WBLS' Dillard Excited About Ratings Turnaround

From Jerry Barmash at mediabistro.com

It’s been one year since WBLS/107.5 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The result of which led to YMF Media taking majority control from original owner, Inner City Broadcasting. 

 However, a confluence of events has resulted in WBLS scoring its best achievement since debuting almost 40 years ago. 

In April, Disney acquired the FM signal from KISS FM/WRKS, meaning black music for listeners wedged between hip-hop and Jazz was down to just one station.  At the same time, ‘BLS was struggling to keep its playlist fresh and revenue streaming. 

With ESPN moving to 98.7 FM, WBLS smartly took advantage of the situation. Within days, WBLS had become a de facto merger with KISS. Air personality Shaila Scott resumed middays, while popular Kissing After Dark host Lenny Green was back in his familiar daypart as well.

“This definitely helped former WRKS P1′s to feel more comfortable switching over and, these talents bring a lot to the table.” WBLS operations manager, Skip Dillard tells FishbowlNY. “They were all chosen [based on] talent and recognition in the community.”

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