Two Top 50 Markets May Lose Their CHR-Pop Stations

[EvanJ]

According to All Access Net News, WZNR Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News and WHBQ Memphis may change formats. I can't blame WZNR for changing formats based on their 12+ rating, but WHBQ has gone up to respectability in the ratings. I'll post later if I find out for sure about either of these stations changing formats.

[Slinky]

VARTV is reporting that WZNR will soon become Rhythmic AC "Energy 106.1". The CHR on 106.1 was never that great an idea, since 106.1 has major signal deficiencies compared to Hot AC WPTE and Rhythmic WNVZ. WZNR just doesn't get into Virginia Beach as well as the other two. It's a shame though, because Norfolk is still in need of a real CHR.

From All Access's blurb on WHBQ, it seems like they're going to tweak a little, rather than an all out flip. Since Memphis recently lost its Rhythmic, my guess is that WHBQ will lean in that direction.

[tico]

Given the kind of signal WHBQ-FM is on, it would be hard for any station not targeted towards minorities to succeed.

[Slinky]

WZNR has officially flipped at this point. As previously stated, it's "Energy 106.1".

First song was Bob Sinclar's "Rock This Party".

[🅳🅸🆂🅲🅾]

slinky said:

WZNR has officially flipped at this point.  As previously stated, it's "Energy 106.1".

First song was Bob Sinclar's "Rock This Party".

Maybe they'll play enough current Dance to be added to the R&R dance panel. With that other Diva station out of the picture and WKTU not playing as much, this could "pick up the slack"

[beaston]

Ahhh I live in Virginia and I looove 106.1! This is awfu! :(

[EvanJ]

All Access Net News reports that something is going on with KSLZ St. Louis. I'll be mad if KSLZ changes formats because they are tied for the highest rating out of the five Clear Channel FMs in St. Louis.