Mock Radio Markets

[tonks8526]

I suggested a similar idea in the Ace Radio thread last year with what I termed “a radio version of aggregation”. However I only came up with 4 station formats to start with. I like what you’ve suggested to take it further!

@tonks8526

What about a radio version of aggregation in regional areas. Sole operators like Ace should then be forced by ACMA to affiliate with multiple metro networks to provide 3-4 different formats. Regional roll out of digital radio would facilitate this.

For example Ace could provide.
Ace Talk (3AW, AFL Nation and the odd local programming. Pretty much their current AM network)
Ace Mixx (Nova/Hit/KIIS style station with mix of programs from both, Pretty much their current FM network)
Ace Gold (Smooth/Gold FM style station with mix of programs from both)
Ace Rock (Triple M style station with the odd Triple M program like Homegrown, My Generation, Rush hour)

@Moe

3YB Music - “The hits you love” - part time simulcast of 3YB FM, opting out to continue playing music during the current networked talk programming.
South Coast Talk Radio - “The Coast’s News, Talk and Sport” - Primarily a 3AW simulcast, but taking any local talk shifts that ‘3YB Music’ opts out of.

I like the idea you have suggested of opt outs when it comes to simulcasting digital/analog content but I suspect regional broadcasters would be too lazy to do this.
Continuing with your 3YB example, if there was say a full time simulcast of 3YB on digital that still provides the current mix of music and talk programming. Listeners on digital would instead have to switch to Coast Rock, Coast Classic, Smooth or Koffee themselves if they wanted music when there was talk programming on the main 3YB.