One thing I’ve noticed over the course of this year, I’ve noticed more and more format changes and station rebrandings happening under the radar. Some we’ve heard about from one source but were never able to verify for weeks or months as they took place with no announcements from the station and a lacking online presence. Once again, how do you expect listeners to find you if you don’t let them know you exist. Here’s a rundown of changes from this year we have not seen reported here or anywhere else:
Liberman Broadcasting rebranded Regional Mexican “La Bonita 106.7” KZZA Muenster/Dallas TX as “La Ranchera 106.7” and began simulcasting on what was “ESPN Deportes 1540” KZMP University Park in early September.
Radio WEBS flipped Classic Hits 1030 WEBS/99.7 W259CD Calhoun GA to Country “Kickin 103.5” when its translator completed its upgrade to 250 watts and move to 103.5. The change restored the format and branding that had been on 94.5 WIPK prior to its 2014 sale to Core Communicators.
Following Genesis Multimedia Group’s purchase of Christian Preaching 1350 WZKO (formerly WCRM) Fort Myers FL earlier this year, it added translator 107.5 W298CB and flipped both to Urban AC “1350/107.5 Jamz“.
Gillen Broadcasting relaunched Silent 1390 WAJD Gainesville FL as “Smooth Jazz 98.9” with the addition of 98.9 W255CV Gainesville.
Terry Barber Enterprises launched Gospel “Praise 96.5” W243CS Montgomery/107.9 WMRK-HD3 Shorter AL after Southern Gospel 800 WMGY moved its FM translator to 99.3 W257DS Montgomery.
Auburn Network debuted Hot AC “96.3 W-Lee” W242AX Auburn/94.3 WGZZ-HD2 Waverly AL.
Alabama Media flipped Gospel “Praise 700” WCNF/107.7 W299BX Dothan AL to Sports “ESPN 107.7“.
Ohana Media Group flipped Classic Country 1230 KVAS Astoria OR to Classic Hits “106.3 The Beach” KKOR with the addition of 106.3 K292GZ Astoria.
Bryan Broadcasting debuted Classic Country “Willy 97.7” K249ET/95.1 KNDE-HD4 College Station/Bryan TX.
Red Rock Broadcasting rebranded Country “Q102” 102.3 KUTQ La Verkin/St. George UT as “102.3 Coyote Country“.
Rocking M Radio rebranded Classic Rock 102.5 KKCI Goodland KS as “102.5 U-Rock“, while also flipping News/Talk 1130 KLEY Wellington KS to AC “100.3 The Wave“. and Classic Hits 92.7 KWME Wellington rebranded as “Superhits 92.7“.
In January, Bi-Media flipped Variety Hits “104.9 Jack-FM” KJAV Alamo/McAllen TX to Spanish/English CHR “Ultra 104.9“.
If you know of any other changes that haven’t been publicized anywhere or have other news to send our way send them to [email protected].
