Well the new ratings period has started.  Any bold predictions on how things will pan out this time around?  A few changes over at Newcap with Fuel and the potential move for California.  I think it will be interesting to see if Corus stays 1-2 with a morning show overhaul.

My bet is on CJAY doing well again. I always feel like I've never left the city when I hear Forbes, Red Dog or Reaper while driving in. Always consistant and always the first to adapt to changes in the market.

I'm going to wager that country 105 will go back on top, qr will see a slight slide, vibe will continue to plug away and CJAY will see another slight decline. Both newcap sticks will stay in the basement with 660 news. Jack and Lite will keep on an even keel.

The loss of Beezly might hurt JACK. Not digging the new guy. Or, is he just a fill in? I'm also curious to see what will happen to Light 96 without
Charlie Morgan.

Tim Shutz is the guy doing drive at JACK right now. Under normal circumstances, he's the music director, APD kinda dude. Top shelf guy by the way. I've know Tim since we worked at CKAL and CJIB in Vernon in the early 80's. Tim came in during the summer to do music, so I doubt he'll replace Beez. Just not enough hours in the day to his job, and drive. I must say it's strange not to have Beesley across the hall any more. I kind of got used to hearing the monitors blow through the halls at "10", and rumble the LITE control room walls.

Speaking of which........I've made the odd stop at 97.7 just to see if Rawlco's up and ticking yet. So far, nada. Hard to believe that only 10 years ago, we only had 5 FM's in Calgary.

Charlee will be in middays until February, when Christina Rowsell takes over. If there was any effect, it wouldn't be felt this book. Besides, Christina's a pro, like Chuck. I think the transition should be fairly seamless.

From my perspective, the juggernaut to the whole ratings situation in Calgary is country. Nobody, since KISS in '96 has taken a run at Country 105, and that was only a 25% country run. If California goes country, or Rawlco finds a way to turn roots/folk/accoustic into country, it could start a bit of a domino effect. 105's is solid as a rock, but if that consistent 10 or 11 share gets chopped by 2 or 3 points, then all hell could break loose. I've got a feeling that Calgary will always been an ever-changing market now. With CJAY, JACK, X, Fuel and the Q all chasing rock, something's gotta give.

I camp next door to one of the guys from Corus every weekend in the summer. Makes for some great BS'ing around the fire. Fun times.