 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 Gaylord Stays With Country Format at WSM-AM The news in late December that Gaylord Entertainment was considering options for change at their three radio stations, including syndicating the Grand Ole Opry and possibly modifying formats at WWTN-FM, WSM-FM and WSM-AM, elicited widespread concern and protest from bluegrass and country music fans. "I've been in radio for 22 years, and I've never seen anything like the response we've gotten," said Kyle Cantrell, Operations Manager at WSM-AM. According to Colin Reed, CEO at Gaylord, the company was exploring ways to expand the Opry brand and radio audience. One of the options on the table for WSM-AM was to convert it to a sports/talk format and franchise the Opry to FM stations. WSM-AM was the least profitable of Gaylord's three stations last year, with a $1.5 million reported loss. A peaceful protest led by IBMA member, Mike Armistead, drew between 100-200 bluegrass and traditional country music fans and industry reps to Gaylord's office in Nashville on the 8th of January. Numerous calls, letters and email messages were sent to Gaylord officials, protesting the proposed change for WSM-AM, which currently programs classic country music and bluegrass along with current hits and the live Opry Show. One internet petition collected more than 6000 signatures and messages. At a press conference January 14 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Reed announced his decision to continue with a country format, and to keep the Opry on the station. In an emailed response to those who had contacted Gaylord, Reed said, "As we considered ways to expand the reach of the Opry and improve WSM-AM, I can tell you the passion we felt from loyal fans the world over played a part in our decision making process. Even though WSM-AM's ratings do not reflect it, we knew there was a large, loyal and passionate audience out there for country music. Simply said, we believe the Opry and WSM-AM are both gems that just need polishing." When asked if the response from bluegrass and traditional country fans had an impact on Gaylord's decision to stay with a country format at WSM-AM, Cantrell said, "I think most definitely. One of the things Colin Reed has told us, is that one of his core values is customer service." Beth Tallent, Director of Communications at Gaylord Entertainment, clarified that the perceived decision to change WSM-AM to an all talk/sports format "was a rumor. It was only one of the options being considered. Mr. Reed's announcement ruled out some of the options being considered," but the company still plans to "find ways to make the stations more successful, within the guidelines of country music." Regarding the unprecedented response, Tallent says, "We knew the stations were popular, but the ratings did not show that." In fact, the ratings showed a falling number of listeners over a period of years, "which is consistent with AM radio stations across the country that feature music." However, "the ratings don't always indicate the true audience." Cantrell agrees, stating that the true value of WSM-AM and the Grand Ole Opry lies somewhat beyond the number of documented listeners. "I'm not sure that all of the people who complained about the possibility of a format change are regular listeners to the station," he said. "They are people who appreciate WSM-AM for its historical ties,or they attend the Opry, but they buy into what we do. I can appreciate the Washington Monument, even if I don't ride up the elevator.... The Washington Monument is a symbol of our country, and I think WSM-AM, is too." Back to Top |
|
About IBMA • Events & Programs • IBMA Awards • About Bluegrass Member Services • IBMA Store • Contact Us • Home Page info@ibma.org © 2003 International Bluegrass Music Association 2 Music Circle South, Suite 100 • Nashville, TN 37203 USA Ph: 615-256-3222 • Fx: 615-256-0450 Toll Free: 1-888-438-4262 WebSite Design By / Programming By: Atiba.com ... |