By SCOTT FYBUSH
The new year’s first week has heated up with two prominent format changes in Boston and Philadelphia.
In Boston, Entercom had already made it clear that it would be flipping WKAF (97.7 Brockton) away from its simulcast of rock WAAF (107.3 Westborough) – and that’s happening at 11 this morning, as WKAF goes to R&B as “The New 97.7,” launching with 10,000 commercial-free songs.
The move preempts Beasley’s impending launch of a new 106.1 translator fed by WRCA (1330 Watertown), which had been widely rumored to be launching with R&B. What will go on that signal? More on that in Monday’s NERW…
The bigger surprise, however, comes from CBS Radio in Philadelphia, which abruptly pulled the plug on top-40 “AMP” at WZMP (96.5) this morning, ceding that competition to iHeart’s WIOQ (102.1). Instead, CBS is going after Jerry Lee Broadcasting’s top-rated WBEB (101.1), flipping to AC as “Today’s 96.5.”
More on that, too, in our next full issue.
In this week’s double issue… Audacy, SXM join forces - Bell swaps Kitchener signals - Ford to DC, Baltimore - ESPN cuts hit NYC's 880 - Philly hall of famers named - Tynan out at WPVI
In this week’s issue… Bills extend new radio network - New leader at NYSBA - RI morning team plans retirement - WSUC alumni gather - Cuts at Corus in Canada
In this week’s issue… After Kitchener and Halifax, what will Rogers eliminate next? - Family Life makes a bigger PA buy - Saga vs. LPFM - More NY AMs fade away
In this week’s issue… iHeart cuts leave some small markets vacant - Townsquare makes more NJ moves - Format shuffles in the Connecticut River Valley - Veteran meteorologists retire - Toronto AM seeks FM voice
