Urban AC
610 WSLC drops country WSLC-FM for Urban AC WVBE-FM
WSLC 610 stopped the country format it had for nearly 50 years…the last year and a half or so as a simulcast of country sister FM WSLC-FM 94.9 “94.9 Star Country”. It is now WVBE(AM), simulcasting sister FM WVBE-FM 100.1 in Lynchburg, VA, about 50 miles to the east. The clip, I believe, is useful for your collection because they did NOT just “flip the switch”…they gave a salute to WSLC/610’s long history in the format, and a “launch” into the new simulcast of the Lynchburg station. In addition, the jock on the air at the time noted the switch on both stations. Thanks to Mike Ward for the clip and the summary
105.5 WBNJ becomes Dance CHR WZBZ “B105.5 The Buzz”
In the Spring of 1998, 107.3 WZZP teased South Jersey with a Rhythmic CHR format. With no promotion or publicity, the brand new signal garnered a 2 share in its first ratings book. Seeing the hole for something between Urban AC WTTH and Adult leaning CHR WAYV, Margate Communications took a chance on something different. Pulling the plug on recently acquired satellite Modern Rocker WDOX, Margate moved the southern half of the Urban AC “Touch” simulcast from 105.5 to WDOX’s 93.1 slot. Rimshotting greater Atlantic City area from Cape May Court House, WZBZ debuted with a Dance CHR format designed to target WAYV, while still protecting WTTH. Within a year, WZBZ moved to 99.3 in Pleasantville, while retaining the 105.5 simulcast as WGBZ, giving the station full signal coverage ...
1310 KDIA Becomes Radio Disney
Previous Format: Urban AC KDIA New Format: Childrens “Radio Disney” KMKY Date & Time Of Change: December 15, 1997 at 12:00am More Info: Wikipedia
CHR KSLZ “Z107.7” launches after KMJM moves to 104.9
In early 1997, Emmis Broadcasting flipped longtime Saint Louis CHR WKBQ “Q104” to Modern AC as “Alice @ 104.1” leaving a gaping hole for Top 40 in the market. That year Jacor Communications acquired Religious formatted 104.9 WCBW in nearby Columbia, Illinois. With 104.9’s signal stronger in the areas that an Urban format would succeed in, the company moved “Majic 108” to the 104.9 signal as “Majic 105” and launched a new CHR on the 107.7 signal that had better coverage of the market as a whole. Jacor brought in Jeff Kapugi, then Program Director of flagship CHR “93.3 FLZ” in Tampa as Program Director and began simulcasting the “MJ & BJ” Morning Show from ‘FLZ as well. The sign-on of KSLZ has since beco...
Magic 95.7 Debuts
Previous Format: Country “New Country 95.7” KUPR (Was a stunt following end of AAA format in 11/1996) New Format: Urban AC “Magic 95.7” KMGC Date & Time Of Change: March 5, 1997 More Info: Wikipedia, San Diego Radio News
KSOL Becomes Wild 107.7
Previous Format: Urban AC KSOL New Format: Rhythmic CHR “Wild 107.7” KYLD Date & Time Of Change: February 12, 1992 More Info: Wikipedia Related Changes: 107.7 KSOL Signs Off
