As alluded to earlier today in Daily Domains, Cumulus has flipped AC “Magic 95.5” KNEV Reno to Classic Hip-Hop “95.5 The Vibe“.
The new format creates a flanker for sister Rhythmic CHR “Wild 102.9” KWYL and abandons the AC battle with Reno Media Group’s market leading “106.9 More-FM” KRNO. KNEV was ranked 11th in the Reno market with a 2.6 share in the Spring 2015 Nielsen Audio ratings.
The flip took place after a brief 15 minute stunt with Christmas music. The final song on Magic was Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration”.
Cumulus Media announces that KNEV-FM launched today as 95.5 The Vibe, Reno’s all-new Classic Hip Hop radio station. The station was formerly programmed as Adult Contemporary Magic 95.5. The station also debuts its new website today at: www.955thevibe.com.
95.5 The Vibe kicked off its totally unique take on Hip Hop with wall-to-wall music and will play an exciting mix of hit music from the biggest stars from the early days of Hip Hop. The new station features big old school Hip Hop hits, mixed with some R&B “throwbacks” from the ‘80’s, ‘90’s and early 2000’s. Westwood One, the leading provider of 24-hour radio formats, syndicates the Classic Hip Hop programming for 95.5 The Vibe.
Davey Morris, Corporate Program Director for Cumulus said: “Radio listeners are in for an early treat this October as Classic Hip Hop has made its way to RENO! 95.5 The Vibe will be providing all the Classic Hip Hop and familiar throwbacks to echo through the mountains and city of Reno. Reno Hip Hop lovers, get ready for big time fun!”
Ryan Nutter, Program Director for 95.5 The Vibe said: “Yo, have I been feeling the “Vibe” today! Reno has a lot of options when it comes to music…But nothing like this! I have had more fun in the last few weeks working with my Market Manager Jen Odom on this project and we’re confident that the listeners will love the new 95.5 The Vibe!”
It looks like KLCA-HD2/K285EQ (aka “swag 104.9”) just got new competition for the Hip-Hop crowd, and its coming from a 60kw signal.
As the new stations name says “Classic”, it’s not really competition for Swag as they play lots of new Hip-hop and some classics.