NYC Radio: Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg Talks Ratings

Many people got acquainted with Peter Rosenberg, one part of the Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg Hot 97/WQHT morning show, after a controversial turn last summer with Nicki Minaj.

But there’s much more to the man, writes Jerry Barmash at FishbowlNY.

Rosenberg, originally from the Washington, D.C. suburbs, isn’t just a hip hop guru, he’s a fan of broadcasting. Right from his Twitter bio, he pays homage to one of his idols, calling himself the ”Jewish Johnny Carson.” He says the title was self-imposed after the PBS documentary on Carson aired last year.

Rosenberg has branched into television with numerous projects for MTV. But as he told FishbowlNY, Rosenberg has always been fascinated by hip hop.



He remains quite involved with his own YouTube channel featuring extended interviews at the Hot 97 studio.

Hot 97, a recognized leader in hip hop and R&B for more than 25 years, is the Last of the Mohicans for owner Emmis. After selling CD 101.9 and KISS in 2011 and 2012, respectively, Hot 97 is the last station standing for Emmis in New York.

“I feel that Emmis is truly committed to Hot 97, and I sense that even if everything else were to change, I think Hot 97 and Power 106 [Los Angeles] will always be what Emmis hangs their hat on.”

Hot 97 may be secure but the industry is in flux and Rosenberg knows the glory days may be lost forever.

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