The Wires Are Talking About the new 94.9 FM (11-14-02)

From radioink.com: "San Diego Station Gets New Format. Jefferson Pilot Communications in San Diego has changed KBZT-FM to the new FM 94-9, featuring music by such artists as Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Temple Pilots, U2 and The Dave Matthews Band. The new format is being overseen by Garett Michaels, who has programmed alternative stations in Detroit and Philadelphia."

SD City Beat - San Diego Gets Another alt.frequency (94.9) Plenty of Alternatives: 94.9 is S.D.'s newest alt.frequency

The San Diego Reader Blurt
B94.9 "Blown Up" For New Alternative

The San Diego Union TV/Radio
Halloran goes to KBZT, which changes format to alternative http://www.signonsandiego.com/tvradio/021113_briefs.html

North County Times - Randy Dotinga
'80s is out, 'FM 949' is in Local radiohead Mike Halloran must be making a lot of cats jealous. He used up his nine lives about five years ago, but Halloran is still staking out new territories on the San Diego FM radio dial

Comments: 94.9FM 11-14-02

JEFFERSON PILOT '80s KBZT (B94.9)/SAN DIEGO flipped to Alternative this morning (11/11) as "FM94.9" under group OM JOHN DIMICK, and incoming PD GARETT MICHAELS and APD/MD MICHAEL HALLORAN. B94.9 PD MIKE BUSHEY exits. Reach out to BUSHEY at (619) 299-6955 or mwbushey@ix.netcom.com.

MICHAELS was formerly PD at INFINITY '80s KYPT (THE POINT)/SEATTLE. HALLORAN recently exited as PD at crosstown ASTOR Alternative KFSD (92/1)/SAN DIEGO.

According to MICHAELS, "Our music library, much of which has not been available from the large corporate stations, is personally tailored to the tastes of SAN DIEGO radio listeners. The bottom line is that FM 94-9 is about the music, and we think listeners in SAN DIEGO will be able to tell the difference.

They are just one of EIGHT rock/pop stations in SD..

Posted by BIG ONE on 11/13/2002, 1:39 pm

Some observations from my non internet time

CC/Califormula: So CC runs Z90/Bob/Hot Country(whatever they call 99-3 these days) huh? Listened to Z90 and I must say IT SUCKS! However, CC for some odd reason must not mind the fact that Z is now taking from Channel. Is CC just trying to make Z's ratings look good so they can have an excuse to KISS 93.3?

Michael Halloreen: You know, in baseball you would have been out after 3 strikes. This guy has had 5 and now going on #6. Anyone wanna bet on when he gets fired?

92/1: Anyone wanna bet on when the format changes?

94.9 vs Clear Channel and Comments 11-13-02

From Chris: Ironically, Monday, I was driving back from Las Vegas [more later] and was at the Halloran Springs (laugh) exit when the news came to me that B94.9 was flipping formats. Outside of Death Valley it was confirmed: FM94.9 San Diego took over the KBZT-FM: "Jefferson Pilot Communications/San Diego introduced a revolutionary new radio station to the residents of San Diego County. KBZT-FM at 94.9 became FM 94-9 (Ninety-four nine). The new station will feature artists like Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Temple Pilots, U2 and The Dave Matthews Band. This new format is being overseen by Garett Michaels, who has programmed alternative stations in Detroit and Philadelphia. Garett is assisted by long-time San Diego rock veteran Michael Halloran, who has served as program director of rock stations XETRA-FM (91X), and most recently, KFSD. Halloran assumes the role of Assistant Program Director/Music Director of FM949 and will be on the air weekdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. According to Michaels, "Our music library, much of which has not been available from the large corporate stations, is personally tailored to the tastes of San Diego radio listeners. The bottom line is that FM 94-9 is about the music, and we think listeners in San Diego will be able to tell the difference." Jefferson-Pilot Communications, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jefferson-Pilot Corporation, is head-quartered in Greensboro, NC and owns and operates television stations in Charlotte, NC (WBTV-TV), Richmond, VA (WWBT-TV) and Charleston, SC (WCSC-TV); and radio stations in Atlanta (WSTR-FM, WQXI-AM), Charlotte, NC (WBT-AM/FM, WLNK-FM), Denver, CO (KCKK-AM, KJCD-FM, KKFN-AM, KQKS-FM, KYGO-FM), Miami, FL (WLYF-FM, WMXJ-FM, WAXY-AM) and San Diego, CA (KSON-AM/FM, KIFM-FM, KBZT-FM). In addition, the company's Jefferson-Pilot Sports Division, located in Charlotte, NC produces and distributes Southeastern Conference football and basketball games, Atlantic Coast Conference football and (with Raycom) basketball games and other sports events."

