Connoisseur Media has flipped Conservative Talk 1180 WJNT/96.9 W245AH Jackson MS to Hot AC “Jackie 96.9“.
The company is describing the station as “an upbeat mix of today’s biggest hits and familiar favorites, along with personality-driven programming designed to connect with Jackson audiences throughout the day.” Core artists are listed as including Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, and Ed Sheeran.
The staton will feature Compass Media Networks’ Anna & Raven in mornings, WDJX Louisville’s Kelly K in middays, WALK Long Island’s Christina Kay in afternoons, and “XYZ with Erik Zachary” at night.
Connoisseur Mississippi VP/Market Manager Ricky Mitchell said, “Jackie 96.9 was built specifically for Jackson listeners looking for a bright, modern and energetic station they can keep on all day, whether they’re at home, in the car, or at work. We’re excited to introduce a fresh sound to the market that combines today’s most popular music with engaging personalities and a positive, upbeat listening experience. Jackie 96.9 is all about delivering the best mix of upbeat contemporary hits and personality-driven programming,” added Mitchell. “With Anna & Raven starting the day and a great mix of music throughout, we’re creating a station that listeners can make part of their daily routine.”
WJNT had a 0.5 share in the September 2026 Nielsen Audio ratings. The new format fills a hole between Digio Strategies AC “Mix 98.7” WJKK and CHR “Y101” WYOY, which both had a 3.5 share.
Jake S. 
I’m glad they launched this station as I like the music, but putting modern music formats on an AM (even with an FM translator) makes no sense as it’s a waste of the AM. Why don’t they just put it on the Class C2 105.9 and then move 105.9’s ESPN programming to an AM like 1180?
Why mess with something that isn’t broken? You’d then have to market the 105.9 audience to move to 1180/96.9 and the signal doesn’t reach many places that 105.9 does now risking the revenue that WRKS provides as-is.
If Jackie exceeds expectations then perhaps down the road they consider that move, but this is more about chipping away at Mix and Y101 and getting another clearance for Anna & Raven.
The majority of listening anywhere is already on FM. The AM is just the tool to legally feed the translator. The bigger surprise is why hasn’t Connoisseur installed an HD transmitter on one of their FM’s and moved the programming there. Then ditch the 1180 signal and operational costs.