Birmingham Radio: CCM+E Launches Classic Rock Translator

Clear Channel Birmingham has launched Classic Rock 94.9 FM on a 70-watt Translator blowtorch W235BS and on WQEN 103.7 FM-HD3.

The station's playlist includes music by AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Boston and other classic rockers.

"Today is a historic day for Birmingham radio as we bring true classic rock music back to the Magic City," Clear Channel Birmingham vice president and general manager Ray Quinn said. "For over two years, there's been a huge absence of the format since the legendary Rock 99 went away. Rock 99 had an iconic following of fans and advertisers, so we've brought it back on a new frequency at 94.9 FM."

Classic Rock 94.9 also has brought back most of the old Rock 99's on-air talent, including the syndicated "John Boy & Billy Big Show" from 5 to 9 a.m. weekdays, Lori Ray from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Jason Mack from 3 to 7 p.m. Mack is also the station's program director.

"Basically, we put the band back together," Mack said.

W235BS 949.9 FM (70-watts) 60dBu Coverage

Classic Rock 94.9 will introduced its staff at Friday nnight's Motley Crue concert at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Coincidentally, Motley Crue's "Girls, Girls, Girls" was the last song played on Rock 99 before the station flipped formats to modern-hits station WZRR 99.5 FM The Vibe on New Year's Day 2012. Rock 99 had been on the air in Birmingham for a little more the 23 years before the switch.

Coincidentally, also Friday, Cumulus Media pulled the plug on The Vibe and launched a new country station called Nash Icon 99.5. (See posting on NASH Icon: Click Here)

Another Birmingham radio station, Summit Media's 106.9 The Eagle FM, plays a similar music format that it calls "classic hits."