From the spin doctors at Clear Channel Communications in San Diego: "Please note today's change on KBZT (Their third change in as many years) from 80s to Adult Alternative. They will now attempt to compete in the rock arena, similar to the Montreal Expos competing against the New York Yankees in baseball. More specifically, now they go head to head against that monster Compass Communications station KPRI. While the jury will remain out for the next 6 mos to see if they can make a dent, beginning today, the hole is WIDE OPEN for San Diego's now EXCLUSIVE vehicle playing 80s, 90s, and today, KMYI!"

Jefferson-Pilot responded to their advertisers with: "It saddens us to say that it took less than four hours for our friends at Clear Channel to reaffirm their lack of professionalism. We feel that a response is necessary to what looks to be an incredible attempt to mislead the buying community by a Clear Channel employee. We at Jefferson Pilot pride ourselves on telling the truth whether it benefits our company or not. We feel a need to provide the most accurate market information so that you the buyer/client can make sound buying decisions. It pains us and frankly it is a waste of our time to have to respond to such ridiculous statements. However, it is now becoming a daily routine for us in San Diego. Below is our response to Clear Channel's e-mail:

1. Clear Channel states that this is KBZT's 3rd format change in 3 years. FACT: KBZT was an 80s station for two years. Prior to that it was an oldies station for many years.

2. Clear Channel states that we will ATTEMPT to compete in the rock arena. FACT: we have spent 6 months and more money than they can fathom researching what direction to take FM94.9. We found some very interesting things about their own vulnerability as a company when it comes to their rock position in this market. We realized that there was a tremendous opportunity with regard to adults who are tired of 91x (the station that didn't grow up with their listeners), with listeners that can't stand Metalica on KIOZ and feel that they may die if Credence Clearwater was played one more time on KGB. Furthermore, our focus groups continually reflected the listeners concern about the number of commercials played by Clear Channel's rock stations.

3. Clear Channel states that we are going up against KPRI. FACT: FM94.9 is targeting a 28 year old with a 57/43 male to female skew. KPRI has a median age of 40 and a gender split of 50/50. In addition, the music on the two stations bears no resemblance to each other. The idea that we would target a 2 share station that ranks 15th is ridiculous. Make no mistake about it we are targeting Clear Channels monopoly.

4. Clear Channel states that KMYI is exclusive with 80's, 90's and today and that our format change will open this position up. FACT: KBZT had a 1.7 share of listening until we changed (hence the reason for the change). Our research indicates that 50% of our audience will stay with the new format (our core artists were U2, REM, Depeche Mode.The Clash, and The Cure). So we are opening less than one share point up to the market. The idea that KMYI will absorb all of those listeners is ridiculous. What they forgot to mention was that they duplicate their music up to 75% with KFMB. Our extensive research shows that there is absolutely no brand with KMYI! On the other hand KFMB has a tremendous brand. Good luck in that battle!

These are the facts! We are all very excited about this change to Adult Alternative at Jefferson Pilot San Diego and look forward to providing the best vehicle to reach rock listeners in our market."

