Update 9/15: The format swap took place as expected today. Thunder 106 debuted with John Rich’s “Thunder Done Come To Town”, while B98.5 kicked off with Black Eyed Peas’ “Ima Be” and Spice Girls “Wannabe” which was the first song on the original incarnation of the format in 1997. Listen to both flips at FormatChange.com.
Update 9/7 10:30pm: Press makes it official. On Wednesday, September 15 at 3pm the “Thunder” Country format will move to 106.3/106.5, while the CHR format moves to 98.5 and regains its former “B98.5” moniker and WBBO calls. “B98.5” was CHR from 1998 to 2005, before flipping to a simulcast of WHTG’s then “G-Rock” format.
Original Report 9/7 5:30pm: A format change appears imminent at Press Communications CHR “Hit 106” 106.3 WHTG-FM Eatontown/106.5 WBBO Bass River Township, NJ. Following the dismissal Program Director/Afternoon host Matt Knight and few other personnel today it appears that the station will soon flip to Country. Press registered Thunder106.com earlier today, which seems to indicate a move of the format from 98.5 WKMK which only covers the Ocean portion of the Monmouth/Ocean market.
Not surprisingly WKMK is hyping a major announcement for 7:20 Wednesday morning.
