In a matter of two weeks, country music went from not having a FM radio station in Los Angeles and the northern Bay Area to suddenly having one in each.
The latter happened recently went 95.7 changed formats from classic rock to hot country. Known as 95.7 The Wolf, the new station is proud to be playing "the Bay Area's freshest country."
Couple this with the new Los Angeles country station, KMZT-FM (105.1), and suddenly only New York City radio is left without the country format.
So why now? What has happened that two stations were quick to pick up the format no one would touch in the major California markets? One could only speculate, but here are some possibilities:
- The success of satellite radio - there really is never a complete absense of format with the continuing rise of XM or Sirius satellite services. Perhaps, the radio industry is trying not to give customers a reason to get the service.
- Country Music is hot again - Rascall Flatts, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, these artists are appealing to a wide range of people. (thank you American idol)
- Success of past stations - San Franscisco has had a good track record of country stations carving out a niche. For years KSAN and KYCY was a staple in the Bay Area. In Los Angeles, KZLA never was a huge ratings success, but the amount of outcry when the station was pulled off the air no doubt raised eyebrows.
Whatever the reason, it's good for everyone, not can someone wake up the New York radio executives and get them on board?
For more quick country tidbits - check out http://www.nashville95.com/
