iHeartMedia has flipped Variety Hits “107.3 The River” WWJK Green Cove Springs/Jacksonville to Rock “107.3 Planet Radio” as that format moves over from 97.3 W247CF Orange Park/WKSL-HD2.
The move brings back the brand that was heard on 107.3 from 2005 to 2010 when it flipped to Classic Hits after beginning its life on 93.3 in 1995. It was then resurrected on 106.9 W295AZ in 2013 and then moved to 97.3 in January 2016.
The move will also see the syndicated Lex & Terry morning show return to the market. Lex and Terry originated at 104.5 WFYV from 1992 to 2005 and then moved to 107.3 WPLA from 2006 to 2010. Former WPLA Chad ‘Chumley’ Kerch returns to the station as afternoon host.
iHeartMedia Jacksonville announced today that Planet Radio Jacksonville’s Rocks station, will broadcast on 107.3 FM, effective immediately. Planet Radio is the new home to Jacksonville’s legendary morning show, “Lex and Terry.”
107.3 Planet Radio is Jacksonville’s only rock station, playing songs from artists including AC/DC, Nirvana, Metallica, Linkin Park and Sublime. The station is not only bringing back Jacksonville’s biggest morning show ever in Lex & Terry but it’s also the return of Jacksonville favorites Chumley in afternoon drive…
“Planet Radio is Jacksonville’s best rock station ever,” said G-Wiz, SVPP “The legendary Planet Radio not only features Jacksonville’s highest rated morning show ‘Lex and Terry’ but has the hardest working, 24/7 radio staff. I’m excited to have Planet Radio back at its original frequency 107.3.”
Full Programming Lineup:
Lex and Terry 6 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Allison 11 a.m. – 3p.m.
Chumley 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Mel Taylor 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Beachguy 
Mark W. 
“legendary?” They’re kidding, right?
Radio people love to use “iconic” and “legendary” in their press releases. What a bunch of self-absorbed egomaniacs.
That said – I absolutely LOVE this move. The Rock audience in JAX has been underserved ever since Planet Radio went away (only to reappear later in half-baked form on a flimsy translator) and Rock 104.5 was sacrificed to give WOKV an FM signal.
I’m not a Lex & Terry fan, but they are very well known among the Rock audience in the Jacksonville market. This new station won’t produce stellar ratings, but it should be able to generate decent ratings.
I also am a big fan of the Active Rock format in general. Admittedly, the format is a bit vulnerable these days. Flips *to* the format in Top 50 rated markets are very few & far between.
Now, how about flipping the extremely low rated Alt 105.7 in Atlanta to Active Rock as “Project 105-7” ? 🙂
Well, I misjudged one aspect of the station – despite the branding, the format is clearly mainstream rock, not Active Rock.
Sounds more like the old Rock 104.5 than vintage Planet Radio.
Still, it’s a good format choice for the market.