Memorial Weekend Format Fun!

• “R&B and Soul” arrived in Nashville at noon last Friday, as Cromwell Group launched 102.1 The Ville on WPRT-HD2, under the command of Shannon Sanders, a Nashville resident, Grammy, Emmy and Dove award-winning producer, songwriter and musician.

Sanders plans to showcase not only R&B and Soul classics, but also, as he says, “The Hits of our Hearts.” He added, “We will offer R&B and Soul music that we all love yet don’t often hear on corporate radio. Independent soul artists, especially local artists and artists who have worked directly with the Nashville music community are missing, and The Ville will fix that.” As The Ville gets up and running, Sanders is actively seeking musical input from his audience, as he says, “I want to hear from our listeners about things we can do to make The Ville a true representation of the soul music community. It’s an independent station and there’s a bit less red tape and more freedom. The sky is the limit! As Nashville is growing, it’s time that the music scene does too. Welcome to 102.1 The Ville!”

• The crew at Bristol Broadcasting took full advantage of the long Memorial Day weekend to launch a new radio station for the scenic Tri-Cities, Tennessee-Virginia area — Rhythmic 105.3 The Beat is now on the air, using translator W287CF that had been simulcasting Talk sister WFHG. The Beat is under the command of Jason Reed, PD of Top 40 sister WAEZ (Electric 94.9). Reed told RAMP, “We’re excited to bring 105.3 The Beat to the Tri-Cities! It’s the perfect compliment to Bristol Broadcasting’s market-leading brands.”