iHeartMedia flipped Rhythmic CHR “Wild 104.9” KBWX Columbia IL/St. Louis to Alternative “Alt 104.9” at 12pm today.
The new format debuted as the first syndicated affiliate for The Woody Show based at “Alt 98.7” KYSR Los Angeles. Prior to joining KYSR in 2014, Woody co-hosted mornings in St. Louis at Emmis Alternative “105.7 The Point” KPNT. Former co-host Scott Rizutto remained with KPNT and continues to host mornings there. KPNT currently ranks seventh in the market with a 5.5 share.
The new format debuted with Foo Fighters “Everlong”, Twenty One Pilots “Heathens” and The Killers “Mr. Brightside”.
iHeartMedia St. Louis announced today the debut of The New Alt 104.9, St. Louis’ Alternative Rock, effective immediately.
Alt 104.9 will connect listeners with their favorite alternative rock music, including hits from artists including Foo Fighters, Green Day, Blink-182, twenty one pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers and others. The station will broadcast The Woody Show featuring Woody, Ravey, Greg, Menace, Seabass and Tony “Whipping Boy” Mott. The show will return to St. Louis’ airwaves with their quirky take on pop culture, local news and alternative rock music expertise. The Woody Show will broadcast from 6 to 10 a.m. and after 10 a.m., the station will feature limited commercial inventory, playing 60 minutes of non-stop music after every commercial break.
“St. Louis has been very eager for a new alternative rock brand,” said Beth Davis, Region President for iHeartMedia St. Louis. “We are excited to deliver on that request as well as the return of “The Woody Show” – I’m excited to watch how quickly Woody will reinstate his relationship with both listeners and advertisers here in St. Louis.”
“We are truly thrilled about the launch of the new Alt 104.9 and the return of “The Woody Show.” The strength of Woody’s brand in this market coupled with the strategic launch of our new station will be like no other and will make an impact from day one,” said A.J., Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia St. Louis.
“St. Louis is really where “The Woody Show” began,” said Woody. “It’s not only the city where I built my career, but it’s also the place where I met my wife and where my kids were born. So to launch into syndication and for St. Louis to be the first market is not only appropriate, but really special.”
iHeartMedia is a leading media outlet in the St. Louis market and its content is available across multiple platforms, including its broadcast station; online via its branded digital site; mobile; and social, with nationwide listening through iHeartRadio, the all-in-one streaming music and live radio service – with its more than a billion downloads and 90 million registered users. Fans can listen to Alt 104.9 on the station’s website www.alt1049fm.com as well as on iHeartRadio.com.
Just heard a teaser liner: “hear more Drake on Z.”
I hope this move doesn’t soften up the sound of 105.7 The Point, one of the only “hard alternative” stations left.