has a unique product)

#2 KUBL - Country seems to cross all demographics and "the Bull" has established itself as the market leader. I'd say it's a 'heritage' station since it's been around since 1993.

#3 KRSP - "Classic hits," while the format is changing to be a new term for 'oldies' stations, "Arrow" has been around for years and built a reputation with its listeners as "Rock 103." It also keeps the more traditional approach to classic 'hits' by playing a "softer" classic rock presentation.

#4 KNRS - Big named conservatives are on this station. It's not a surprise that the Utah audience is responsive. Rush Limbaugh has the #1 program in the country, Glenn Beck is #4, I think. Surprisingly, #3 in the country, Michael Medved, is on KLO. (Hannity is #2 for those that were wondering) Also, Coast To Coast dominates nights. I'd imagine KSL looks much stronger than KNRS from 6 am to 7 pm. (again 35+ target audience...)

#5 KODJ - While still reported to Arbitron as "oldies" I think it's evident at this point that KODJ has moved into the new 'classic hits' position but is perhaps not reporting that way to prevent confusion for diary holders with "Arrow" (25-54 station, with older lean. Probably did very well 35-64 last book)

#5 KSFI (tie) - Their overall share is shrinking. I think this is mostly related to adult contemporary music having to sound 'newer' than anything else. If it was too "harsh" on people's ears, KBZN or someone should have seen an increase. KBZN was still at a flat 1.6 KOSY has dipped since the "Christmas cushion."

[seattlefollower]

Bottom stations 12+ (and my take):
KZNS/KOVO: First off, isn't KOVO split and Mexican regional? Someone could argue this number! Secondly, sports talk always looks small 12+ everywhere, although not as small as I've seen in Utah. Once you break into male demographics only and then certain age ranges, this station would climb in rankers and probably has solid qualitative research behind it. It's been the same format for 5+ years now so something is working.

KALL-AM: No idea on this one. Still following the spirit of the law but largely a Zone simulcast?

KYMV: Younger leaning station, handicapped by booster/main system of reception, should do better broken into women but maybe Utah just isn't "rhythmic" enough. I know that I really like "Movin 92.5" here. It's an incredibly unique station that people discover. I won't listen in the morning (I'm male) because of the 'ladies room' moniker. Pat Clark was the former morning guy though.

KLO-AM: Traditional conservative talk line up. Michael Medved is nation's #3 host, Savage #5 I believe. Definite niche. I'm surprised they aren't trying to use some sort of branding to emphasize they are the true conservative talk station. Hampered by signal reach into West and South Jordan?

KJQN: Continued declines. I've heard from people the 80s rock flavor is the image this station seems to present.

KEGA: Boosted signal, with 3 "big stick" Farnsworth competitors and one older leaning Utah Lake signal. I think it just never will really surpass them due to building penetration/at work reception issues. I know my cheap radios had a challenge getting it with the power of 101.1 and 101.9 smashing adjacent. At least they're not KTMY which apparently didn't show?!?

[CAwasinNJ]

KRAR doesn't exist in this market anymore either. 106.9 is now KEGH and simulcasting The Eagle. That happened almost 2 years ago.