Among those gone from the Jefferson-Pilot building include Mike Bushey, Dave Smith and Jeff Stewart and several ad executives for B94.9 who recently joined the Jefferson-Pilot station.

Some comments from the independent.fm messageboard:

From Kilroy: " I was listening to it this AM before I left for work...

-Good music choices.
-Boring monotone DJ.
-Boring "syndicated sounding" news every hour.
-Traffic report with no background.
-Overall dry, uninteresting sound on everything but the music.

From adamn: "Halloran will need to pay some bills and spin some Dave Matthews for a bit. There's no way to have an "alternative" station without it. Let them get their act together. it's only been 24 hours. What's key is that they get some locals in regular rotation and put a few good specialty shows in the mix. Any more "indie" than that and the station ain't gonna make no money. Tone down the anti-Clear Channel flag waving, Mike. You & Ken Leighton are the only ones that care. Lord knows that the kids who listen religiously and call to request Blink 182 don't. Yeah, CC's the enemy but why provoke?"

From GrandPaBoy: "Ha, I just called and talked to Abe at 94.9. Whats funny is I haven't really listened to 92.1 since Halloran left, and I gotta say I was sporadic even then cause they seemed stuck in the same playlist. So I have 94.9 on tonight and I'm thinking they are playing some good stuff and then I hear Halloran. I'm like, what the..

"So I asked Abe if Halloran left 92.1 to go to 94.9, or if he found 94.9 after he left 92.1 He said the 2nd one.

"So I' partially excited that Halloran has a station with better wattage for listeners, but I'm also hoping he doesn't fall into some of the same ruts as 92.1 It was mainly ALL new music with little fan fare for some of the great alternative bands that got them there (Replacements, Pixies, Stone Roses, etc.).

"I hope he reads this and mixes it up a bit more than he was willing to at 92.1 I love what he did for local bands at 92.1 though, I just didn't care too much for the rest of the station after a while."

From oldpalbry: "It gets 20 bonus points for not being CC... 20 more for being in america... and a bonus ga-jillion pts. for not having tad (t.bry) schock walking the halls with his eddie munster haircut/ scowl..... my prediction: 91x will now turn it's guns toward radio disney, attempting to grow it's audience from infancy..... "

From TGK: "Want to hear something funny? 91X turns 20 next year. But then again, it was a cool station for most of it's life."

From Sara: "I think it's dumb how almost all the imaging has something to do with CC in it. Like "How has Clear Channel touched you today? Not through this station" or "You are not listening to a Clear Channel station. But I'm sure you could tell." I mean, I know everyone hates CC and all, but is that the best they can do? Attack CC in their imaging? Don't they have anything else to sell their listeners on? It just seems very amateur to me.

"Just so I don't get any "you're anti-Halloran" responses, this is no offense to Halloran. I wish him the best with this new station, and really hope he can help keep this one going."

From Kilroy: "Sara...I totally agree! Those spots between every song or two do bug!"

From blurtman: "Yo-yo. Just checked out 94/9 for the first time: WEAK!!!!! It sounds as stale as 91X. Truthfully, what is the difference??? Just another corporate rock station to me."

From mailman86: Halloran = F***ING HYPOCRITE!!!!!! Preach anti-corporate and go to work for a radio corporation. Whatta stooge. Halloran = radio herpes. He'll never go away. How long before he works for Clear Channel? I give it 6 months. LONG LIVE 92.1!!!! OUT."

From olpalbry:

mail man:wtf do you know?
mike's supposed to only work for cluless, poor stations?
f*** that.
jp is WAY different from cc....
it'S got new music too,
AND PERSONALITY.
this station'll be gone in a week. 
way to go mickey!
a station with a signal we can all hear....

From Saturday's Jimbo: "I'll never abandon 92/1!!! NEVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!"

