drama, entertainment, hits, music, Philippines, radio, songs, talk show

Papa Jack’s Departure Could Test Love Radio’s Claim as the No. 1 Metro Manila FM Radio Station

It has been over two weeks since John Gemperle (a.k.a. Papa Jack) officially left 90.7 Love Radio.

After all, the popular DJ had been a fixture of the station for over a decade, hosting the long-running programs ‘TLC: True Love Conversations’ and ‘Wild Confessions’. And more recently, he was paired with Kara Karinyosa (real name Klariz Magboo) to form the equally popular ‘KarJack’ tandem.

Papa Jack’s brand of providing love advice to listeners has been comparable to fellow DJs Tom Alvarez of Monster RX 93.1 and Slick Rick, Tony Toni and Sam YG of Magic 89.9. As Love Radio is more well-known as a ‘masa’ station, Papa Jack’s style fits well with the station’s format, as he typically provides distinct and sometimes blunt responses to his callers.

On his last broadcast that was aired on December 16, 2016, Papa Jack did not cite a reason for his resignation. He did give one last advice to his followers on Facebook a few weeks later.

With Papa Jack being considered the face of Love Radio in the past decade (no offense to Chris Tsuper and Nicole Hyala), his departure could mark the beginning of the end for the station. However, as Love Radio once again claimed to be the No. 1 Metro Manila FM radio station for the 15th consecutive year, there seems to be no concern on their part.

Still, their so-called boast as the No. 1 station in the Metro was overly exaggerated. If Love Radio claims to be No. 1 in all of Metro Manila, where are the figures to prove it?

So far, no one has publicly issued a statement with regards to ratings on Metro Manila FM radio. As far as the more knowledgeable people are concerned, Love Radio is not No. 1 unless they issue an actual document that proves otherwise.

That said, without any proof, Love Radio has no right to name themselves No. 1 for the 15th year in a row. They must back it all up, otherwise listeners will tune out.

For now, 90.7 Love Radio can boast all they want being No. 1 and all. But without the face that runs this side of Pasay every night, how much longer can they hold on?

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hits, music, Philippines, radio, songs

Yes FM Rebrands, Targets Millennials

The similarities between MBC sister stations 90.7 Love Radio and 101.1 Yes FM have been well-documented.

Ever since the Manila Broadcasting Company converted Yes FM into a Hot AC (‘masa’) station in 1998, the competition between Yes and MBC’s older flagship station Love Radio became intense and at times cordial. Both stations were in the top two in the ratings, and they even boasted that so-called fact in various stingers.

Unfortunately, the similarity in format proved to be a hindrance for Yes FM. By playing virtually the same type of music and catering to the same audience as Love Radio, Yes was always in the shadow of its older counterpart, and thus, they were treated like a ‘puppet’ to MBC.

It was clear to MBC that Yes needed a facelift. So in July of this year, they decided to give Yes a new sound, rebranding the station as 101.1 Yes the Best.

While semblances of its old ‘masa’ self continue to exist, the new Yes the Best is now dominated by music that is typically heard in CHR stations, with some mix of OPM and other Asian pop music. The new format of Yes is also targeted toward millennials (i.e. those born in the 1980s to the early 2000s).

Yes the Best also had a talent exchange with older station Love Radio prior to the reformat. Erstwhile Love Radio DJs Shai Tisai and Raqi Terra were moved to Yes in exchange for Tanya Chinita and Kara Karinyosa, who were moved next door to Love Radio.

In all honesty, the new sound of Yes the Best makes sense. Though the new format may prove to be consequential to its ratings, distinguishing Yes from the older Love Radio may be the best decision that MBC made, which could also benefit the FM radio industry in general.

Let’s just hope that the new Yes the Best model can be sustainable for a long period of time. With a new generation of listeners now coming to their senses, Yes the Best should live up to their billing as ‘The Millennials’ Choice’.

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