WNEM-FM/WGER/WIOG has always been at a disadvantage signal wise in Flint compared to WGMZ/WCRZ. We're talking a good 20 dB disadvantage over many areas in central Genesee County. Despite the loss of population in Flint, the population of Genesee County as a whole (about 425,000) is about 50,000 more than it was at Flint's 1960 population peak of slightly less than 200,000. That 425,000 is mainly in the southern half of the county, further from WIOG, and terrain shielded from Detroit stations. All four solid local signals should be 1-2-3-4 in the ratings. No good excuse for less.
WNEM-FM/WGER 102.5 did fairly well, usually about the second or third overall FM station, but usually trailed WTAC, WFDF, WTRX, WKMF, and even WJR on the AM dial. Consider that until the late 1970s, there were only two commercial FMs serving Flint with a City Grade signal. Hence out of town stations did better than would be expected. When 102.5 has done really well, it has usually been due to the lack of a particular format locally at 70 dBu plus, or a badly done format locally. There has been no good excuse, just bad programming or niche programming, on 105.5 that would explain bad ratings.
WGMZ had a Hot AC/Soft Top 40/Chicken Rock format in the late 1960s, but quickly returned to Beautiful Music in 1970 when Long Island's Beck Ross Group bought the station.
In the 1960s, Jim Rockwell had a late night Jazz Show, and by the early 1970s, Cleodia Myles had a late night Urban Jazz Show on WGMZ.
WGMZ was Beautiful Music consistently from 1970 to 1984 when it became WCRZ.
