iHeartMedia flipped Classic Hits “Big 106.1” WBBG Niles/Youngstown OH to Country “106.1 The Bull” on Monday.
The new format goes up against Cumulus’ market leading “K105” 105.1 WQXK Salem. WQXK held a 10.6 share in the Fall 2015 Nielsen Audio ratings, while WBBG was eighth in the market with a 4.2 share.
The station is launching with multiple two-hour commercial-free blocks. Charley Connolly, Program Director/afternoon host of sister 99.5 WGAR Cleveland adds oversight of WBBG to his duties, while airstaffers from other iHeart stations will fill the on-air lineup. WGAR night host Kat Jackson will host 6am-12pm, WNCO Mansfield OH afternoon host Matt Appleby will air 12pm-6pm, and WKDD Canton morning co-host Tony McGinty from 6pm-12am.
