Category: FM Radio

From the MCRFB NEWS archive: 1963

The David Lachenbruch Equipment Newsletter October 12, 1963

 

 

 

---

 

 

FM STEREO, during 1963, has become a nationwide medium – and a nationwide selling opportunity. There are now 250 North American FM stations broadcasting at least part of their schedules in stereo. (This includes 12 in Canada.)

In the U. S., FM stations are broadcasting in stereo in 42 of the 50 States, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. As of this writing, 48 of the top
50 markets (in terms of population) are served with clear, local multiplex stereo
signals – as well as many, many smaller markets. Many of the larger cities have a wide choice of FM stereo signals. In Chicago, for example, seven stations are broadcasting in stereo now, with the recent addition of WXRT -FM. Detroit has six. San Francisco and Seattle have five each.

We’ve been watching FM stereo closely in this column – and particularly its emergence as a nationwide medium – because we believe it provides the greatest home music instrument selling opportunity since the introduction of the stereo disk.

Now that perhaps more than 80 per cent of the nation’s population is within the range of FM stereo broadcasting, awareness of this new medium should increase rapidly. From the standpoint of the manufacturer, it’s now worthwhile to advertise FM stereo on a national basis. It’s no longer a regional market. Dealers, of course, can be in a position to capitalize on this promotion – even those in areas without FM stereo service now.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, we predicted that a million FM stereo receivers of various kinds would he sold this year. We believe this forecast is still valid; in fact, it may be somewhat on the low side as the result of introduction of large variety of new FM stereo receiving equipment.

The component high fidelity field often foreshadows trends in the packaged audio equipment market. Monophonic FM tuners in the component field have virtually been replaced by stereo tuners. In packaged goods, this trend will spread first to stereo phonographs. By the end of this year it’s a good bet that nearly all radio – phonograph combinations and radio – TV- stereo combinations, except for the low-end models, will have FM stereo.

But right now FM stereo is something you must sell up to in the console field – since many console phonographs are available in three flavors; that is, without radio, with AM-FM and with AM-FM- stereo.

In the portable and table model phonograph field, an increasing number of high-end units are appearing now with FM stereo, extending the versatility of compact stereo instruments. Presently GE, Magnovox, Fisher, Emerson, Pilot, Symphonic, Phonola and others are offering various types of compact stereo phonos with FM stereo.

The biggest growth this year has been in the field of AM-FM stereo table model radios. Nearly all domestic manufacturers, and many importers, now have FM stereo table models.

BUT FM STEREO IS NEW. It doesn’t sell itself. Many prospective customers haven’t even heard of it, or are only vaguely aware of what it is. Helping to create an awareness of this new medium is where real salesmanship comes in FM stereo can be both an impulse item and a step-up item. In the packaged equipment field it’s been largely a step -up so far. We have yet to see a store with a window streamer inviting the public to “Come in and Hear the New FM Stereo.” If color television can be successfully merchandised this way – and it is – why not FM stereo?

Like color television, FM stereo usually has to be demonstrated to be sold. This means a good outdoor antenna, and knowledge of which local stereo station puts out the best signal -and the most easily demonstrable programming – in your area.

It seems inconceivable that any prospective customer should enter a store in search of a stereo phono or FM radio without being treated to a demonstration of FM stereo -and yet, in our own experience, this seems to happen more often than not. Just one question by the salesman – “Have you heard the new FM stereo ? ” – is enough to arouse interest in this latest radio development.

Salesmen should be thoroughly indoctrinated on FM stereo – what it is and how it works. Several radio -phono manufacturers have good booklets that will introduce them to it and give them the proper answers. Electronic Industries Association (1721 De Sales St., N. W., Washington) has an excellent pamphlet on FM stereo which should be must reading for salesmen.

ONE OF THE BEST WAYS to promote the sale of FM stereo equipment is through a tie-in with one or more of the local stereocasting stations. Some stations are aggressive and go out of their way to contact dealers and try to help them sell receivers. Unfortunately many stations aren’t self -starters in this respect. But every FM stereo station wants to increase its stereo audience as rapidly as possible, and most of them will be anxious to help promote FM stereo.

