While WNUE-FM did flip to Christian AC this morning as part of Radio Training Network’s “The Joy FM” network, Z Ministries’ “Z88” WPOZ Orlando has backed off its plans to rebrand as “Joy 88.3” and will continue to operate under its longtime identity.
Original Report 4/17: Not one, but two “Joy” brands will launch in Orlando on Monday.
As reported yesterday, Entravision’s Spanish Tropical “98.1 Salsa y Más” WNUE-FM Titusville is dropping its format ahead of a new operator taking control of the station. We expect that to be Radio Training Network to launch its Christian AC “The Joy FM” network. The network, which is heard on stations across Alabama, Florida and Georgia including Tampa where it is currently tied for the market lead. “The Joy FM” is promoting a “family meeting” at 7:30 on Monday.
The pending launch of “The Joy FM” is being countered by Z Ministries’ “Z88” WPOZ Orlando. HisAir reports that WPOZ will rebrand as “Joy 88.3” on Monday at midnight with President/CEO Jim Hoge stating, “Based on the success of the brand in Tampa and St. Louis, it’s time we bring Joy to Orlando.”
The battle for the “Joy” brand expands to digital as Radio Training Network has also squatted on Joy883.com and .org. WPOZ has registered FindJoyOrlando.com and .org, JoyOrlando.org and similar domains for its Ocala properties.
