Formats & Whatnot
• Cumulus yesterday performed a daring and delicate frequency and format swap in New Orleans — WRKN (NASH 92.3) flipped to Alternative as ALT 92-3, exchanging frequencies with WZRH at 106.1, the former home of Alternative 106.1 The Underground and the new home of the rebranded NASH FM 106.1.
We are told that the flip brings Alternative Rock to 2/3 of Louisiana’s total population, and comes in response to the increasing demand for Alterative Rock in the Gulf South among men and women equally, primarily among those aged 18-44. Pat Galloway, RVP/Market Manager for Cumulus Media Baton Rouge-New Orleans-Columbus-Starkville-Lafayette, LA said, “WRKN stands tall at 100,000 watts and 2,000 feet, twice as big as any radio station in New Orleans or Baton Rouge. All that power and coverage establishes ALT 92.3 as the exclusive Alternative Rock station in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Hammond, the Northshore, and much of the Gulf South. And our passionate NASH Country listeners in the New Orleans metro area and the Northshore will still be able to get their favorite Country music and programming on 106.1 at NASH FM 106.1. We believe this signal flip will effectively meet growing listener demand and will better serve the needs of our communities and advertisers to maximize our position in these evolving communities and marketplaces.”
• Beasley Media Group, Inc. Charlotte is now the home of 94.7 Smoke. The translator-powered station launched yesterday morning and is now rolling through 10,000 songs in a row commercial free. The essence of The Smoke’s existence will be Southern Rock, including new and local artists while focusing all things deemed “Southern” — you know… huntin’, fishin’, four-wheelin’, pick-up trucks, beer, horseshoes, BBQ, Myrtle Beach, The Smokies, NASCAR… you get the idea. “We’re looking forward to this smoking-hot concept,” said VP/Market Manager Bill Schoening. “It’s a passion-based brand that we are very excited to launch in Charlotte.”
OM/PD DJ Stout remarked, “I’m really excited to launch 94.7 Smoke. I grew up in Charlotte and know first-hand about Southern people and the fun lifestyle that 94.7 Smoke is all about.” 94.7 Smoke can also be heard on 103.7 WSOC HD2 and WKQC (K104.7) HD 3 and is available online at 947smoke.com.
