San Antonio: KZEP Is 'Hot' As RhythmicAC

Cox Media Group has gained some significant traction in the classic rock radio business in San Antonio — at iHeartMedia’s expense, according to the San Antonio Business Journal.

In August, iHeartMedia moved classic rock station KZEP-FM from its long-time home at 104.5, a full-power frequency, to FM translator 93.3. That switch made room for the new Hot 104.5 FM, a rhythmic station.

The new Nielsen radio ratings are in and Hot 104.5 grabbed an 8.1 market share in September, good enough for the No. 2 spot among subscribing San Antonio stations.

In August, KZEP had a 3.1 share on the same frequency. The previous month, it had a 2.4 share.

Don’t fret, rock fans. There is still a market for hair bands and head-bangers.

A competing classic rock station has gained some added traction as a result of iHeartMedia’s decision to move KZEP.

Cox Media Group has re-branded KTKX 106.7 FM as the “Eagle,” and pulled in more listeners with billboards that took a dig at iHeartMedia’s deemphasizing of classic rock in the Alamo City. KTKX, which registered a 2.0 rating in July, saw its share grow to 4.0 in September.