So its been couple of weeks, and in the case of X, a couple of months.

What does everybody think of Energy, Fuel and X, now that they're up and running?

I can't be bothered to reprogram my car radio.  It stays with The Vibe, Lite 96, Jack, Country 105 and Q107.

The reception is a bit spotty here in most areas of eastern Canada but I'd say that if i was around there I'd probably be a regular listener of Fuel.  I've listened online a bit and it's quite a good selection of music.

Count me in as a fan of the music on Fuel.

However, the cynic (realist?) in me doesn't think it will work. AAAish stations have a hard enough time in markets where it would theoretically work well. But Calgary? Yeah, more cosmopolitan every year...jut not there yet.

I think the music on Energy, however, is just about perfect. Jack has been getting away with being the market's default Hot AC, and Energy is playing enough of their best music to make them seem stale and pointless. And with Rob Mise's attention getting skills, that station could be a success in its first book.

X sounds good and the ratings were encouraging, but it's going to be a heck of a challenge to make that audience profitable. Are they LSAing with anyone else?

I think the afternoon/evening announcers at X are terrible.  If there's no music, I tune out.
I'm female and the playlist at Energy leaves much to be desired.  VIBE keeps my attention longer.

They all sound like plastic prizes that fell out of the same box of Rice Crispies (vitamins, riboflavin, niacinamide and some artificial colours added).

Now, there are 4 more bodies farting in the same bathtub. Less room, more bubbles - stronger odiferous emanations.

Energy won me over with "Let's do the time warp again".  

Quoted from pave

They all sound like plastic prizes that fell out of the same box of Rice Crispies (vitamins, riboflavin, niacinamide and some artificial colours added).

Now, there are 4 more bodies farting in the same bathtub. Less room, more bubbles - stronger odiferous emanations.

Do you ever say anything positive?  Oh what am I doing... I forgot, his soapbox is far to high for him to hear me.

Excellent observation, Pave and well said.

I find your contributions to be interesting.

However, in this case, I think this is what you meant to say....

"I'm POSITIVE They all sound like plastic prizes that fell out of the same box of Rice Crispies (vitamins, riboflavin, niacinamide and some artificial colours added).

Now, there are 4 more bodies farting in the same bathtub. Less room, more bubbles - stronger odiferous emanations"

I'll back it up even a bit more with: For the most part, I'm pretty certain they sound like.....

I'm also sure somebody likes 'em.

I'm with Chunky. Pave's remarks are as predictable as he claims radio itself to be.

Actually Pave has forgotten more than most media people even 'know' when it comes to radio...I'm with Imnotsirius.  

My thoughts so far...

I enjoy listening to X but, then again, that's my style of music.  Morning show is a little dull but it takes a while to build chemistry so the jury is still out.  Their balancing act of support for independant Calgary bands while still playing the big hits from the major label artists will pay dividends in credibility.  If Sonic can do it in Edmonton, X can do it in Calgary.

Energy is a solid station...CHUM has made their sister station one of the tops in the ultra-competative Toronto market so if anyone can push the Hot AC format to the top of the pile in Calgary, it's this company.  Music mix is bang-on and production is slick.  Freeway and Meg need to develop chemistry but they're both pros so I'm sure it'll happen.  Of the three stations, these guys are my pick to be the most successful.

I'm not as impressed with Fuel.  Music is too unfamiliar, which I suppose is the hallmark of AAA but, my God, play a HIT SONG every once in a while!  And maybe a female artist here and there.  And what's with all the oldies?  AAA is supposed to be hip, fairly relaxed, on the cutting-edge of new music trends...Fuel so far has missed the mark on all these counts.  I really think the AAA format is fantastic and it makes me sad to see Fuel not doing it properly.

I was kind shocked by this Pave's comments because I thought I had figured out who he is and was under the impression he still relied on the local Calgary market to earn a portion of his living.  

Obviously I was thinking of someone else.

Whether or not Pave is a negative Nancy should only bother those of you who waver in your own convictions.