Cumulus Media has relaunched CHR “i97.3” KQHN Waskom TX/Shreveport LA as Hot AC “Q97.3” as the fall ratings period gets underway today.
Now branding as “Shreveport-Bossier’s Best Music”, the move comes with a revamped on-air lineup as the station picks up the syndicated Bert Show for mornings and replaces Zach Sang in nights with The Adam Bomb Show. Locally originating Shawn Dion remains in afternoons while middays are jockless.
KQHN ranked thirteenth in the Shreveport market with a 2.2 share in the Spring 2017 Nielsen Audio ratings, down from a 3.1 in the fall. Townsquare Media’s competing “K94.5” KRUF went the other direction rising from a 2.8 to 4.1. With the return to Hot AC, a format the market hasn’t had since KQHN flipped to CHR in 2012, the station now positions itself between KRUF and Townsquare Media AC 96.5 KVKI.
Cumulus Media announces that KQHN-FM in Shreveport launched today as The All New Q97.3 – Shreveport-Bossier’s Best Music! The station debuted its new Hot AC format by playing 97 hours of non-stop, commercial-free music, which will continue through the weekend. Starting Monday, September 18, The Bert Show will kick off weekday mornings from 6am-10am on Q97.3, followed by The Shawn Dion Show in Afternoon Drive from 3pm-7pm, with Adam Bomb rounding out the daily lineup from 7pm-12am Midnight. The All New Q97.3 moved from its previous CHR format to play the best music by artists including: Adele, Katy Perry, Train, Pink, Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkson, Rihanna, Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Jason Mraz and more. The station also launched its new website today at: www.Q973Radio.com.
Cody Welling, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Media-Shreveport/Bossier City, said: “Cumulus is excited to launch The All New Q973, Shreveport-Bossier’s Best Music. This Hot AC format focuses on the needs of our listeners in the community, and our clients. The All New Q973 uniquely positions our group of radio stations in Shreveport and Bossier City to match our diverse community and culture, which we so proudly serve.”
Chip “The Fat Man” Arledge, Operations Manager, Cumulus Media-Shreveport/Bossier City, said: “We’re thrilled to offer a focused and compelling product that focuses on the musical tastes and lifestyle of some beautiful people in our marketplace that have long been ignored and underserved. I’m confident The All New Q97.3 will be a great complement to our listeners’ busy lives.”