Major Memphis Market Movement
• Lots of motion in the Memphis market of late, starting with last month’s news that Audacy had agreed to sell Country WLFP (94.1 The Wolf) to EMF and eventually migrate The Wolf’s format up to 99.7, sunsetting Hot AC sister WMC-FM (FM 100).
Then, last Friday, Flinn Broadcasting dropped Classic Hits on 107.5 WHBQ and returned the station to its heritage Top 40 position as “Q1075, The #1 Hit Music Station.”
The fun continues, as iHeartMedia has now jumped into the fray, swapping frequencies of Top 40 KWNW (101.9 Kiss FM) and Classic Rock 102.7 WEGR (Rock 102). The Kiss FM brand remains intact, but the format has downshifted to Hot AC as 102.7 Kiss FM, “Hit Music for Memphis.” The 101.9 dial position is now home to newly rebranded Rock 102.
• Clearly on a roll, iHeartMedia has also named Karen McCrary Mitchell as its new Memphis-Tupelo Market President. McCrary Mitchell most recently served as iHeart’s Division Vice President of Digital.
She will report to Area President Ronnie Bloodworth, who said, “I’m excited for what Karen will bring to our team and our community.”
McCrary Mitchell remarked, “I am honored and thrilled to be Market President for Memphis & Tupelo. iHeartMedia is engrained in both communities and my stewardship will embrace our alliances and initiate partnerships to strengthen mutual community interests. It’s a privilege to lead this talented team in sharing the iHeartMedia message.”
Commenting on the two just completed frequency swaps, McCrary Mitchell said, “We are excited for The New 102.7 Kiss FM to be heard all through Memphis by our listeners and clients. With changing market conditions, we believe we can best serve the community with these moves.” Speaking of the new Rock 102, she added, “The Rock 103 brand has been part of Memphis for over 45 years. We are excited to continue the brand on Rock 102 (101.9 FM).” McCrary Mitchell can be congratulated at karenmitchell@iheartmedia.com.
