After stunting for four days with nonstop Taylor Swift, Audacy CHR “96.5 TDY” WTDY-FM Philadelphia has relaunched as Hot AC “The New 96.5“.

Positioning as “Feel Good Variety”, the new first hour of the station featured:

• David Guetta/Bebe Rexha – I’m Good
• The Weeknd – Blinding Lights
• Gayle – Forget You
• 2pac/Dr. Dre – California Love
• Jax – Victoria’s Secret
• Lady Gaga – Bloody Mary
• Charlie Puth – How Long
• Metro Boomin / The Weeknd – Creepin’
• Linkin Park – Numb
• Stephen Sanchez – Until I Found You
• Shawn Mendes – There’s Nothing Holding There Me Back
• Elton John / Britney Spears – Hold Me Closer
• Kane Brown – Thank God

The new brand moves WTDY-FM closer to sister AC “B101” WBEB and away from iHeartMedia CHR “Q102” WIOQ.

The station’s lineup will continue to feature Michael Bennett in mornings. Bennett has been with 96.5 through its multiple iterations since 2013. V Hale, midday host at “Alice 97.3” KLLC San Francisco, will add those duties at WTDY-FM. Mike Adam, afternoon host at Hot AC “New 102.7” WNEW New York, adds afternoons. Adam previously worked at 96.5 when it was CHR “96.5 Amp Radio” WZMP in 2015-16 and at WIOQ from 2012-14 under the air name ‘Prolifik’. Bru remains in nights.

WTDY-FM had been trending up in the past four months 1.2 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.2, but still trailed WIOQ and its 2.8 share in the March 2023 Nielsen Audio ratings.