Orlando Power Play
• Orlando once again has two Top 40 stations, as Cox Media Group on Friday introduced a retooled format on WPYO (Power 95.3), adjusting the music mix from Rhythmic to Mainstream Top 40 and going head-to-head with iHeartMedia’s heritage WXXL (XL106.7). The latter station has had no direct format competition since Entercom flipped former CBS Radio Top 40 WQMP (101.9 AMP Radio) to Alternative late last year.
“Cox Media Group Orlando has an unmatched footprint in Central Florida because we focus on our audience,” said Paul Curran, CMG Orlando Market Vice President. “Our listeners told us they wanted a new hits station, and we are excited to provide them with Orlando’s new No. 1 choice for all the hits.”
Tim Clarke, VP of Audience and Content for CMG Radio commented, “The evolution of Power 95.3 fortifies our Orlando radio portfolio and strengthens CMG’s national footprint of best-in-class brands. I’m truly excited for listeners in Orlando to have a new premium option for music and pop culture content.” As an added enticement, the retooled Power 95.3 will now feature two-hour commercial-free music blocks weekdays at 11:30am, 4:30pm and 8:30pm.
• Along with the move comes the departure of OM/PD Stevie DeMann. The Power 95.3 jock line-up has also been tweaked a bit: DJ Nailz and Estee continue to host The Power 95.3 Wake Up Show, but Estee has handed over midday duties to Syke, who will track the shift from sister WBLI/Nassau-Suffolk.
Former morning co-host Lil’ Shawn moves to afternoons, replacing Ricky Padilla, and new to nights is Danie Buchanan, a.k.a. Danie B, former afternoon talent on AMP Radio. We are told that Padilla and mixer DJ Nasty are still with the company and their new assignments will be announced soon.
