iHeartMedia is conducting a massive restructuring of its Norfolk VA cluster with a pair of format changes.

News “Black Information Network” has moved from 105.3 WNOH Windsor VA to 92.1 WHBT-FM Moyock NC replacing Classic Hip Hop “92.1 The Beat“. That allows WNOH to begin stunting with Christmas music as “Christmas 105.3“.

The move downgrades the News programming from the full Class B signal on 105.3 to the C3 move-in whose tower is down near the North Carolina state line. 105.3 WNOH was one of the launch affiliates when BIN debuted in June 2020, but has always been the only one of 35 affiliates on a full-powered FM signal as opposed to an AM or translator.

iHeartMedia Norfolk Market President Denene Moore said, “BIN has become a vital voice in communities across the country, and we’re proud to continue that trusted news and perspective here in Norfolk. This move ensures that our listeners have access to the stories that matter most, told through a lens that reflects their experiences and voices.”

The format was starting to rise in the ratings in recent months up 0.5 – 0.7 – 1.1 to crack the one share line for the first time since its launch in the June Nielsen Audio ratings albeit with a CUME of just 39.500. The Classic Hip Hop of “92.1 The Beat” fell the other direction last month down 1.2 to 0.8. iHeart’s Norfolk cluster also includes Hip Hop “103 Jamz” 102.9 WOWI and CHR “Party 107.7” WMOV-FM, which itself had just relaunched after last Christmas.