B 94.9 Changes Format 11-11-02

The format changed at 10am as posted by Superfan from the SC Groove messageboard. It sounds like a new alternative format station from the first two songs "Radio Radio" by Elvis Costello and the Attractions and "Radio Clash" by The Clash, but these are, so far, 80's alternative rock songs. Surely, there has to be more of it than playing just the classic 80's alternative new wave and punk hits I grew up with in my youth.

Jefferson-Pilot also owns KSON AM (Radio Disney) and FM (Country), and KIFM (Smooth Jazz).

Looks like Premium 92.1's days are numbered. Look out 91X!

The station is being overseen by new PD Garett Michaels and Asst. PD/MD Michael Halloran; Halloran will also handle the afternoon-drive shift. Jacobs Media is consulting the station, which will focus on alternative music with an adult lean. KBZT is also using liners on the air that overtly target Clear Channel's large San Diego cluster: "Not one of those Clear Channel corporate rock stations - as if you couldn't tell," one of them reads.

San Diego once had two 80s stations, and now it has none

Posted by SuperRadioFan

Halloran is INDEED involved -- He's the PD I believe and his was on of the first voices introducing the new radio station. In addition to Elvis C and the Clash, they played Bob Marley, Boxcar Racer, and 311. With a much better signal than 92.1 (that ain't hard) they should do better. Since I can't stay in my car and listen here in Brea (I gotta work, too) and I can't pick them up on the "radio" in my office, I'll tape them tonight (I can receive them OK @ home) and listen at the office tomorrow. So Mike Halloran adds to his long list of radio stations resume -- 91X, KUPR 95-7, 92-5, Y-107, 1510 AM. 92-1, Cool 94-3, and now "FM 94-9. (Did I forget any?)

"FM949" positioning statement

      Logo says-

      FM949
      IT'S ABOUT THE MUSIC

      Positioning statement--

      FM949 is "Alternative for Adults"

      Reaches Generation X - 24-36 year-olds

      Audience is:
      > Older than 91X
      > More upscale than KIOZ
      > The male image of KFMB
      > Younger more contemporary lifestyle than KGB
        and the Planet

      Designed for those listeners who grew up with 
        91X but the station didn't grow up with them

      Music for 25-34's who can't handle today's 
         harder/rappier rock on 91X and KIOZ, but 
         feel that KFMB is too soft/pop female 
         oriented

      For people who feel pre-dated by Classic Rock

      Draws on rich heritage of this music in 
         San Diego

      In the left hand column of the first page are 
         album/CD covers of Dave Matthews Band, 
         RH Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, and 
         Stone Temple Pilots

I think they're missing the boat .... There are already enough rock stations in San Diego --- The ones they mentioned -- 91X (alternative) KGB (classic rock); The Planet (classic rock hits); KIOZ Rock 105.3 (active rock); KFMB [-FM Star 100.7](Hot AC more on the poppy side); and two they neglected to mention, maybe because of lower power and North San Diego County-based---- KFSD-FM "92-1" (Halloran's former employer) - (alternative) and KPRI-FM 102.1 (AAA).

Why didn't they try dance (although Halloran's involvement omits that as a possibility) or a harder more cutting edge version of AAA ??

Posted by tico:

Even though I like this new station (just found out about it 30 minutes ago), I do agree with you about all these rock stations. I liked B94.9 but I knew there days were numbered. I guess My 94-1 will pick up the slack now.

From Cody:

I've also heard that they're running a liner that says, "Not one of those Clear Channel corporate rock stations - as if you couldn't tell."

From http://radio-info.com/boards/ctc/:

From tico:

Mike Halloran is on right now. 94.9 going alternative was a complete surprise to me. I flipped to 94.9 a few mainutes ago and thought it was weird hearing a Coldplay song. I figured there would be a format change in a matter of time but not to alternative. Don't get me wrong, I like alternative but there's now seven rock stations of some fashion here and that's too many. I don't consider Premium Rock real competition since they're mostly a North County station, thus not having a full market signal. The real battle is with 91X.