In many cities one of the most persuasive arguments for buying a stereo receiver is the amount of programming available in stereo. Some stations will give you quantities of their program logs for free distribution – so that prospective customers can see what they’re missing by not having stereo. Others have complete promotion kits, with window streamers, leaflets, etc. Most new FM stereo stations will be willing to give you advice on the best type of antenna installation for your store -some will even send a technician around to look it over if you’re having trouble.

If you wait for people to walk in off the street and ask you about FM stereo, you’re not taking maximum advantage of this new entertainment medium. On the other hand, if your store becomes “FM Stereo Headquarters,” if every salesman is well informed about FM stereo and instructed to demonstrate it to every customer, if you are equipped to give a good demonstration, and to give sensible advice on installation – then FM stereo can be the most profitable part of your music equipment sales this fall and winter. END

 

 

___

(Information and news source: Billboard; October 12, 1963)

 

 

---

MCRFB Billboard News: 1965

Ascension of FM Radio Popularity Stokes Consumer Choice For 2 Band Radios, 1965

 

 

 

---

CHICAGO – Dealers have been reporting a revolution in radio sales that could see AM-only models go the route of 78 r.p.m. There is one exception to the trend: low-end AM portables in the $5-$10 range which serves as the vital link between the teenager and his rock ‘n’ roll radio station.

“Even in the moderate-cost table lines our customers want AM FM,” goes the typical dealer observation. The changing market is clearly reflected in factory sales figures just released by the Electronic Industries Association. And one need not go too much further in search of an explanation than the record of FM station growth during recent years (see chart below).

Sales Tripled

EIA figures show that sales of auto and home radios equipped to receive FM have more than tripled since 1960. An increase of 40 per cent above 1964 is expected before the end of next year. In 1960 – the year FM really started to catch hold – one FM receiver was sold for every nine radios purchased. Last year one of every four radios sold could receive FM. By 1966, EIA expects the ratio to increase to one of three.

AM-only sales have hovered between 16 and 20 million since 1960. Some 20 million of these sets are expected to move this year. Of the domestic-brand FM sets sold, the EIA has found that some 40 per cent are incorporated in phonographs, 25 per cent are table models and the remainder are portable or combined with clocks and TV sets.

Portables Lead

Portables have registered the highest rate of FM sales increase. Radio Advertising Bureau statistics indicate that 23 million FM sets were included in the 151 million reported in home use today. This share is expected to rise to 30 million of 161 million this year and 38 million of 170 million in 1966.

The increase in FM model sales has remained in step with FM broadcasting growth. While set sales have tripled since 1960, station number has increased from 821 in 1960 to 1,205 in 1964.

 

___

(Information and news source: Billboard; October 9, 1965)

 

---

 

---

From the MCRFB NEWS archive: 1965

FM Radio Programming Drawing More Listeners’ Appeal In Most Major Markets

 

 

---

 

NEW YORK — The ability of radio stations to influence the sale of records is undergoing at present many changes. One of the most interesting facets is that FM stations are growing stronger — literally an explosive growth — in their ability to influence the sales of records, according the the latest Radio Response Ratings’ completed second cycle. They’ve long been strong in the merchandising of classical records and, to some extent, jazz, but now — as the use of FM receiver increases, the medium is also showing power in influencing the sale of rhythm and blues, popular music, and country music product.

As of June 1965, there were a total of 1,293 radio stations on the air, 41 more will soon go on the air (most of which may be currently broadcasting) and 207 had received Federal Communications Commission authorization and were under construction. These figures of the National Association of FM Broadcasters, Washington, indicates the fantastic increase in potential for exposing records over FM stations. As comparison, the NAFMB reports there were 1,191 FM stations as of January, 1965; 850 of these were owned by AM-licensed stations.

The recent order of the FCC requiring separate programming of a majority of the combination AM-FM stations — the deadline has been moved back to December 31 — should only do more to strengthening the effectiveness in FM exposure of records.

