Let’s Get Ready To Rumba Louder
• iHeartMedia Tampa Bay played signal-swap with Spanish Hits WRUB and Hip Hop WBTP, moving The Beat to 106.5/102.9 and transitioning the format to Classic Hip Hop/R&B. The result is the debut of Rumba 95.7, “#1 Para Hits Y Variedad.” The brand, established in 2015, was previously found at 106.5 (WRUB/Sarasota), and now relocates up the dial to the far stronger 95.7 signal (WBTP). More on that in a moment.
“Rumba 95.7 will feature a special mix of music tailored specifically to the local Latino community in Tampa Bay,” said P.J. Gonzalez, SVP of Programming for iHeartLatino. “We’re also excited to have Enrique Santos hosting our morning show on a far superior signal, ensuring that his unique content reaches even more listeners.” Division President Chris Soechtig said, “We are thrilled to expand coverage of Rumba 95.7 on a massive 100,000-watt signal, in addition to being available across multiple platforms via the iHeartRadio app, dedicated to serving and celebrating the vibrant Latino community in Tampa Bay. This station will provide a platform for diverse voices, culture and music, and we are excited to foster stronger connections within our community.”
PD Super Martinez added, “I’m thrilled to provide our listeners with our brand Rumba and to become the largest Spanish-language station with the strongest signal in all of Tampa Bay.”
In addition to The Enrique Santos Show, Rumba 95.7 jocks will include Sarykarmen Rivera, Los Anormales, Rodolfo El Chamo, and Laura Laserna, with even more local personalities TBA. Rumba 95.7 is now playing “thousands of commercial free songs” to kick off the launch.
• Meanwhile… The Beat, formerly carried on 95.7, has transitioned from Hip Hop to Classic Hip Hop/R&B and becomes 106.5/102.9 The Beat, “The Suncoast’s Throwback Station,” serving West Central Florida on 106.5 and 102.9 (W275AZ). The station will be anchored by one of Tampa Bay’s most beloved personalities, Anjali “Queen B” McGuire.
“We are excited to launch this fresh brand which is dedicated to curating over 25 years of iconic music for the Suncoast, which encompasses the Tampa and Sarasota markets,” said Tommy Chuck, SVP of Programming. “106.5/102.9 The Beat offers a fun playlist that will resonate with a diverse group of listeners across many generations.”
Chris Soechtig added, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of this exceptional new brand. 106.5/102.9 The Beat is poised to offer a playlist that’s as diverse as it is vibrant, providing the perfect backdrop for listeners and a prime platform for advertisers seeking to forge meaningful connections with the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton and Sarasota communities.”
• Effective July 29, the WBTP calls will move to 106.5, while WRUB will transition to 95.7.
