Hearne: Alice 102.1 FM Pulls a Fast One on Listeners, Advertisers

alice 102.1 FMDeny, deny, deny…

That’s a strategy some folks employ for almost any situation – any prickly situation – that they don’t want to admit to or have to deal with.

And face it, when it comes to pending music format changes, not may radio stations like to come clean until they’re darn good and ready. No sense giving their employees advance notice so they can find another job (and possibly leave the station in the lurch for a few days or weeks).

Nope, it’s far easier to plot one’s course, then spring the new listening format on everybody after the proverbial t’s are crossed and i’s dotted.

So when Jack Poessiger speculated here quite recently that changes may be in the works at Alice FM – the AAA station at 102.1 on the FM dial – he took some grief from Alice stationalities who scolded, while assuring that nothing of the sort was in the works.

Nope, the Kansas City Adult Album Alternative station was doing just fine and was ready to steam into the bright future of kicking public television station KCPT’s Warrenburg AAA import, The Bridge 90.9 FM’s butt.

Just one problem…

A funny thing happened Friday when a mysterious-looking Facebook page showed up for a KC 102.1 atop the catchphrase “More Music, Variety & Fun

image001Could it be the rumors were true?

“They actually put their Facebook page up before officially launching or telling any clients,” says a radio insider. “Not too smart. The word ‘fun’ in a positioner usually means a gold based AC  format.”

So iooks like either Alice may either be “stunting” or some intern effed up and let the cat out of the bag on Facebook…for a few. Because the KC 102.1 Facebook page is now down as we collectively hold our breath in anticipation of a possible announcement.

Not familiar with the Gold Based AC Format?

Basically, it’s an adult contemporary format – take note Star 102 mourners – that plays “Classic Hits” or “Adult Hits.” You know, classic hits by contemporary stars.

In essence, “oldies” – but perish the thought they be called that.

Another take on “Gold” AC stations:

“A station which plays music from the late 60’s through the early 80’s. Most gold AC stations were once Oldies stations that transitioned to this hybrid Oldies/Adult Contemporary format.”

Gold stations reportedly tend to average a 4 share in the broadest demographic of  listeners 6 and older, or about double what Alice has been taking down.

You know, so we’ll see, right?

Stay tuned…

http://www.mb-kc.com/
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7 Responses to Hearne: Alice 102.1 FM Pulls a Fast One on Listeners, Advertisers

  1. mike t. says:

    well damn. kinda liked 102. don’t get the bridge well in my car and don’t subscribe to satellite in the car either – though I do have it at home.

    I still miss the Planet. oh well, I’m in no one’s target demo anymore….

  2. jack p. says:

    I’ll stand by my speculation story of last week!

  3. Andrew says:

    I guess I’m the only one missing the oldies stations of my youth, which played ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s music. I hate hearing hits from the ’80s on the oldies — or whatever they’re called now — stations….makes me feel old.

  4. Mike says:

    I hope that its a Gold/Oldies format playing Music of Your Life or atleast better 1960’s Selections Herb Alpert, Roy Orbison, Peter Paul and Mary, Nancy Sinatra, Bobby Goldsboro, Bobby Vinton, Tom Jones kinda stuff!! THATS WHAT KC NEEDS NOW!

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  6. Lisa Elpers says:

    I am so sad. Alice 102.1 was my favorite station.

  7. Jo Hinz says:

    I’m almost 60 but I loved alice for letting me listen to the new bands as well as oldies, just all good music together. Where do I go for new and old now?

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