Billboard’s new Radio Response Ratings questionnaire now being mailed market-by-market to all major stations in 40 markets has been expanded to provide detailed FM data.

The Detroit market serves as a good example of the growth of FM radio. WGPR-FM, while ranking third in the influencing of R&B product, did account for 7 per cent of the total points in a July 17 Radio Response Rating survey — and this is against long-established AM stations. One reason for the success of the station, according to station manager Floyd M. Jones, is that some 87 per cent of the Negro population of Detroit has FM radios. In the country field, WBBM-FM accounted for 14 per cent of the total points against an AM station.

In Buffalo, station WBLK-FM is showing up strong in the influencing of R&B record sales — 33 per cent of the total votes.

WBLK-FM is also doing great runs with country music; the station is ranked third out of four stations that placed in the survey (all others were AM) and earned about 13 per cent of the votes.

Fort Worth, KXOL-FM ranked No. 2 in a field of several AM stations in influencing the sale of popular albums. The station scored 19 per cent of the votes. Both KODA-FM and KQUE-FM have a lot of strength in the popular LP field in Houston. In Miami, WEDR -FM controls 100 per cent of the sales of country music records, according to a Radio Response Rating survey of April 17, 1965.

A radio station in Oklahoma City, KFNB-FM, which also controls 10 per cent of the classical record sales, according to a recent Billboard survey, ranks fourth in influencing popular LP’s, achieving 16 per cent of the votes. KFOG-FM and KPEN-FM in San Francisco do fairly well in exposing popular LP’s; better, in fact, than another AM station there, although the main power lies in the reins of KSFO-Radio, an AM station.

In other markets not covered by the Billboard survey, FM stations are also doing rather well. For example, KAZZ-FM in Austin, Tex., programs many kinds of music to suit many tastes, including Top 40 records, folk, country, Latin American music, Broadway show cast albums, and jazz.

Rim Kelley, who programs KAZZ-FM’s Top 40 material recently told Billboard, “We have found that the Austin market is ready for FM Top 40. It’s fantastic the way our audience catches on. We have adults, even listeners in the 50-year-old bracket, who stay right with us through the Top 40 program. In fact, we get telephone requests from them now and then asking for a special number.”

KKOP-FM, Redondo Beach, Calif., also is programming out of the ordinary classical -jazz routine. Jack Paar, station manager, reported the station now plays a pop -jazz format. KMBC-FM, Kansas City, Mo., relies on a bright good music format, according to station director Chris J. Stolfa. Of course, FM stations are a mainstay in exposing classical and jazz records. Also, folk music records to some extent.

In Philadelphia, WPBS-FM recently pulled in 32,382 pieces of mail in a contest promotion. John McCall, production supervisor at the FM outlet, said, “Too often FM programming is not considered radio, but we at WPBS-FM challenge that concept. We advance radio. . . a new kind of radio, utilizing the best values of both AM and FM, providing the listener, the consumer, with entertainment, information, education, and sales messages in palatable amounts. “There’s a new breed of radio stations a growing, and WPBS is ahead of the pack.”

Team Effort Effective

One of the other major trends that seems to be growing is that the team disk jockey effort is proving highly effective in influencing record sales. A key part of the duo deejay effect with the audience -the element that gives them appeal -is often based upon comedy.

Sitting in the morning slot 6 -10 a.m. each day at WKYC-Radio, Cleveland, is the team of Harry Martin and Specs Howard. Publicity director Meirle Levin said the duo held a tremendous audience in the area because “they’re funny.” The team had been No. I in their category on Pulse survey for about two years, Levin said. Martin and Howard’s comedy routines include “The Drakeulas,” “Sponsor Place,” and “Congo Curt.” But, interspersed with the comedy skits, they play records. Although Joe Mayer of WHK-Radio gave them a close race, the team effort paid off with the No. 1 position in influencing popular single records in the morning spot.

Tim Nolan and Bob Byron of KPRC, Houston, also utilize humor and they ranked No. 1 in exposing and influencing the sale of popular LP’s there in a Billboard survey dated March 21, 1964. One of the farces that has made the team popular with their listeners was, for instance, a “More Snowplows” campaign. Every day – and there are not many – that the temperature drops below 60 degrees in Houston, they urge all listeners to picket City Hall for more snowplows. It snows about as often in Houston as it rains in the Sahara.

