The flip this morning of AAA 98.9 KPNW-FM Seattle back to Country “98.9 The Bull” is the first of two to take place today.
Lotus Communications followed by flipping AC “Star 101.5” KPLZ-FM Seattle to a gold leaning Country as “101.5 Hank-FM” at 2pm. The flips bring Seattle from one to three Country outlets in the matter of hours as KPNW-FM and KPLZ-FM join Audacy’s “100.7 The Wolf” KKWF, which currently ranks second in the market with a 7.1 share in the February 2024 Nielsen Audio ratings.
The new brand will position as “Real Country… Real Variety” and launched with Alan Jackson’s “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere”, Miranda Lambert “White Liar”, and Lonestar “Amazed”.
Lotus Communications President Jim Kalmenson commented, “My father Howard Kalmenson who founded Lotus in 1962 and I are thrilled to introduce a customized version of HANK FM specifically programmed to serve the vibrant Seattle-Tacoma community. Howard Kroeger and his family enterprise are great to work with and have developed a remarkable brand in Hank FM”
The flip marks the end of the “Star 101.5” identity after 30 years as it launched on January 31, 1994. The brand signed off with Boys II Men’s “End Of The Road” and Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)”. The station currently ranks 20th in the Seattle market with a 2.1 share. No word yet on the status of the former “Star 101.5” staff.
