Why Did KRNA Radio Change Its Format?

The question everyone is asking really has a "more-than-one-may-apply" answer.

Imagine you've discovered a wonderful little restaurant, a diner in Cedar Rapids. Delicious food, terrific service, but it has some drawbacks. It's small, there may not be much parking, maybe it's in a "bad part of town".

Surely the advantages outweigh the negatives...for you at least. Perhaps you told your friends about it, you even called it "the best kept secret in town".

But one day you drive by and see that it is closed, boarded up. A poorly lettered "OUt of BusiNess" sign is the only communication given. You are disappointed, maybe even a little angry. Definitely sad.

You ponder a moment, recalling the menu, the staff, perhaps trying to remember the last time you stopped in there to eat. And then it hits you. It wasn't just a diner, or another restaurant. It was someone's dream. Another's daily grind. But to another, it was more than just a paycheck, it was their "first" job.

If it's too difficult for you to put aside your own woe over the out-of-business diner, can you stop and consider how the owner or even that first-time employee feels? He or she has lost more than just their livelihood. They said goodbye to employees, to devoted staff members who frequently pitched in to help out, especially toward the end. Some may even have been working extra hours for free, doing whatever they could to keep the doors open. But sadly it wasn't enough.

Then a few weeks later, another restaurant opens up in the same location as your once-old-favorite diner. As if you needed another one of those in town. Well, er...actually it IS nice to have one on YOUR side of town, or even just a little closer to home. Anyway, it's already a pretty busy location. Who knows, it may even become a successful location.

That scenario actually happens.  It happens every day in the U.S.

And nearly every day in the U.S. a radio station changes format, trying to do whatever it takes to find the right formula that will attract more listeners, more fans, more customers.

Alternative fans, you have every reason on earth to be mad. Your favorite station was changed, the format "closed for business". You've been dumped, jilted, given the hook.

It's certainly not your fault. You can blame anyone or anything you want. Low ratings (true), corporate greed (debatable), poor programming decisions (subjective). You can point the finger anywhere you want. It won't bring it back.

What a format change will do is hopefully keep dozens of people employed. Neighbors, friends, maybe even a family member. We know it's not just a radio station to you -- It's more. We feel the same way.

The people who work here are listeners too. We count. We deserve the chance to work at a successful radio station, one that can attract fans, make budget, and pay it's staff. One that keeps people employed and keeps the lights on. One that can provide its advertisers with the largest audience possible.

To my fellow co-workers past and present, and to those listeners who have shared their sadness over the format change with dignity, class and style: I thank you. I appreciate you.

Mike Ferris

KRNA Operations Manager