Gene Klavan and Dee Finch, of WNEW -Radio, are No. 1 in influencing the sale ofpopular LP’s in New York in the morning. Other duo deejay teams include Tommy Charles and Doug Layton of WAQY-Radio, Birmingham, Ala., who
ranked fourth in influencing the sale of popular singles in that area; Charlie Brown and Irving Harrigan of KLIF -Radio in Dallas, who not only topped the
list in influencing the sale of popular singles in the morning slot, but for the entire day and all popular single deejays, including other deejays on the KLIF-Radio staff who took second (Ken Dowe) and third (Jim Rabbit).

Then, down in New Orleans, Roy Roberts and Jeff Hugg of WSMB-Radio ranked No. 1 in influencing the sale of popular LP’s, a position also held by the station at Billboard’s May 8, 1965 survey.

Other data that will be included in the third cycle of Billboard’s survey includes how new records are selected, how many new records are played each week, including the selected station’s playlist information as well. END

___

(Information and news source: Billboard; August 7, 1965)

---

---

From the MCRFB NEWS archive: 1963 

One Million Stereo FM Receivers Will Be Sold, 1963 

 

 

 

---

 

NEW YORK — FM STEREO’S HOTTEST MARKETS. One million stereo receivers will be sold this year. Not bad for for a medium which celebrated it’s second birthday this month.

About 730,000 of the anticipated 1.4 million American-made radio-phonographs will be equipped for FM stereo reception; another 130,000 of 280,000 TV-radio-phonograph combinations will have it. Add at least another 100,000 for table-model FM stereo radios and FM-stereo equipped imports of various types, plus another 50,000 or so component tuners, and you have well over a million sets going to the public this year.  (The radio-phono and TV-radio-phono estimates were made by the Electronics Industries Association; other estimates tabulated by Billboard).

FM stereo is a valuable adjunct to a phonograph. It vastly increases the consumer’s enjoyment — and the dealer’s profits. It can be sold easily with a good demonstration. The same is true of FM stereo table radio.

THERE ARE NOW 228 FM stereo stations in the U.S., and about 10 in Canada. FM stereo can truly be called a nationwide medium today. The American stations are located in 209 cities in 44 States plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. FM stereo signals can be received in every one of the top 50 U. S. metropolitan market areas — and in many, many less populated areas.

FM stereo is far hotter in some areas than others, of course. In these “hot” areas, every radio-phono sold should contain FM stereo. FM listeners are subject to a constant barrage of FM-stereo talk on their favorite stations, and this talk can be converted to sales with a little effort.

These are FM stereo’s hottest cities (not necessarily in order): Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Houston, Seattle. Each one of these cities has at least 5 FM stations broadcasting in stereo. Detroit has six. Los Angeles and Seattle will soon add their sixth. San Francisco, long reputed to be the hottest FM-stereo town of all, probably deserves this reputation. With five stations already broadcasting in stereo, three more have purchased stereocasting equipment and presumably will soon begin stereo, to make San Francisco the nation’s first eight-stereo-station city.

The second-hottest group of stereo cities (in order of number of stereocasting stations) consists of San Diego, Miami (with a fifth station due to begin soon), Boston, Dallas-Ft. Worth also expecting No. 5 on the air soon). Each of these cities currently has four FM stereo program sources.

Three-stereo-stations areas are Washington; Minneapolis-St. Paul; Cleveland; Eugene-Springfield, Oregon; Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

There are at least 18 cities where listeners have a choice of two FM stereo stations. Geographically, they’re scattered from border-to-border and coast-to-coast. They are Phoenix, Birmingham, Fresno and Sacramento, California; Atlanta; Honolulu; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Grand Rapids, Michigan; New York; St. Louis; Greensboro, North Carolina; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Portland, Oregon; Pittsburg, Providence, Norfolk, Nashville.

