Channel 104.3 Baltimore Becomes CHR Z104.3

At 10:00am, Modern Rock “Channel 104.3″ WCHH Baltimore dropped the format and began stunting as Urban AC “Charm 104.3 – Baltimore’s Best R&B”. At 12pm, the station segued to CHR as “Z104.3“. Out with the flip is the “Elliot in the Morning” show, which can still be heard in parts of the market on flagship “DC101” Washington, D.C.

Instant Insight: This returns the CHR format to Baltimore for the first time since 2001, when CBS’ WXYV dropped out of the format. CBS’ “Mix 106.5” WWMX has straddled the line between Hot AC and CHR to fill both niches, but still left a hole for CHR in the market.

This also returns the format to the frequency of its greatest triumph. In the 80’s, “B104″ WBSB was the powerhouse that many markets had in the market, however the brand has since been diluted by “B102.7″ in the late 90’s and Classic Rock “B104.3″ earlier this decade.

I100 Debuts in Pensacola/Mobile

After a few days stunting with a wheel of formats as “Storm 100″ hinting at Classic Country and Urban AC, Cumulus Hot AC WJLQ “Q100″ relaunched as CHR “I100” at 12pm today. The station joins its Cumulus brethren in Nashville, Indianapolis, and Dallas as “I” branded CHR’s.

107.9 The Track Indianapolis Drives Away

Entercom has flipped Variety Hits “107.9 The Track” WNTR Indianpolis to All-Christmas today as “107.9 The Christmas Channel“. A format flip after the holidays looks likely as all references to “The Track” have been removed from the station’s site.

More Austin Changes: KDHT Gone, KGSR Moves

Earlier this month, 7 frequencies were involved in programming changes as Emmis, Simmons, and Border Media tweaked their offerings in Austin, TX. Emmis continues with the changes as it counterprograms the moves made by the others. At 5:00pm on Friday, November 20, Rhythmic “Hot 93.3” KDHT will drop its format in favor of AAA as 107.1 KGSR begins its shift to the 93.3 frequency. After simulcasting for 10 days, 107.1 will flip to Regional Mexican on Monday, November 30.