UPDATE: Family Radio ended its programming on 94.7 FM Friday afternoon, and shortly thereafter Cumulus took control of the signal. But we still don't know what the permanent new format will be. For now, it's simulcasting Hot AC WPLJ-FM. The station is now using the WRXP call letters, but there's much speculation that's only a temporary move. Most observers still believe another change of call letters will come, and a Country format will be launched after a period of stunting, although it's not known if there will indeed be actual stunt formats or if the WPLJ-FM simulcast will continue until the new Cumulus format for the former WFME-FM is launched.
Earlier we reported: Now that Cumulus Media has closed on its purchase of the New York City market's WFME-FM, Newark, NJ, from Family Stations, there's a lot of speculation as everyone awaits word on the new owner's plans for the station. The prevailing thought is that 94.7 will return the long-missing Country format to the number one radio market. And there have been reports that the soon-to-be former WFME-FM will be the flagship station for a new Cumulus national Country format. However, now there's a lot of buzz about the possibility of a new Alternative Rock format with the call letters WRXP. That stems from reports that the Cumulus subsidiary used to purchase WFME-FM has applied for the WRXP call letters. Some, though, say that's just a "smokescreen" ahead of the revelation of the station's actual format. There's still no confirmed announcement about 94.7 FM's future, and we still don't know when Family Radio's programming will cease airing on the frequency. WRXP, of course, was the identity of the former Emmis Alternative station at 101.9 FM, which Merlin Media briefly revived after ending its "FM News" format before selling the station to CBS Radio for WFAN-FM. Family Stations is retaining the WFME-FM call letters, so we can be sure that Cumulus will have new calls for 94.7 FM. The sale of the station officially closed earlier this week, as previously reported by MHBC News. Cumulus will operate WFME-FM as part of its New York City cluster, which includes WABC-AM and WPLJ-FM.
Updated: John Stewart Named OM/PD at Canton's WHBC-AM and FM
John Stewart jumps from CHR-Top40 "Q92" WDJQ-FM, Canton, Ohio, to crosstown Next Media Group stations Hot AC "Mix 94.1" WHBC-FM and "News Talk 1480" WHBC-AM. He will be Operations Manager and Program Director at his new stations. Stewart also will host afternoons on "Mix 94.1". He had been with WDJQ-FM, owned by the family company of Don Peterson, since 2003, where he was PD and on-air host. Says Next Media Canton General Manager Larry Gawthrop, "We are very pleased to add the talent and experience of John to our heritage stations. We look forward to his contributions to our entire operation." Stewart adds, "I'm thrilled to be taking the reigns of this heritage combo and am looking forward to beginning a new chapter in my career without having to relocate. I'm stepping into an extremely good situation that I'm confident we can grow into a dominate force for the Canton/Akron area." Stewart, who spent 10 years at "Q92" replaces Shawn Powers at the Next Media stations. Powers was let go earlier this week. Meanwhile, there is speculation that "Mix" is about to flip to "B94.1" with a revamped format that would more directly compete with Stewart's former station. Most of that speculation stems from a report by Lance Venta at RadioInsight.com that former "Q92" morning host Pat Deluca "registered B941.com on November 26." Some at RadioDiscussions.com are speculating that WHBC-FM will soon add others from "Q92." John Baylor posts that "Sales reps are saying John Stewart from WDJQ is the new PD at WHBC-FM and is bringing in a 'popular Canton morning show'," which may or may not be true. Could that be Deluca and co-host Charlotte DiFranco, who left "Q92" in a contract dispute last February? Venta wonders aloud in his report if there is a coming CHR war in the market. (Stay tuned!)
Bryan LaRoche Segues from Jacksonville to Detroit
Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "Channel 95.5" WKQI-FM, Detroit, names Bryan LaRoche to be Assistant PD/Music Director and afternoon host, effective January 14. LaRoche joins WKQI-FM from Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "Radio Now 97.9" WNWW-FM, Jacksonville, where he spent the past two years as APD/MD and afternoon host. "Bryan's talent on-air combined with his programming skills makes him an incredible addition to the WKQI team," says Clear Channel Detroit VP of Programming Tony Travatto. Despite his move to Detroit, LaRoche will also continue to be heard at night on "Mix 100.7" WMTX-FM, Tampa. In the past, he's hosted afternoons at WJFX-FM, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and WSTO-FM, Evansville, Indiana.
Si, Chicago's El Patron 95.5 Adds Beto Carreto for Mornings
Sí, es verdad! Chicago's "El Patron 95.5" WNUA-FM says Beto Carreto will join as the new 5-10am morning host. Carreto is familiar to Spanish format listeners in the Windy City from previous stops at "La Ley 107.9" and "La X 1200 AM" as well as WOJO-FM and WOPA-AM. "I'm thrilled to be on-air in Chicago, the third largest market of the United States," says Carreto. "I couldn't be happier to join the Clear Channel Chicago and El Patrón 95.5 team." Also, Karina Arceo has expanded her role with the station to host evenings from 7pm-12midnight. Arceo, also known as "La Munequita," has done production, on-air and voiceover work with Spanish Broadcasting System, Telemundo and HBO Latino. Since 2011 Arceo has been at Clear Channel Chicago where she's currently Production Director. "I am very excited and thankful to be part of the 95.5 El Patrón on-air team," says Arceo. "I'm ready to take on this great adventure, be part of El Patrón's success and share tons of music weeknights." Program Director Ricardo Otero tells us, "Beto and Karina are both talented individuals joining El Patrón's new line-up. Their experience and past successes reinforce our commitment to offer our audience the best radio product in the market."
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