There’s no particular pattern of geographic location or city size in the spread of FM stereo. In many cases, a good, well-operated FM stereo station (such as San Francisco’s KPEN) will build an audience and inspire its competitors to “go stereo.”

NEW YORK, YOU WILL NOTE, is rather far down on the list. The city has never been a trail-blazing town in home entertainment. New York’s FM stereo boom may come soon, however, as at least three more stations are preparing to start stereocasting. For serious music lovers, who are now served with some stereo by WQXR-FM, there will be New York’s municipal station WNYC-FM, which hopes to eventually stereocast all of its live concert broadcasts, and ABC’s WABC-FM, which will program separately from its AM affiliate, presumably serious music. For those who prefer lighter music, the popular WPAT-FM will supplement WTFM. now programming stereo 24 hours daily.

NEXT STEREO CITIES. Between 50 and 75 more FM stations will begin stereocasting between now and the end of 1963. These are expected to open up more new markets for stereo equipment sales.

Among the upcoming new FM stereo market areas where stations are now equipping themselves to start stereo broadcasting: Mobile, Alabama; Tucson, Arizona; Boulder, Colorado; Columbus, Georgia; Boise, Idaho; Champaign, Illinois; Louisville; St. Joseph, Missouri; Los Alamos, New Mexico; Dover, Springfield, and Toledo, Ohio; Warren and York, Pennsylvania; Seneca, South Carolina; Greenville, Johnson City and Lebanon, Tennessee; Lubbock and Midland, Texas; Bellingham, Washington; Eau Claire, Green Bay and Wausau, Wisconsin; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Aguadilla and Isabele, Puerto Rico.

If your business is located in or near any of these cities, its not too early to prepare for the advent of FM stereo. Your customers should be told that FM stereo is coming, and advised to be ready for it. You should be ready for it, too., with an  adequate supply of FM-stereo-equipped instruments., and armed with knowledge of what it’s all about. END

___

(Information and news source: Billboard; June 29, 1963)

---

---

---

From the MCRFB NEWS archive: 1966

RADIOS FM SALES BOOMING THANKS TO SIMULCAST FM STEREO PUSH

 

 

---

 

NEW YORK — Sales of FM stereo, already enjoying a healthy spurt, are expected to increase substantially, due in part to the Federal Communications Commission ruling affecting AM-FM simulcasting, according to William B. Keepin, manager of Norelco radio department at North American Philips Company, Inc., in New York.

The FCC has decreed that AM-FM stations in cities of more than 100,000 in population cannot simulcast in more than 50 per cent of the time as of January 1, 1967. It is felt this will result in greater programming variety. Keepin predicts 1967 sales will jump to near the 12 million mark. An estimated 34 million FM receivers are now being used in this country and the Norelco executive expects this figure to double in a few years.

“There are now more than 1,500 FM stations, representing more than 27 per cent of all radio stations,” said Keepin. “This marks a 70 per cent increase over the number in operation five years ago.”

Static-free reception, ability to reproduce the full range of audible sound and the increase of stereophonic (multiplex) programming are other factors cited in the growth of FM radio, according to Keepin.

EIA Sales Figures

Keepin estimates and enthusiasm for FM’s future is substantiated to some degree by figures recently released by the Electronic Industry Association. Cumulative distributor figures to date for 1966 now shoe FM radios at 2,593,358 or 37.0 per cent over the comparable figure of 1,892,324 last year. FM sales of 428,876 in September were 28.1 per cent over last September’s figures.

Other increases in radio distributor September sales were registered in home radios, a category including table, portable and clock sets, where the increase was 21.5 per cent over last September’s figures. Auto radios rose to 35.5 per cent for September but for the year the cumulative figure showed a 7.8 decline.

Console phonographs show a 15.6 increase in cumulative figures for 1966, while portable models, up 10.1 in September, remained even with last year’s cumulative figures: 2,354,844 to 2,387,478. Total 1966 phonograph sales are up 3.9 per cent cumulatively, according to September’s numbers for the year. END

___

(Information and news source: Billboard; December 17, 1966)

---

---