Townsquare Media has expanded Alternative 94.3 WCYY Biddeford/Portland ME onto two additional signals creating a regional network across a large swath of Northern New England.
The former Country “103.7 The Peak” WPKQ North Conway NH and Classic Rock “Capital 95.9” 1400 WJZN/95.9 W240DH Augusta ME have begun simulcasting WCYY on what is being branded as “WCYY Version 3.0“. Along with the two new signals, which extend WCYY’s programming across most of Northern New Hampshire, parts of Vermont and north into Augusta ME, the stations have become the first syndication affiliate for the “Toucher & Rich” show based at Beasley Media’s “98.5 The Sports Hub” WBZ-FM Boston.
Toucher & Rich has also debuted on Townsquare’s Sports “92.9 The Ticket” WEZQ Bangor ME.
Townsquare Media announced today the debut of Toucher & Rich, the Marconi Award winning morning show on 98.5 The Sports Hub, now in syndication in four (4) of Townsquare’s local media markets in Northern New England.
• WCYY-FM, 94.3 FM/ Portland, Maine
• WKPQ-FM 103.7 FM/ North Conway, New Hampshire
• WJZN AM /FM, AM 1400 / FM 95.9/ Augusta, Maine
• WEZQ-FM, 92.9 FM/ Bangor, Maine“The passion for all things New England sports is palpable throughout New Hampshire and Maine. No one brings more excitement and entertainment to the conversation than Toucher & Rich,” said Townsquare Northern New England Market President/Chief Revenue and Content Officer, Christine Sieks. “We couldn’t be more excited about our new partnership and the opportunity to bring this compelling content to Northern New England listeners.”
The duo is the #1 ranked morning show in Boston, featuring Fred Toucher and Rich Shertenlieb, along with Jon Wallach. The program recently celebrated 12 years on 98.5 The Sports Hub as the dominant program for Male and Adult audiences 25-54.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring Toucher & Rich’s unique brand of content and humor to sports fans throughout New England through this syndication initiative,” said Beasley Media Group Vice President and Market Manager Mary Menna. “The T&R Team is already a favorite with their passionate audience. We look forward to expanding that loyal audience through this new affiliation!”
Townsquare Media also announced today that Portland’s 94.3 FM WCYY will be simulcast on Townsquare’s 103.7 FM WPKQ North Conway, NH and 95.9 FM / AM 1400 WJZN Augusta, ME starting October 25, 2021. This Maine and New Hampshire alternative rock superstation debuts with Toucher & Rich on weekday mornings.
Christine Sieks added, “We’re proud to be able to bring alternative rock back to Central Maine and New Hampshire airwaves. The demonstrated passion Northern New Englanders have for their favorite alternative rock from the ‘90s, 2000s and today, as well as New England sports with Toucher & Rich, makes this a compelling combination for listeners throughout the region.”
Update 10/24: In addition to Country “103.7 The Peak” WPKQ North Conway NH/Portland ME, Townsquare Media is running the same stunt loop of Bad Religion’s cover of “White Christmas” and sound clips teasing “we have taken over this signal and we’re not giving it back” on what was Classic Rock “Capital 95.9” 1400 WJZN/95.9 W240DH Augusta ME.
The stunt loop is voiced by “98.5 The Sports Hub” WBZ-FM Boston morning hosts Fred Toucher and Rich Shertenlieb, which just happens to be entering syndication on Monday.
Additionally, Townsquare Alternative 94.3 WCYY Biddeford/Portland is promoting “WCYY Version 3.0” launching on Monday. With WCYY currently jockless in mornings since dropping the syndicated “Woody & Willcox”, are we looking at a regional WCYY network with Toucher & Rich in mornings on WCYY, WPKQ and WJZN?
Original Report 10/22: Townsquare Media dropped its Country format on “103.7 The Peak” WPKQ North Conway NH/Portland ME at noon today and is currently in stunt mode.
The station is looping Bad Religion’s cover of “White Christmas” and sound clips teasing “we have taken over this signal and we’re not giving it back” telling listeners to tune in on Monday.
WPKQ, which transmits from the top of Mount Washington in New Hampshire, covers a wide swath of New England stretching from Central Vermont to Portland ME. The station previously duplicated much of the programming originating at 97.5 WOKQ Dover NH with ad sales targeted towards Maine.
