That’s unless Wave takes the 2ST log, or even better, the Power100 log.
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Wave could get away with taking 2ST’s music log as 2ST does not have the overspill of Power fm into Wollongong, 91.7 2ST is even pretty average in Kiama. It would only be in Gerringong where both stations would be at similar strength. I cannot see it happening as all the shows on Wave skew younger then 2ST to compete with i98.
When Wave has skewed older in the past they have reverted back to sounding similar to i98.
i98 is a standalone station that can program it’s music specifically for the Wollongong market. Wave fm is a part of a network that has to follow the line of the network, and take their music logs and programming. This will always be the advantage of i98.
I98 will always win Wollongong unless they are purchased by SCA and become a generic Hit station.
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7HO now takes the same log as all the other Grant’s Hot AC stations.
Wave could also switch to the River/Bay log, which is a bit similar to what they carry now.
That is true. You could also say that i98 is like what Star 104.5 is on the Central Coast.
That could happen if Nine takes over WIN, which will also involve selling off C91.3, which would be purchased by either Grant, BOG or ACE.
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Very well said regarding i98. That will definitely be Wave’s biggest weakness.
The crew at i98 can flick formats literally overnight, whereas I highly doubt Grants would allow too many resources to go into Wave if need be.
Networking and cost structure always wins.
In saying that, in recent times Wave has tended to follow SCA’s Hit branding (with their colours and promo ideas), so I wouldn’t be surprised if the new Wave sounds like what 2Day does - even with logo colour tweaks. Their last logo change was clearly based on the then bubblegum coloured Hit logo, as at the time there were rumours of SCA purchasing i98 (and would’ve made it into a Hit station).
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No positioner mentioned in this recent Facebook post.
I wonder if it’s any hint to a new sound tomorrow?
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“Crammy”… Really?
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Looking at their playlist on their website this morning, Wave FM are still on the same log as 94.9 Power FM. I think the station’s new sound that has been described on the Radioinfo article is really just for changes to Breakfast & the new local Drive show, as @Ant5476 have said a few posts above.
So with that, i98 will continue to be the one station in the Illawarra where it maintains its independence, and continues to increase its following in the Shoalhaven region. Having said that though, at least Wave FM will now have a local Drive show again.
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Let down.
“A new sound” is simply one less brekkie announcer, I’d assume 3 down to 1 workday announcer, and a new drive show.
Maybe new ID’s & sweeps at least?
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I knew this would be the case Grant weren’t going to give Wave fm their own log to take on i98, so they have been hamstrung by the network. Really this Radioinfo article is BS.
I agree with @TV-Expert comments in the earlier post, i98 will continue to build audience in the Shoalhaven and Highlands with Power fm simply relaying the music of Wave fm. I98 could really milk this and start targeting these areas.
I expect Wave to possibly go up in next years one and only survey, but i98 will be clearly number 1. If Power fm is featured in next years survey their results will be dismal.
Wave can be received over a great part of the Power fm coverage area, the stations sounds more like a metro station, the music is the same. The only reason you would listen to Power fm is for local weather, surf and snow reports in Winter which is on Power fm.
Unless you like the local breakfast show on Power, there is no compelling reason to listen to them over Wave where both stations can be received. That is why Power fm needs to take the Power 100 active rock playlist.
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It is a real shame, they didn’t go for a 2ST playlist. There would be a lot of people who retire down there. Although I don’t listen to Ray, I think if he was relayed he would do well. In fact I would not complain if they called themselves 2WL again. 
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I just noticed on their website that i98FM now has “The Iconic Mix” at 6-8pm Saturdays, which is a 2 hour DJ set from “The Good Doctor”, covering current club hits, nu disco remixes and classic house party faves.
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i98 really needs to skew more CHR again.
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Only 6-8pm Sunday, needs to go longer 6-10pm at least. This is missing from Sydney radio on a Saturday night.
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One of the first commercial dance music shows out on radio for a while. (Not including The Hype).
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Wave FM are on the look out for a new Announcer/Operations Assistant, on the eve of the station being taken over by ARN sometime next month.
Also, according to the job ad, Barry Keohane has succeeded Dean “Deano” Kesby as the station’s new Content Director.
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Mark Matthews…97.3 ABC lllawarra … who’s a fan? I certainly am.
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What is his shift?
@shanosV8, what is that you like of his broadcasting?
Saturday mornings 6 to 10. I first heard him many years ago on holidays South Coast nsw. He is a wonderful smooth communicator … check him out when back on air in a couple of weeks. He is also a musician and teaches TAFE. I live far but get an excellent signal and never miss his dulcet tones.
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Judging by its playlist on Lava, it appears that i98FM are doing an ‘all 90s’ weekend this weekend, playing nothing but music from that decade between 9am & 3pm today.
Also, “The Iconic Mix” has appeared to have been dropped from the station line-up, as there’s no mention about it on their website.
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What was this show @TV-Expert ?