Cumulus Brings The Heat To Buffalo

• Cumulus recently launched a new Top 40 station in Buffalo, NY, flipping Classic Hip Hop WBBF-AM 1120/W255DH (98.9 The Vibe) to Hot 98.9, “Buffalo’s Hit Music,” giving some competition to Audacy’s WKSE (Kiss 98.5), which, we are told, has leaned in a more Adult direction of late to fill the void created by the recent sale of Hot AC sister WTSS (Star 102.5) to EMF and flip to Contemporary Christian.

Hot 98.9 is under the command of OM Joe Siragusa, who will also retain his existing PD duties at Alternative WEDG (103.3 The Edge) and Classic Hits 104.1 WHTT.

Jim Riley, VP/Market Manager, Cumulus Buffalo-Erie, said, “When our competition dropped Contemporary Hits, we saw a big opportunity. In Buffalo, this format has a huge following, and Cumulus has had tremendous success in the Hits format in other markets with a simple formula — we’re promising the audience 10 great songs in a row every time and eliminating the clutter.”

Siragusa commented, “We’re so excited to bring a true Top 40 station back to Buffalo! The new Hot 98.9 is focused on playing today’s biggest hits with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach.”