The Memorial Day weekend flips started early, with Waterloo Media launching rhythmic CHR “102.7 The Vibe” on Thursday (May 27). The new “Vibe” broadcast on the Austin-licensed translator K274AX at 102.7 with programming originating on KLZT-HD2.
Meanwhile, Cumulus Media converted “98.3 The Vibe” KWQW Des Moines from classic hip-hop to CHR sliding into a direct format battle with iHeartMedia CHR “107.5 Kiss FM” KKDM and Saga Communications “Hits 99.9,” which airs on the Des Moines-licensed translator K260AM at 99.9 with programming originating from KIOA-HD2. VP/Market Manager Jack Taddeo said market research showed “a need for a Contemporary Hit Radio station that delivers continuous music and is focused on, and customized for, Des Moines.”
Townsquare Media debuted classic rock “100.9 The Eagle” KRRY Canton, MO with a 500-song countdown. The former AC station flipped at 3pm on Thursday, May 27 and kicked off its countdown on Friday.
In Harrisburg, PA, iHeartMedia flipped “Alt 99.3” WHKF to hip-hop/R&B as “Real 99.”
Branded as “Central PA’s Hip Hop and R&B,” core artists include Drake, J Cole, DaBaby and Meek Mill. The on-air lineup includes Big Sue (10am-3pm), Papa Keith (3-7pm), T-Roy (7pm-midnight) and Chuck Drizzle (midnight-6am) with a morning show announcement teased for 9am June 4.
Jam Media Solutions news/talk WZPR Nags Head, NC (92.3) flipped to Z92.3” as “The Rock of the Outer Banks.” It had been classic rock until July 2020. The launch capped four days of stunting. Last Monday the station played Elvis Presley all day, followed by a day of Frank Sinatra on Tuesday and The Beatles Wednesday. The station says it will focus on rock hits from 1975 to 2015 and names Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, AC/DC, Metallica, Motley Crew, Def Leppard, Black Sabbath, Journey, Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin and Green Day as core artists.
Bible Broadcasting Network placed its network programming on KYFV Albuquerque (107.1), the former KNKT, which the company purchased from Calvary Albuquerque. The previous contemporary Christian format that was on KNKT is placed on Calvary Albuquerque’s KLYT as “88.3 The Light.”
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